[bruce511]

I believe the suck-height limit is more than 26 inches. From memory (it's been a long time) the theoretical maximim for 1 atmosphere is 10m. Practically, because of inefficiencies a lot less.

Annecdotally I have a well-point (pump at top) that lifts water 2 to 3 metres. And I have an agricultural pump that sucks about 4m,and then pushes water up a hill the next 50 vertical metres or so. And its a pretty small pump.