How a Diaphragm Water Pump Works

All-Flo Diaphragm Double Pump   All-Flo Double Diaphragm Water Pump

A diaphragm water pump uses the same principles to operate as the cylinders on your vehicle's engine. Inside the pump is a diaphragm, or membrane, made of a rubber or plastic material. When the diaphragm flexes, the pressure inside the pump lowers, which draws in fluid. Depending on your water pump, the diaphragm might use different methods to flex. When the diaphragm is flexed back, the liquid is forced out of the pump the other way, and in so continues to draw in and expel the liquid being pumped. Many diaphragm pumps will include check valves to keep the liquid from flowing backwards in the pump.  

Another helpful analogy to help how a diaphragm water pump works is the look at the diaphragm in your body. These pumps operate along a similar principle to the one your body uses in breathing. Your diaphragm is a muscle under your lungs that contracts, causing your lungs to expand.  When they expand, the air pressure in your lungs decreases. The result is an inhale. When your diaphragm relaxes, your lungs contract, and you blow air back out. Likewise, the diaphragm inside these pumps drives liquid in and out, except that the liquid does not leave the same way it entered.

All-Flo Wet End Repair Kit

All-Flo Wet End Repair Kit

One advantage of a diaphragm water pump is its ability to handle a wide variety of liquids, even highly viscous ones.  Diaphragm pumps are versatile because they are able to work consistently well, even when they are pumping against a lot of pressure, or what is called the discharge head.  They can also be excellent choices for pumping caustic chemicals, as the diaphragm can be made out of materials that resist reaction, like Teflon.  

Diaphragm water pumps may be powered by compressed air, with the air on one side of the diaphragm and sealed away from the liquid being pumped on the other.  Others may use electric motors or other mechanical means of moving the diaphragm to create force.   

If you need more information about how a diaphragm water pump works, assistance with choosing the right water pump for your application, please visit our water pump selection tool, or contact us directly for assistance. 

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