When obtaining water for your property, having the right well pump is essential. Choosing the right well pump can be a daunting task, given the various types and models available in the market. It’s important to select a pump that can meet the specific water needs of your property and provide reliable and efficient service. This guide will help you navigate the process of choosing the right well pump for your property by providing an overview of the different types of well pumps, the factors to consider when selecting a pump, and some tips on sizes to ensure you make the right decision.
What Is a Well Pump?
A well pump is not just a singular device; there are several types, each of which performs better in various conditions and requires different levels of service. Submersible pumps use impellers to push clean water from the well into a storage tank, while centrifugal and jet pumps use impeller-driven suction to pull water upward. When selecting the right water pump for your needs, it’s important to consider exactly where the system will be installed and what type of operating environment it will face. Moreover, the installation and annual maintenance costs should also be considered before making a final decision. With all these considerations in mind, you can make an informed selection that provides reliable access to fresh water daily.
Types of Well Pumps
Selecting the right type of well pump should be relatively easy. The general rule is that the size of your well largely determines the type of pump you’ll need – so measuring it has to be step one. If you’re installing a new pump, you have some additional options to consider. And if you’re simply replacing an existing pump due to wear and tear or malfunctions, then it’s just a matter of finding another model that fits exactly where the old one left off. So, don’t let a broken-down well pump keep you from having great access to refreshing water – fixing it up can be easier than you thought!
Submersible Pump
Submersible pumps are the most common kind of pump due to their many advantages and versatility. They can be used in most types of wells, regardless of how deep or shallow it is. Despite being incredibly reliable and waterproof, these pumps must be removed from the well when needing repairs – a job best suited for a professional well pump repair specialist. Within the pump lies a motor-driven impeller, which spins and pushes water into a tank located on the surface when the pressure switch is turned on. These pumps may require more effort in upkeep compared to other options due to their depth in the well, but they offer unbeatable durability and value.
Centrifugal Pump
They may not provide the same suction capabilities as other pumps, but centrifugal pumps are popular amongst homeowners looking for an affordable and easy-to-maintain solution. Unlike traditional well pumps, centrifugal pumps are housed externally, offering easier access. This means a simple service or replacement will be far more straightforward than traditional models built inside the well. However, if your well is deeper than 25 feet, another type of pump might be required to draw up water from the depths of the well successfully.
Jet Pump
These high-tech jet pumps stand out for their unparalleled power and capacity to transport water quickly with the utmost efficiency. While they can be used in wells of any depth, the pump’s installation depends on whether it is single or double drop – the former being ideal for shallow wells while the latter requires a split installation, as the motor must remain above ground even when the jet assembly is placed in the well. Further, water is necessary for this pumping technique to function effectively; impellers are utilized to generate pressure so that more H2O may be moved a lot faster than ordinary pumps.
How to Know Which Size of Well Pump Is Right for You?
Choosing the correct pump size for your home can be a tricky process. You must consider the total gallons per minute (GPM) required to meet your home water needs. Generally, a 3-4 bedroom home should have between 8-12 GPM. Remember to factor in all water fixtures such as clothes washers, dishwashers, faucets, refrigerators, showers and outdoor spigots – adding one more GPM for each fixture. While larger pumps cost more upfront, it’s also important to ensure that the pump size is not too large, as this will lead to energy inefficiencies and performance issues. Furthermore, additional horsepower might be needed if you are making changes or adding appliances/ members to your household; plus, the longer the distance for transporting water to your home, the higher horsepower you should acquire.
When it comes to pumping water from lower depths, the type of machine you use is just as important as the depth of your well.
- Shallow wells under 25 feet can benefit from a shallow well jet pump that uses pressurized holding tanks and suction lines to draw water up and into the home.
- For deeper wells between 25 and 110 feet, a deep well jet pump is much more effective.
- If your well surpasses 110 feet in depth, you should look into using a four-inch submersible pump – something designed especially for those deeper depths.
Shallow Well Pumps
Shallow well pumps are an efficient solution for applications where the well is no more than 25 feet deep. Not only should you ensure your pump has overload protection to prevent motor burnout, but you should also consider its size. To save space in your well housing, invest in a shallow well pump that is accompanied by a tank or booster to increase pressure and provide a constant flow of water into your home. Doing so will guarantee maximum efficiency while minimizing stress on the system.
Deep Well Pumps
Deep well pumps come in handy for any well that is deeper than 90-300′ underground. As these pumps are situated in the subterranean depths, it often makes maintenance especially challenging. Fortunately, there is one type of pump that can make upkeep significantly simpler: 3-wire models. This type of pump has starter controls installed, and electric wires run to the pump above ground. With this design, practical and efficient maintenance can be accessed without having to bring up the entire pump from underground. However, if installation time is a major factor, 2-wire models may still be an ideal choice since they require less upfront effort to get running properly.
John’s Plumbing & Pumps Repairs and Installs Well Pumps
If you’ve been hit with unexpected plumbing issues and can’t remember the last time you replaced your well pump, it may be well past its natural lifetime. Luckily, at John’s Plumbing & Pumps, Inc., our experts are here to help with any kind of well pump repairs and installation in Yelm. Rely on us for a long-term solution. Our team is knowledgeable and experienced and takes pride in delivering only quality work that stands the test of time. Contact us today for plumber expertise.
Other plumbing services we provide:
- Well Water Pump Installation
- Tankless Water Heaters, Hot Water Heater Repair and Replacements
- Water Filtration Systems
- Sump Pump Installation
- Trenchless Sewer Repair
- Emergency Plumbing
- Residential and Commercial Plumbing