Learn About Pumps Used for Water Wells

Water wells serve as an excellent source of fresh water for areas that do not have access to municipal water.

Water wells serve as an excellent source of fresh water for areas that do not have access to municipal water. One essential component of a well water system is the well pump. It is electromechanical equipment hooked to the well after it is drilled or dug, and its primary purpose is to draw water from the well and transport it into the home.

Different types of well pumps are available, varying in cost and structure. The kind of pump most suitable for a home depends on the well size and depth. Choosing the right well pump is essential to maximize efficiency and avoid inconvenience. If you require a new well pump, whether for a newly dug well or as a replacement for the existing pump, learning about the different pumps will help in decision-making.

Here are the most common pumps used for water wells:

Centrifugal pump

Centrifugal well pumps create suction and draw water by rotating impellers. They are smaller than their counterparts and are best for wells under 25 feet deep. Centrifugal pumps are not installed inside the well but on the ground and housed in mechanical housing near the well.

Pros

• More affordable compared to other pumps

• Do not have drive seals which eliminate the risk of corrosion

• Low-maintenance

Cons

• Due to their smaller size, centrifugal pumps are only useful for shallow wells as they cannot draw water from deep wells.

Submersible pump

The versatility of submersible well pumps makes them highly popular among homeowners. They are the most commonly used residential well water pump in the United States. Submersible pumps are long metal cylindrical-shaped devices installed deep inside the well. They are designed for deep wells and use a motor that powers the impellers to push water up the pipe and into a reservoir on the surface. When the user turns on the pressure switch, the impellers spin, pushing the water into the reservoir.

Pros

• Durable

• Suitable for wells of different depths

• Energy efficient

• Lasts longer

Cons

• Expensive

• Difficult and expensive to maintain

• Installation is more technical and labor-intensive

• Drive seals are susceptible to corrosion from sediments

Jet pump

A jet pump is a non-submersible well water pump housed above the well. It uses a suction pipe to draw water from the well for various household uses. They are available in two major types: a single-drop or shallow well jet pump and a double-drop deep well jet pump.

A single-drop jump is similar to a submersible pump in features and functionality but is only suitable for shallow wells 25 feet or less in depth. Single-drop jet pumps are installed indoors, inside the house, or in an outbuilding.

Double-drop jet pumps are more powerful and ideal for deep wells. Their jet assembly is installed in the well, and the motor remains above the ground.

Pros

• Less expensive

• Suitable for irrigation and gardening

• Easier to maintain and replace

Cons

• Needs priming

• Become less efficient with increasing depth

• Choose the best well pump

A well pump is a critical equipment for homes relying on well water. Consult a local well expert before purchasing a pump to ensure you make the right choice.

Fussell Well Drilling is a family-owned top-quality well drilling and water treatment company for residential and commercial properties in Polk County. Call us today (863) 984-3144