Connecting a well pump to a fresh water well allows families to distribute water to their plumbing system. As a consequence, well owners enjoy not having to rely on or pay for municipal water sources. While maintenance is crucial, well owners don’t have to worry about monthly bills or rising expenses.
If you recently purchased a home with a well or you’re interested in installing one, it is important to be informed. Knowing what a well pump is, what types are available, and what maintenance issues to look out for will make your life simpler.
What Does a Well Pump Do?
A well pump delivers water from a well to the plumbing distribution system. Part of that system is the well pressure expansion tank. This tank expands and contracts to regulate pressure and turn the well pump on and off as necessary.
How it works:
The bladder in the well tank expands as water enters the tank, this creates pressure. When the pressure reaches a preset point the pressure switch is satisfied and turns the well pump off. As you throw in loads of laundry and turn on faucets, the pressure in the tank decreases and the pressure switch actuates to turn the pump back on again. This tank prevents the well pump from turning on and off everytime water is used, this prolongs the life of the well pump.
The Different Types of Well Pumps
There are a range of well pumps to choose from, and they vary in cost and structure. Here are the four most common well pump types:
- Submersible. As the name suggests, submersible well pumps are submerged inside the well. This pump uses a motor and pump to push water upwards and into the plumbing system. Submersible pumps are beneficial for well owners because they are efficient, can regulate temperature well, and are powerful. They also last a long time, up to 25 years. The motors in other pump systems may burn out and need to be replaced more often. However, it’s worth noting that submersible pumps tend to be more costly.
- Jet. Jet pumps are used for shallow well systems of 25 feet or less (there are specialty Jet pumps that can reach as much as 100′ depths). Jet Pumps are above ground and are therefore easier to service and replace, they also tend to be less expensive. The draw back to Jet pumps are they are less efficient and less powerful, they also tend to have issues dissipating heat.
- Hand Pump. In order to force water from a well into your storage tank and plumbing system, this type of pump requires manual cranking. In today’s world, hand pumps are not common. Most well owners prefer automatic pumps that do the heavy lifting for them. However, hand pumps can be useful in some situations. They are inexpensive and homeowners can rely on them without access to electricity.
How to Select a Well Pump and What Issues to Look Out For
The well pump you select depends upon the depth of your well, the amount of water your well is able to produce, and the amount of water you need daily. Jet pumps and hand pumps are better suited for shallow wells, whereas submersible pumps are ideal for a range of depths. As you browse different options, you’ll also want to be aware of the GPM (gallons per minute). Most 4 bedroom homes need systems that can pump an average of 8-12 GPM. As a general rule of thumb, 1 GPM should be added for each fixture in your home.
Potential maintenance issues are also something to keep in mind. These signs may indicate that you need well pump repair or a well pump replacement:
- Low water pressure in your home
- A pump that is constantly running
- No water when you turn on the faucet
- Air coming from your plumbing system
If you’re currently facing any of these problems, the experts at Hague Quality Water can assist you. We’ll help you decide if the water issue you’re experiencing requires well pump repair. In addition, our professionals can visit your home to examine your water system, perform a water test and identify any other issues with your supply. Reach out to us to learn more about testing, treatment solutions, and more.
Learn More about Well Pumps by Partnering with Hague Quality Water of Maryland
If you are concerned about the overall quality and contents of your water, or you’d like to learn more about well components, we are here to help. Whether you need well repair, water treatment systems or additional filtration beyond that, our team cares deeply about the health and safety of your family. For additional assistance regarding well pumps, call Hague Quality Water of Maryland at (410) 757-2992.
