Finding the Best Well Pump for Your Needs

The invention of well pumps has made life easier for those who rely on wells for cleaning drinking water. A well pump pushes water from underground sources up for consumption.

Choosing the right pump can make a huge difference in the water supply, efficiency, and overall functionality of this equipment. So, we have created this well pump buying guide for you.

 

Understanding Your Well

The well's depth and water table hugely influence pump selection. The water table refers to the boundary between the saturated zone and the unsaturated zone underground. Any spaces between sediments and within rock below the water table are filled with groundwater.

So, there are basically two types of wells:

 

Shallow Well: These wells are typically less than 25' deep, and water is pushed using above-ground shallow well pumps. These are not submersible; they are installed with a tank or a booster to increase PSI and provide constant water pressure.

 

Deep Well: Deep wells typically refer to wells as deep as 90 - 300' below ground. Deep well pumps are submerged inside the well and can reside several hundred feet below ground. So, we recommend using the 3-wire model as they have starter controls above ground, which allows for easy maintenance.

 

Types of Well Pumps

 

Submersible Pump

Submersible pumps reside completely submerged underwater, deep inside the well. The motor in these watertight pumps is a power impeller that shoots water up the pipe. These pumps are suitable for handling clear, fresh water that is free from chemical substances and abrasive particles.

 

Pros:

●     Flexible

●     Last longer

●     Need less repair

 

Cons:

●     Repairs are often expensive

 

Jet Pump

Jet pumps create water pressure via impellers that move water through a small orifice located in the housing in front of the impeller. When the water leaves the jet, a vacuum sucks more water that is combined with the drive water and supplied to your homes at high pressures.

 

Pros:

●     Most powerful

●     Drives water faster

●     Suitable for wells at all depths

 

Cons:

●     Not suitable for deep wells

 

Centrifugal Pump

Centrifugal well pumps use an internal fan to create suction and generate kinetic energy to push water up. The pump sits in a mechanical house next to the well. These pumps are ideal for domestic water supply, small farms, lawn sprinklers, filling water in swimming pools, etc.

 

Pros:

●     Easy to maintain

●     The most affordable type of well pump

 

Cons:

●     Not powerful enough for deep wells

●     Viable only for wells that are shallower than 25 feet

 

Assessing Water Needs

Determining the right size for your well pump depends on your daily water usage. Pumps are rated in gallons per minute (GPM), and a typical 3- to 4-bedroom house needs up to 12 GPM. Add one GPM for every water fixture, including dishwashers, clothes washers, showers, faucets, outdoor water spigots, etc. Of course, you need more water as more family members and/or fixtures are added.

Although you need a large enough pump to fulfill your daily water needs, an oversized pump is inefficient and lacks performance. So, consider a small-sized well pump with the same horsepower. The higher the water demand and the longer the distance water needs to travel, the more horsepower will be needed.

 

In addition, you need a well pump that keeps your water flowing during peak usage time.

 

Considerations for Pump Efficiency

Choosing energy-efficient well pumps reduces your energy costs and reduces your carbon footprint. For this, you need a pump with the right horsepower and water flow rate for optimal performance.

 

Horsepower measures the power output of a pump, referring to its capacity to move water against resistance. A pump with adequate horsepower ensures that it meets your every water demand without overworking or straining the motor.

 

The right horsepower also ensures that the pump works at optimal efficiency, providing a steady water flow. By providing efficient performance, such pumps reduce energy consumption, helping you save on utility bills.

 

Well Pump Features and Technologies

You need a well pump that is equipped with the following features or technologies:

●     Overload protection to prevent motor burnout in case of overload.

●     Constant pressure system for water flow without fluctuation or low pressure.

●     Variable speed drives to regulate water pressure with fluctuating demand and to minimize the input power the pump needs.

●     Smart pump technology enables well pumps to integrate remote monitoring, sensors, variable speed control, and other automation features. The technology enables remote control and energy efficiency while optimizing the pump's performance and reliability.

 

Installation and Maintenance

Installation of well pumps varies depending on their type. For instance, submersible pumps are lowered into a hole drilled into the well. Jet pumps reside above the ground and pull water through pipes. On the other hand, centrifugal pumps sit above ground with a foot valve for suction.

 

Here are some maintenance tips to ensure the reliability and longevity of your well pump:

●     Regular inspection

●     Check for leaks

●     Monitor water pressure

●     Check for water quality it is driving

●     Components should be in a good condition

●     Added protection during cold weather

●     Schedule routine service to ensure longevity

 

Budgeting for Your Well Pump

The cost of installing a well pump typically includes the following:

●     The pump

●     Well drilling

●     Electrical wiring

●     Plumbing

●     Pressure tanks

●     Cost of labor

 

Here are some tips for finding a quality well pump within your budget:

●     Choose the right pump type for your water needs.

●     Compare price quotes from multiple sellers.

●     Choose an energy-efficient pump

●     Hire a licensed and reputable installer only

 

Choosing a Reputable Well Pump Supplier

As mentioned above, you need a licensed and reputable, well-pump supplier to have peace of mind knowing that you have purchased a genuine product. Here are things to consider when selecting a reliable well pump supplier:

●     Strong positive reputation in your area

●     Licensed and certified to sell pumps

●     Sufficient experience in the well pump industry

●     Deals in various brands and models of well pumps

●     Check customer reviews

●     Check for warranties and after-sales support

 

Conclusion

By now, you should be able to buy the best well pump for your needs. It is important to prioritize your specific needs, consider long-term benefits, and seek professional advice when necessary. So, you will be able to buy a reliable well pump that fits your home's everyday water needs.