Tank Pumps - 10 December 2025

Do You Need a Pump With Your Water Tank? Full Setup Guide (2025)

One of the most common questions homeowners ask when installing a rainwater tank is:

“Do I need a pump with my water tank?”

The short answer is yes, in most cases, you do.
If you want to run a hose, supply your toilet or laundry, use rainwater inside your home or get steady water pressure for everyday jobs, a pump is essential. Gravity-fed systems only work in very limited situations and rarely provide enough pressure for real household use.

This guide explains when you need a pump, which pump type suits your setup, how pumps connect to your tank and the best choices for homes, gardens, rural blocks and fire protection. If you already know you need a pump and want to compare models and features, see our guide on Choosing the Perfect Water Tank Pump.

Tankworld manufactures tanks in:

• Rutherford, New South Wales
• Swan Hill, Victoria
• Murray Bridge, South Australia

…and supplies pumps Australia-wide so you can build a complete and reliable rainwater system.

Do You Need a Pump? Here’s the Real Answer

✔ You need a pump if you want to:

• Use tank water inside the home (laundry, toilet, shower, taps)
• Run a garden hose or sprinkler
• Supply your laundry, toilet or kitchen
• Wash cars or clean outdoor areas
• Pump water uphill or over long distances
• Support livestock troughs
• Prepare for firefighting or emergency use

→ In 95% of installations, a pump is required.

✔ You DO NOT need a pump if:

• Your tank sits higher than the outlet
• You only want to fill a watering can from the bottom tap
• Pressure does not matter
• You only water a few plants by hand

→ These situations are extremely rare and usually for hobby gardens or decorative setups.

Most customers eventually choose a pump for convenience.

Types of Water Tank Pumps (And When to Use Each)

Tankworld provides four main pump types, designed for household use, outdoor use, backup systems and bushfire defence.

1. Garden Pump

Best for:

• Garden hoses
• Hand watering
• Small sprinklers
• Outdoor cleaning

Features:

• Low noise (quiet)
• Affordable
• Easy to install

Price Range: $250 to $450

→ Recommended Pumps: TANKWORLD 45 Pump or 60 Water Pump

2. Household Pressure Pump (Automatic)

Best for:

• Toilets
• Laundry
• Kitchen taps
• Showers (in rural homes)
• Whole-house supply

Features:

• Automatic on/off
• Steady and consistent pressure
• Quiet operation
• Energy efficient

Price Range: $450 to $1500

Most suburban homes use this pump type.

→ Recommended Pumps

3. Rainwater to Mains Changeover Pumps

This pump automatically switches to mains water when your tank runs low. It is the most common requirement for new builds and is often needed to meet council regulations.

Best for:

• Homes requiring automatic mains backup
  Builders needing compliance
• Households dependent on tank water

Features:

• Automatic mains switching
• Reliable household pressure
• Ideal for compliance with new home requirements

Price Range: $700 to $1,700

→ Recommended Rainwater to Mains Changeover Systems Pumps

4. Firefighting Pump

Best for:

• Rural properties
• Bushfire preparation
• Long-distance water projection

Features:

• Highest pressure capability
• Petrol-powered options available
• Built for emergency situations

Price Range: $1500 to $2500

→ Recommended Fire Fighting Pump

Pump Comparison Table (Pro & Cons)

Pump Type	Best For	Advantages	Limitations
Garden Pump	Small outdoor use	Affordable, simple setup	Not suitable for full home pressure
Household Pressure Pump	Toilets, laundry, showers and taps	Automatic, quiet, consistent pressure	Higher cost
Rainwater to Mains Changeover Pumps	Homes needing automatic mains backup	Ensures household supply even when the tank is empty	More complex installation
Fire Fighting Pump	Bushfire readiness and rural use	Extreme pressure and long projection distance	Not for household plumbing

How a Pump Connects to a Rainwater Tank

A basic system includes:

1. Tank outlet valve
2. Pump suction line
3. Pump unit
4. Automatic pressure controller
5. Outlet line to garden taps or the home

Most pumps sit beside the tank on a small slab and operate best when protected by a pump cover.

Recommended Accessories:

• Pump cover
• First flush diverter
• Leaf strainer
• Inline filter

Are Gravity-Fed Systems Worth It?

For almost all modern homes, no.

Gravity systems:

• Need significant elevation
• Provide very low pressure
• Cannot run hoses properly
• They are not suitable for toilets, washing machines or showers

A pump provides a steady, reliable water flow similar to mains pressure.

What Pump Do YOU Need? (Simple Selector)

Answer these questions:

1. Do you want tank water inside the home?
   • ✔ Choose a Household Pressure Pump.
2. Only using water for the garden?
   • ✔ Choose a Garden Pump.
3. Want automatic changeover when the tank is empty?
   • ✔ Choose a Rainwater to Mains Changeover Pump.
4. Live on acreage or in a bushfire zone?
   • ✔ Add a Firefighting Pump.
5. Want silent operation?
   • ✔ A Submersible Pump is the most silent style (if compatible).

Best Pump Setup by Property Type

🏡 Small Suburban Home (2000–5000L)

• ✔ Household Pressure Pump
• ✔ Garden Pump for outdoor-only setups

🏡 Medium/Large House (5000–10,000L)

• ✔ Strong Household Pressure Pump
• ✔ Supports toilets, laundry, appliances and garden taps

🚜 Rural Property (10,000–30,000L)

• ✔ Household Pressure Pump for daily use
• ✔ Fire Fighting Pump for emergency protection

🪴 Garden-Only Use

• ✔ Garden Pump for small yards
• ✔ Larger outdoor setups can use a Rainwater to Mains Changeover Pump if indoor backup is needed

Noise Levels: Quiet vs Loud Pumps

Quietest pumps:

• Submersible pumps
• Automatic household pressure pumps

Loudest pumps:

• Fire pumps
• Any high-pressure outdoor pump

If neighbours are close or your pump is near living areas, choose a quieter model.

How Much Does a Pump Cost?

Pump Type	Price Range	Recommended Model
Garden Pump	$250 to $450	Tankworld 45 Pump
Household Pressure Pump	$450 to $1500	Tankworld 90 Pump
Rainwater to Mains Changeover Pumps	$700 to $1,700	Mains Changeover Pumps
Fire Fighting Pump	$1500 to $2500	Fire Fighting Pump

Ready to choose the right pump for your home?

Explore our full range of household, garden and mains changeover pumps and find the perfect setup for your tank.
👉 Shop Water Tank Pumps

Do You Need a Pump Cover?

Pump covers help:

• Reduce noise
• Protect against the weather
• Increase pump lifespan
• Improve overall appearance

Covers are highly recommended for coastal and rural installations.

FAQs – Do You Need a Pump?

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Author

Diana is a digital marketing specialist with hands-on experience in the Australian water tank industry. Working closely with Tankworld’s manufacturing and customer support teams, she creates clear, trustworthy and easy-to-understand content that helps homeowners, builders and rural customers choose the right water storage solution. With a focus on accessibility and real product knowledge, Diana’s writing reflects Tankworld’s 50+ year commitment to reliable Australian-made tanks and genuine customer support.