How high can a centrifugal pump theoretically push water in feet?

A centrifugal pump can theoretically lift water to a maximum height of about 33.9 feet due to the limitations of atmospheric pressure at sea level. This theoretical maximum, known as the "manometric height," is primarily determined by the weight of the water and the atmospheric pressure acting on the water source.

When a centrifugal pump is operating, it creates a pressure differential that moves water. However, this pressure is capped by the atmospheric pressure, which can support a column of water up to approximately 33.9 feet high. This measurement is derived from the fact that the weight of a column of water is balanced by atmospheric pressure.

The efficiency of a centrifugal pump, system losses, and other practical limitations typically mean that the actual lift achieved is less than this theoretical maximum. The 33.9 feet figure assumes ideal conditions with no friction losses, elevated temperatures, or other hindrances that may reduce the effective lift of the pump.