A reciprocating pump operates by using a piston or plunger to displace fluid through a one-way valve system. As the piston moves back and forth, it creates suction on one side, drawing in fluid, then pushes it out through the discharge valve when the piston moves in the opposite direction. There are several types of reciprocating pumps, including piston pumps, plunger pumps, and diaphragm pumps. Piston pumps use a piston within a cylinder, while plunger pumps use a plunger instead. Diaphragm pum