Industrial petrochemical, energy generation, food processing, agriculture and wastewater facilities rely on pumps. In these sectors, time, money, and quality are equally important because plants must adhere to regulations and contractual agreements. This is why professionals should only do business with the best, whether they need positive displacement or centrifugal pumps.
1. ePumps
Over two decades ago, ePumps was founded as a one-stop source of pumps for customers worldwide. Today, this family-owned and operated company is among the largest distributors in the US.
ePumps carries popular brands like Grundfos, Berkeley, Tsurumi, ShinMaywa, Yaskawa and Sta-Rite, many of which offer the best products in their respective classes. The product lines cover submersible, pressure, condensate return, boiler feed and centrifugal pumps.
Standout features
While this distributor’s pricing is already competitive by industry standards, it provides a price match guarantee to instill confidence. Consumers only need to say where they found the part cheaper, and the team will match that price plus 10% of the difference for most.
ePumps accepts most major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover and Amex. Customers can also pay via Google Checkout, PayPal or bank wire. The manufacturer's warranty kicks in once the sale goes through, ranging from 12 to 36 months.
Aside from competitive pricing, superior customer service is one of this brand’s key features. Representatives offer support with part sourcing, pump installation and troubleshooting over the phone whenever necessary.
Shipping policies
Since this regional distributor has a vast inventory, it sources parts quickly. It ships 99% of all orders on the same day as long as they are placed before 3:30 pm EST on weekdays. Free shipping applies to purchases over US$250.
The return policy is similarly straightforward — ePumps accepts returns within 30 days of the shipping date. Opened products have a standard 15% restocking fee plus freight, which is lower than the industry standard. Specialty Grundfos and Berkeley pumps have a 25% fee.
2. PumpCatalog
Because PumpCatalog has been in business since 1961, it understands the particulars of the pump industry. Its salespeople and technical support representatives have decades of combined experience and knowledge.
PumpCatalog distributes over 14 brands, with Berkeley, Grundfos, Hayward, Barnes, Pulsatron and Yamada some of the more popular.
Standout features
This distributor’s inventory contains over 400,000 pumps and parts. It can provide solutions for most industrial applications, ranging from irrigation to injection molding. Many can withstand extreme environments, like those designed for chemical sludge transfer.
Like other large pump dealers, PumpCatalog provides a best price guarantee. It works with suppliers, optimizes operations to keep costs down and passes those savings on to consumers. If they submit a website where they found a better deal, one of the product representatives will review the information and quickly respond.
All of the customer-facing professionals are held to a high standard. The pre- and post-sale technical support team is reachable by phone or email around the clock, ensuring individuals get their questions and concerns addressed as soon as possible.
Shipping policies
PumpCatalog ships internationally. In some locations, it offers same-day shipping. However, unlike others in this business, it does not offer free shipping.
The restocking fees vary depending on the return type. While 15% is standard, there are many exceptions to the rule. International orders have a 20% fee. Specialty brands — Sta-Rite, Berkeley, Domestic Pro, Pentair Canada and Pulsafeeder — range from 20% to 50%.
Some brands and models are nonreturnable. These includes custom builds, some specialty pumps and nonstandard items.
3. Water Pumps Direct
Since 2002, Water Pumps Direct has amassed extensive industry knowledge and established numerous supplier connections. Today, it has 12 distribution centers and over 80 factory-trained specialists nationwide.
Its products come from popular brands like Grundfos, Tsurumi, Red Lion, Goulds Water Technology, Pacer, Flotec and Multiquip. In total, it carries more than 40 brands. Although this business does not provide solutions for specialty industrial applications like boiler feedwater or chemical sludge transfer, it carries electric, diesel water, irrigation, trash, dewatering and sump pumps.
Standout features
Water Pumps Direct does not price match. However, it offers free shipping and bulk pricing under certain circumstances. Also, it provides a 2% discount for some check payments.
The enterprise accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. It accepts wire transfers for orders ranging from US$2,500 to US$10,000. Individuals can pay with a check if their total is over US$1,000, but they will only get the 2% discount if they spend more than US$10,000.
Unlike other companies, Water Pumps Direct offers financing through Affirm on orders of at least US$249. People simply pay fixed monthly installments for a predetermined period.
Shipping policies
This organization does not ship outside of the United States, as it is not a registered exporter. However, it can ship to a freight forwarder with a US address, which, in turn, will send items to international addresses.
Sometimes, expedited shipping is an option. Most shipments under 150 pounds will use ground services, making them eligible for two-day or next-day shipping.
Customers who use a freight forwarder are responsible for complying with US export controls and regulations. They must also cover all expenses associated with the international shipping process, even if the initial transfer is free.
Water Pumps Direct charges a standard 25% restocking fee plus round-trip shipping costs for opened and unused products. It only accepts returns within 30 days of delivery. Only unopened packages are eligible for a full refund.
4. Shanley Pump and Equipment Inc
The technical professionals at Shanley Pump and Equipment Inc — which has been around since 1965 — have decades of combined pumping experience. These years demonstrate a long-standing commitment to quality service.
Shanley Pump and Equipment carries nine brands, including popular options like Tecnium, Liberty Pumps, Hilge and Allweiler. These well-known, accredited manufacturers have certifications like ISO:9001.
Standout features
Shanley Pump and Equipment has a large inventory of centrifugal, positive displacement and progressive cavity pumps worth millions of dollars. Sizes range from 0.001 to 2,000 gallons per minute, so industrial professionals have options.
In addition to the warehouse, it runs a pump workshop where it produces and repairs parts. These facilities help keep costs down. Even though it does not offer free shipping or notable discounts, it passes those savings on to the customer.
Shipping policies
Shanley Pump and Equipment is headquartered in Illinois. It is close to the Chicago O’Hare International airport — one of the busiest airports worldwide — and has an expansive distribution network, enabling it to ship internationally.
In most cases, this distributor can send orders within 24 hours. Items under 150 pounds go through UPS in insured packages, while everything else ships via common courier freight. The one-year product warranty kicks in on the shipment date.
What makes these pump dealers the best?
Product pricing, shipping time and brand quality are the three most important aspects for industrial professionals to consider. These pump dealers are the best in the business because they offer competitive prices, ensure quick turnaround times and carry accredited brands.
Each also has practical, cost-effective shipping options, whether they ship regionally, internationally or use freight forwarders. Most have free or discounted services. They even have relatively low restocking fees and flexible return policies.
Selecting the best pump dealer
These four pump dealers are some of the best in the world, so competition is steep. However, decision-makers can only choose one. They should narrow their selection by considering factors like location, cost, inventory size and fees.
This is a sponsored article provided by ePumps. The opinions expressed are solely those of ePumps.
A shorter version of this article was published in the May/June 2025 issue of World Pumps magazine. To read the full issue click here.
