April 9, 2025 Evan Barrick

Choosing the Right Water Pump for Your Water Truck: What You Need to Know

Whether you're building a new water truck or replacing old components, selecting the right water pump is one of the most important decisions you'll make. The pump is the heart of your system—delivering the flow and pressure needed for dust control, soil compaction, fire prevention, or irrigation.

At United Built, we specialize in American-made water truck parts, including our industry-trusted centrifugal water pumps. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most important factors when choosing a water pump for your truck, and why so many operators trust United Built.

1. Know Your Application

The type of work your water truck performs will determine the best water pump for your needs. Are you:

Controlling dust on construction sites?
Watering roads for compaction?
Filling tanks for agricultural use?
Fighting fires in remote areas?

Different applications require different GPM (gallons per minute) flow rates and PSI (pressure per square inch). United Built’s 4x3 centrifugal water pumps are versatile enough to handle all of the above, with consistent output and long-lasting performance.

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2. Understand the Pump Size and Configuration

At United Built, our most popular option is the 4x3 centrifugal water pump, which refers to a 4” intake and 3” discharge configuration. This setup offers an ideal balance of high flow and manageable pressure for most water truck applications.

We also offer hydraulic-driven water pumps and engine-driven options, depending on your existing setup. Need help figuring out which one you need? Our team can walk you through the decision.

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3. Choose Quality Construction

Not all water pumps are created equal. Some brands use lower-grade metals or plastic internals that can crack under pressure. United Built pumps feature cast iron housings, mechanical seals, and heavy-duty impellers designed for industrial use.

Cheaper alternatives on platforms like Commercial Truck Trader or eBay may save you money up front, but often fail prematurely—leading to costly downtime and replacements.

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4. Easy Integration With Spray Systems

When you buy from United Built, you’re not just getting a pump—you’re getting a solution. Our pumps integrate seamlessly with our spray valve kits, inline control valves, and rear spray bar systems. Whether you're running manual cab controls or an air-operated system, everything is designed to fit together without modification.

This saves time and ensures proper performance on day one.

Filed in: Water Pumps

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Choosing the Right Water Pump for Your Water Truck: What You Need to Know