What Is a Well Pump and Do You Need One?

In the US, the US Census American Housing Survey 2017 estimated that over 13 million families have private wells for their drinking water. That’s a lot of people, and so well technology has been advancing over the years to cater for this.

But what is a well pump and how does it work? Plus, how do you choose a well pump to best suit your needs?

Well, in this post we’ll answer these questions and run you through some popular types of well pumps that people in the US use today. Let’s get to it!

What Is a Well Pump?

The majority of individuals in suburban and urban regions have nearly continual access to safe and drinkable water. However, many households in more rural regions need a well for their water demands.

Well, pumps are electromechanical devices that you install after digging or drilling a well. Their job is to transport water from the well to your home. There are a few popular types of well pumps to suit differing needs, which we’ll look into now.

Types of Well Pumps

Before we run through the different types of well pumps, we should first answer the question: how does a well pump work?

In simple terms, all well pumps use a pressure tank system. This system is in place to maintain constant water pressure on your home. They also ensure that the water and air they use are separate in the plumbing.

Well, pumps will push water up from the well and store it in the pressure tank, also known as a storage tank. A typical pressure range for these tanks is between 40-60 PSI. These sorts of PSI levels are ideal for water pressure in the home, and they are what you should aim for when choosing a well pump.

Centrifugal Pumps

To produce suction, a centrifugal pump turns an inner fan. Centrifugal pumps are built into a mechanical housing adjacent to the well rather than inside it. This makes them easier to maintain.

One disadvantage of a centrifugal pump is that its suction is insufficient for deep wells. A centrifugal pump is practical if your well is less than 25 feet deep. If this is the case, this type of pump is the most cost-effective solution.

Submersible Pumps

Submersible pumps are one of the most common well pump options today. They are super-flexible, as you can use them in deep and shallow wells.

You position these pumps inside your well. They hardly ever need repairs since they are watertight. Yet, if you do need to make repairs, you’re best to call in the professionals, like McCrea Heating and Plumbing, for example.

Jet Pumps

Jet pumps are powerful and sophisticated machines. They deliver high-pressure water fast. Like submersible pumps, you also submerge jet pumps into your well.

Bear in mind; there are single and double-drop options to consider. Single-drop jet pumps are suited for shallow wells, while double-drop designs work in deeper wells.

Choose the Right Well Pump

What is a well pump? Ultimately, it’s a lifeline for many people around the US, and it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.

If you are looking to save money and have a shallow well, a centrifugal pump may be the answer. If you wish to have high-pressure water come quickly to your home, then a jet pump might be the best solution. And for middle-of-the-road options, you might want to check out various submersibles.

So good luck with choosing a well pump and thanks for reading. If you require more info on similar topics, please check out our blog.

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