Jet Pump vs Centrifugal Pump vs Submersible Pump: The Differences Explained
- Surface (centrifugal): tanks, rivers, shallow wells
- Jet: self-priming, a little more suction lift
- Submersible: deep boreholes (pushes water up)
- Petrol: no electricity; circulator: hot-water loops
On this page
Which Pump for Which Job?
| Pump type | Where it sits | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Centrifugal (surface) | Next to the tank or source | Transferring water, irrigation from tanks and rivers |
| Jet (self-priming) | Surface | Shallow wells; sources slightly below the pump |
| Booster | Surface, after the tank | House water pressure |
| Submersible (borehole) | Under water, in the borehole | Deep boreholes |
| Petrol engine pump | Surface, portable | Farms and sites without power |
| Circulator | In a hot-water loop | Solar/boiler heating circuits |
Difference Between a Jet Pump and a Centrifugal Pump
Both are surface pumps. A jet pump adds a jet (venturi) that helps it prime itself and lift water from a bit lower, at the cost of some efficiency. A plain centrifugal pump moves more water for the same power when the source is level with or above the pump.
Difference Between a Submersible Pump and a Surface Pump
A surface pump sucks water up, which only works over a limited depth (in practice, a few metres). A submersible pump sits in the water and pushes it up, so it works in deep boreholes.
Booster and Jet Pumps on Our List
DAVEY JETPLUS JY350KSh 24,500
PEDROLLO JSW2AKSh 44,000
DAYLIFF DDS750KSh 45,380
DAYLIFF DB2/30KSh 54,810
GRUNDFOS SCALA 2 PUMPKSh 73,000| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| DAVEY JETPLUS JY350 | KSh 24,500 |
| PEDROLLO JSW2A | KSh 44,000 |
| DAYLIFF DDS750 | KSh 45,380 |
| DAYLIFF DB2/30 | KSh 54,810 |
| GRUNDFOS SCALA 2 PUMP | KSh 73,000 |
Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 2 October 2026).
Borehole Submersible Pumps
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| PEDROLLO 4 BLOCK 4/7 | KSh 58,500 |
| PEDROLLO 4 BLOCK 2/10 | KSh 62,600 |
Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 2 October 2026).
Petrol Engine Pumps
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| DAYLIFF DCX1 50P | KSh 46,200 |
| DAYLIFF DC80K 3" 5.5HP | KSh 48,000 |
Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 2 October 2026).
Circulator and Other Pumps
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| GRUNDFOS CIRCULATOR PUMP ALPHA 2 | KSh 52,000 |
| DAVEY XF171 | KSh 53,000 |
| PEDROLLO UPM2/4 | KSh 64,500 |
| PEDROLLO SALI | KSh 45,000 |
Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 2 October 2026).
Open each product page for flow, head and power before ordering, or send us your site details and we will choose.
Related: how to choose a water pump, booster pumps and pressure tanks and solar pumps.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a jet pump and a centrifugal pump?
A jet pump is a self-priming surface pump that lifts water from a little lower; a centrifugal pump moves more water when the source is level with or above it.
What is the difference between a submersible pump and a surface pump?
A surface pump sucks water up over a limited depth; a submersible pump sits in the water and pushes it up from deep boreholes.
Which pump is best for a borehole?
A submersible borehole pump sized to the borehole depth and yield.
Which pump works without electricity?
A petrol engine pump, or a solar pump with its own panels.
What is a circulator pump used for?
Moving hot water around a heating or solar hot-water loop.