Well Pumps

What Determines the Lifespan of a Well Pump?

As human beings, we are constantly pursuing a sense of security, either consciously or unconsciously.  A sense of security allows us to feel comfortable and truly forms the very basis of our existence. On the other hand, uncertainty makes the world around us tremble and leaves us in a vulnerable position.

But does a sense of security really guarantee us the inner peace?? It certainly does. For instance, if you are a well pump owner, the last thing you want is to operate like a Sudoku player trying to tiptoe a fine line between performance and durability.

The overbearing effect of using a flimsy well pump can be overwhelming especially when you are using it for irrigation purposes. To avoid all of this, you need to be certain that your well pump can still perform even if an alien invasion were to occur.

In this article, we are going to look at the different variables that affect the lifespan of a well pump, and how you can avoid them.

There are different types of well pumps. However, the most commonly used are the jet well pumps and submersible. The main difference between the two is the fact that the former “sucks” water from the well into the pump while the latter “pushes” the water rather than sucking it up to the surface.

Although it’s relative to explicitly state the life expectancy of the two, it is possible to come up with a placeholder. Basically, a jet pump operating on a shallow well should be able to juice you up for anything between 15 and 20 years.

On the other side of the scale, the mileage of a submersible well operating on a fairly clean well should be around 15 years. However, if the well has sediment, you should be prepared to replace the valve after 6 years or thereabout.

5 Factors that Could Affect the Life Expectancy of a Well Pump

Motor Quality

Just like the food you eat affects your performance at the gym, the motor quality and size installed on your well pump also affects its life expectancy.  Worse still, there isn’t a single well pump on the market capable of converting all its mechanical power into water power thanks to friction and other factors. As such, the more horsepower the pump produces, the higher the chances it will last long.

Operating Temperature

Another biggest culprit that could have a major effect on the performance of a well pump is the operating temperature. Basically, well pumps works under a very basic concept; the built-in motor helps turn an impeller which then pushes the water to the surface.

Whether it is operating under hot or cryogenic conditions, inconsistent temperature changes could affect its lifespan and reliability. Needless to say, almost every material expands when subjected to different weather conditions. All these factors combined together faithfully connive to cut against the pump’s grain.

To avoid such a scenario, it’s advisable that you keep a closer look at the temperature changes and ensure that the fluctuation doesn’t exceed more 2F per minute.

Fluid Properties

“You have to know your territory”. Not our words but the words of the salesman in the Music Man movie blockbuster. As a well pump owner, it’s important to investigate and profile the fluid personality of your well. This is because different factors like well pH, gravity, and viscosity of your well will ultimately have a say as to when your pump starts enjoying its pension.

Pipe Strain

Even in the most robust design, any slight pipe misalignment could spell trouble for your pump. This is especially the case with the suction side of the pump where the pressure caused by these misalignments could be transferred to the housing fits causing a major breakdown.

Before installing any pipes, ensure they are compatible with the well pump as directed by the manufacturer.

Read more on how to determine whether your pump requires attention.

Service Factor

This may come like a no brainer suggestion, but service factor definitely does affect the lifespan of your well pump. SF is the multiplier percentage that a well pump motor can handle alternately and still operate under the normal frequency and voltage.

If your well pump has a short service factor, it may degenerate at an exponentially faster rate compared to the one capable of weathering the same conditions.

 

The Take Home

Since time immemorial, the mechanical suction concept of a pump has remained constant. Right from the medieval wind-mill powered wells to the most recent motor-powered pumps. However, many other variables like technology and manufacturing materials have continued to evolve. As a result, the durability of a well pump continues to be inversely related to some of these variables.

If you suspect your well pump is running out of “elbow grease” to properly meet your water supply needs, it is super-important to seek the services of a profession for a thorough evaluation. The issue could be emanating from factors like low pressure, low well water, or even inadequate piping.

Our team of professionals will help pinpoint the cause and give you a better chance of saving time and money trying to fix the problem on your own.