If you own a home with a private well, you are responsible for not only the quality of your water but for all of the components that are included in your well water system. One key element of your water delivery system is your well pump. There are two basic types of well pumps available; jet pumps and submersible well pumps.
Jet Pumps
Jet pumps are typically used for wells that are less than 25 feet deep. They have no submerged parts and are often housed in a pump house, or enclosed structure near the well. Deep well jet pumps, however, can be used for wells up to 75 feet deep and have their ejectors installed within the well itself. Jet pumps draw or pull water from the well.
Submersible Well Pumps
A submersible well pump is used underwater in the well. A small electric motor is installed in the well shaft, below the pump, and an electric cable is connected to the motor. Piping is then run from the pump into the home. Unlike jet pumps, submersibles can be set hundreds of feet below the water line. When activated, the motor pushes water up from the well and into your home.
Submersible pumps are useful for wells of any depth and water level. Because the motor is encased within the pump and submerged, this type of pump is very efficient and reliable, which is not the case for deep jet pumps.
The Advantages of Submersible Pumps
Submersibles are popular for some reasons:
• Ease of installation
• Offer dependable performance
• Affordable, both initially, and when operating
• They run quietly
• Very little risk of freezing in cold climates
Installation requires laying out the wiring, connect the pump and lower it into the well then test it. Make sure you sit it on top of blocks or bricks to prevent clogging and your good to go. They’re known for being very energy efficient and rarely need maintenance. Because they’re submerged, they stay cool when operating. Unlike jet pumps, they do not need to be kept free of sand or debris. Submersibles move a lot of water and are best suited for wells 4” or greater in diameter.
Where to Use A Submersible Well Pump
Submersibles are practical to use on any rural property without access to a municipal water supply. They can be used in large ponds or reservoirs on properties anywhere, from city centers to remote farms. They’re the perfect choice for public areas because they are virtually silent and out of sight. They are low maintenance, efficient, reliable and affordable.
How Do Well Pumps Work?
Most work using centrifugal force. Impellers push water out and then up the well shaft. The motor on a submersible pump is usually located below the pump itself. Because well diameters are small, impellers are usually stacked to create enough pressure to push water through the plumbing to the home.
Regular Maintenance For A Submersible Well Pump
Ensures that the pressure tank doesn’t become waterlogged. If the tank overfills, the pump may cycle too frequently causing it to overwork. This can reduce the efficiency and life of the pump. It’s critical to make sure pumps are sized correctly. Proper sizing can save thousands of kilowatt hours in energy consumption.
Work closely with your well water specialist at Skillings & Sons. If you need to replace your well pump, they will explain all of your options and ensure that you install the proper size and type of pump so your family can enjoy quality clean water for many years. Contact us today.
