According to a 2015 report, it is estimated that 115 million people in America rely on groundwater for domestic and commercial use. Of this number, 43% rely on private wells. If you are among the 43%, it is important to understand that the type of well pump you choose and how it can affect your water supply.
Metaphorically speaking, a well pump is like the heart of a well as it helps lift water from the wells and deliver it to pressure tanks where it then stored until you need it.
There are two major types of well pumps:
Submersible Pumps
Submersible pumps are by far the most popular well pumps currently available on the market thanks to their versatility. As the name suggests, they can be installed underwater and still manage to operate given their water-tight nature. Moreover, their powerful nature means they can be used on any type of well –shallow or deep.
Lastly, submersible pumps also require very minimal repairs which means you get to save in terms of repair and labor costs as a well owner.
Jet Pumps
Compared to their submersible counterparts, jet pumps are equally powerful pumps capable of delivering large quantities of water and at a faster rate. The jet variety is a perfect match for a shallow well although the will work just fine on a deep well.
They come in two variations to choose from a “single-drop” or a “double-drop” model.
Here are 4 factors to consider when choosing a perfect well pump.
Water Table
One of the major considerations when choosing a well pump should the depth or shallowness of your well. It would be heartbreaking to purchase a fairly weak pump that can barely discharge water due to the water table level.
Water levels can be classified into two major categories; deep water table or shallow water table. Ideally, a submersible pump is best suited for a deeper water table whereas a jet pump works better on a shallow one. For optimum performance, a submersible pump must be submerged in the water to give it the intended suction power and prevent it from failing.
The Discharge Rate
Another factor to consider when choosing a well pump is the discharge rate. Basically, it’s an indicator of how much gallons the well pump can discharge per minute or per hour.
If you are looking at a fairly shallow domestic well, the Federal Housing Administration requires that the discharge rate be between 3-5 GPM for an old well and 5 GPM for a new well. For large commercial irrigation ventures, you may want to consider a high power pump capable of discharging between 1000 -2,000 GPH.
Construction Materials
Given the environment under which well pumps operate, it is important to consider the construction material used to build the machine. Is it compatible with all the elements that the pump occasionally comes into contact with?
Before purchasing a pump, ensure it comes with an extensive chemical compatibility chart to help you determine whether it’s the best pump for you.
Ease of Installation
As a general rule of thumb, a well pump should be easy to install as it gives you the basis on which to choose the best pump configuration. For example, most if not all submersible pumps come as a single unit housing the pump, motor, and a separate pressure tank. On the other side of the scale, a jet pump features the same configuration although the pressure tank is built-in. As such, if you were to settle for a submersible pump, you have to shoulder the installation of a separate pressure tank.
Needless to say, the all-inclusiveness nature of jet pumps saves you a lot as you will only be paying for a single installation. They also take less time to maintain. So, if you’re looking for a pump that’s easy to install, a jet version might be the ideal solution for you. However, all these privileges may come at a higher cost.
The Take Home
Picking the right well pump shouldn’t be a matter of throwing the dice. There are many technical aspects that need to be factored in before purchasing the unit. And for this, you need an expert to help you out. Our company offers comprehensive expertise in well pump repair and replacement. Let us help you choose the best pump for your home and also draft a maintenance schedule to avert any future well problems.
