What is a well pump?

Almost 70 million Americans get their water from a well. Unlike city water that is chlorinated and treated at a municipal water plant, homeowners have a responsibility to make sure that proper testing, and or treatments, are in place to ensure a safe and clean water supply. Pumps ensure that a steady, consistent flow of water is carried from the underground well up into the house.

Well pumps generally work in one of two ways, by pumping water out of the well, or a submersible system that pushes water up from the well. Well pumps are controlled by an automatic pressure switch, a device that regulates the water pressure in the well pressure tank. Once pressure in the well tank drops to a pre-determined level, the pump is activated and water is brought up from the well to fill the tank. When the well tank pressure is satisfied, the pump is turned off. It is this regulation feature that extends the life of the well pump. If there is a problem with the system such as a defective well tank, the pump can overheat or short cycle, this can cause the pump to fail prematurely.

Types of well pumps

Submersible Well pumps

Submersible well pumps are the most common residential well pump in the U.S. primarily because of their versitility in most well types. Submersible pumps are installed inside the well at a pre-determined depth, these pumps use impellers to push water up through a pipe and into a pressure tank. These pumps are water tight and durable, requiring little maintenance. In our area of the country the well pipe is buried at a depth low enough to prevent freezing during winter months.

Jet Well Pumps

Jet Pumps operate outside of the well. usually in the home next to well tank itself. Jet pumps will either have a single, or two pipes running down into the well.

A single pipe pump, used mainly for "shallow" wells, draw water from well fewer than 25 feet deep. These pumps are not self-priming and require the pump to be primed with a small amount of water before use, and after power loss.

Two pipe pumps, also known as a deep well pump, can be used in wells down to about 110 feet. A device known as check valve is inserted into the well, while the pump itself is outside of the well. This check valve also for self priming of the pump, especially after power loss.

What is the best type of well pump?

The depth of your well determines which type of well pump is best suited for each home. Generally, for wells shallower than 25 feet, either a single or two pipe jet pump is the best option. For well between 25 and 110 feet deep, a two pipe jet pump would be the most practical. Lastly, for wells between 110 and 400 feet deep, a submersible pump should be installed. Based upon the size of your home, a properly matched well tank can deliver steady water with appropriate water pressure.