Pumps simplify the transportation of water and other fluids, making them very useful in all types of buildings – residential, commercial, and industrial. For example, fire pumps provide a pressurized water supply for firefighters and automatic sprinklers, water booster pumps deliver potable water to upper floors in tall buildings, and hydronic pumps are used in HVAC systems that use water to deliver space heating and cooling. There are many pump designs, but most types can be classified into centrifugal and positive displacement pumps. This article will provide an overview of each pump type, comparing their performance features.