Rotary pumps are inexpensive very robust and easy to use. They move comparatively small amounts of liquid and are most often used to empty barrels and drums . The liquids they will pump are determined by the metal they are made of as illustrated below. They are self priming provided the pump and connections are kept in good condition.

A very common question is … “Can I use a rotary pump for water”? The answer is Yes but be careful, you need to chose the right type….

The very low cost Rotary Barrel Pump has cast iron internal parts. This pump can rust if used for water. They are ideal for things like diesel light oils & vegetable oil.

The Super Rotary Pump is made of Aluminium with nylon internal parts. This pump will pump water without rusting. It is manufactured to cope with Gasoline

The Professional Rotary Pump has brass or bronze internals and will pump water. It also has BSP threaded ports.

This last rotary pump is the highest quality pump of its kind available. It can be used for water as well as some chemicals. It is larger and has better lifting ( suction ) than the other rotary pumps.

Overall you need to pick the best pump for the job. You should note that sometimes the lowest cost pump will actually be better than a more expensive one . You get a riser tube and barrel fitting with the cheaper pumps. If you need threaded ports to British Standard Pipe thread (BSP) and you want to plumb in the pump the professional rotary wins hands down because the lower cost pumps have metric threads to fit their own riser tubes and spouts.