Well Pumps

What are Well Pumps?

For homes and properties not connected to a municipal water system, well pumps are essential. These powerful devices extract water from underground wells and deliver it to your taps, ensuring a consistent and reliable water supply for residential, agricultural, or even industrial use. Whether you're planning a new well installation or looking to replace an old system, understanding how well pumps work—and which one you need—is the first step.

Types of Well Pumps

There are four main types of well pumps, each suited to different well depths and use cases.

1. Submersible Pumps

How they work: Installed inside the well and fully submerged, submersible pumps use impellers driven by an electric motor to push water to the surface.
Best for: Deep wells (100 to 400 feet), though they can work in shallow setups too.
Pros:

Energy-efficient and long-lasting (up to 25 years).
High water pressure and volume output.

Cons:

Requires removal from the well for servicing.
Prone to corrosion in sandy or sediment-rich environments.

2. Jet Pumps

How they work: Positioned above ground, jet pumps create suction using an impeller. There are two subtypes:

Single-pipe jet pumps for shallow wells (<25 feet).
Double-pipe jet pumps for deeper wells (up to 100 feet).

Pros:

Dependable for shallow wells.
Above-ground location makes servicing easier.

Cons:

Less energy-efficient than submersible pumps.
Needs to be primed before operation.

3. Centrifugal Pumps

How they work: These pumps rely on centrifugal force to draw water from shallow wells where the water table is near the surface.
Pros:

Simple, low-cost design.
Easy to maintain.

Cons:

Not suitable for deep wells.

4. Hand Pumps

How they work: These manual pumps draw water with human effort and are usually installed on shallow wells.
Best for: Remote or emergency setups where electricity isn't available.

How Well Pumps Work

Well pumps function by either pushing or pulling water from underground.

Submersible pumps push water upward through impellers and need to stay submerged in water to operate correctly.
Jet pumps use suction created by a high-speed jet of water that forms a vacuum to lift more water from below.

Both types often work in tandem with a pressure tank, which regulates water pressure and prevents the pump from cycling on and off too frequently, improving energy efficiency and longevity.

Explore Well Pumps at Our Canadian Warehouse

Flotec Cast Iron Shallow Well Jet Pumps with Pre-Wired Pressure Switch

Flotec Cast Iron Shallow Well Jet Pumps with Pre-Wired Pressure Switch offer reliable, high-performance water delivery for shallow wells up to 25 feet deep. Built with durable cast iron, these pumps are ideal for homes, cabins, and trailers, featuring easy installation with 1-1/4" suction and 1" discharge ports. Each model includes a pre-wired 30/50 pressure switch, dual voltage motor (115/230V), and is available in 1/2 HP (8.5 GPM), 3/4 HP (19 GPM), and 1 HP (21 GPM) configurations to suit varying water demands.

Flotec FP410515H 1/2 HP Cast Iron Shallow Well Jet Pump/Tank System

The Flotec FP410515H 1/2 HP Cast Iron Shallow Well Jet Pump/Tank System is designed to provide reliable water pressure for homes without municipal water access. Featuring a durable cast iron pump and a compact 5-gallon pressure tank with a pre-mounted pressure switch, it delivers up to 5.6 GPM with a 25-ft maximum lift and 63 PSI maximum pressure. Operating quietly and efficiently, it's ideal for shallow well applications. Installation requires 1" foot and check valves, available in brass, stainless steel, or PVC. The system runs on 115V, draws 7.2 amps, and includes a 1-year limited warranty.

Flotec FP3342 1-1/2 HP 20 GPM Submersible Well Pump

The Flotec FP3342 1-1/2 HP 20 GPM Submersible Well Pump is an economical, energy-efficient solution for 4" or larger water wells, ideal for home and farm use. It features a 1-1/2 HP, 240V electric motor paired with a 20 GPM, 9-stage pump, and a 3-wire design with a control box included. Designed for durability and performance, it offers a 1-1/4" discharge, a floating stack for sand resistance, and corrosion-resistant stainless steel housing, backed by a 3-year limited warranty.

FAQs

1. How do I know if my well pump is going bad?

Common signs of a failing well pump include sputtering faucets, low or inconsistent water pressure, strange noises from the pump, and higher electricity bills. If you notice these symptoms, it's a good idea to test the pump and check the pressure switch, control box, and the well itself for potential issues before it completely stops working.

2. Can a well pump run out of water?

Yes, a well pump can run out of water if the well itself runs dry, often due to drought, overuse, or a dropping water table. Running a pump without water can damage the motor, so many modern systems include a low-water cutoff switch or sensor to prevent dry running and protect the pump.

3. How long does a typical well pump last?

Most well pumps last 8 to 15 years, depending on usage, water quality, and maintenance. Submersible pumps tend to last longer than jet pumps. Regular maintenance, like checking pressure switches, inspecting the pressure tank, and ensuring the well stays clean, can significantly extend the pump’s lifespan.

4. How can I protect my well pump during a power outage?

To safeguard your well pump during outages, consider installing a manual or automatic transfer switch with a backup generator. Also, ensure your pressure tank has enough capacity to provide water for short durations. For longer outages, turning off the pump’s breaker can protect it from surges when power is restored.

5. What maintenance should I perform on my well pump system?

Routine maintenance includes checking the pressure switch and tank, inspecting the electrical components, cleaning sediment filters, and testing water quality annually. Keeping the area around your wellhead clean and sealed also helps prevent contamination and extends the life of your pump system.