A Simple Guide to Well Pumps

Fresh water is one of life’s necessities, yet people can get a steady stream of clean water into their homes in multiple ways. Most people in urban areas rely on a centralized system by a local water company, which connects to their home’s plumbing system. People living in rural areas without access to a water utility company obtain their water from private wells. 

If your household relies on well water, you’ll need a functional, high-quality well pump to ensure your property’s taps always produce a good water flow. Keep reading the guide below to learn everything you should know about well pumps.

Well Pumps: What Are They?

A well pump is an electromechanical device that pumps water from a well into a building. Depending on your pump type, the equipment could lift, push, or pull water from an underground source to your home’s plumbing system. Some pumps operate manually, while modern versions use an electric motor. 

The pump’s water extraction capabilities depend on several components that must work well together to provide a consistent, on-demand water flow. The different parts of a well pump may include:

• The pressure tank, which stores well water for transport into a building
• Piping, which pushes or lifts water out of a well
• The pressure switch, which pairs with the pressure tank to regulate the well pump’s pressure and activates whenever you use your water taps
• The check valve, which prevents backflow and lets you monitor the pump’s pressure
• The ejector, which creates a vacuum to suck up water from wells with depths of 25 to 110 feet

Not all well pumps deliver water into a pressure tank. Some well pumps work by using centrifugal force and impellers to suck up water through a well casing and into a property’s plumbing system. Hand pumps, on the other hand, can use a lift or suction mechanism to bring up water from a well. 

Types of Well Pumps

Well pumps come in different varieties including the following:

Submersible Pumps

Many people use submersible well pumps because of their versatility. They can accommodate almost any well, regardless of depth. 

Submersible pumps sit inside the well, deep under its water. As the name suggests, they only work when they’re completely underwater. They use electronic impellers to push water through a pipe. 

Jet Pumps

The most powerful well pumps are jet pumps. They deliver water from wells quickly by creating intense suction from their impellers and robust motors. 

Unlike submersible pumps, jet pumps stay on a mount above the well. Though the upfront installation costs for these well pumps tend to be higher than other options, they have low maintenance costs and a relatively long lifespan.

Hand Pumps

A manual hand pump relies on you instead of an electric motor to bring up water from a well. This type of pump has long cylinders inside a well’s tubing. Components inside the cylinders will move as you make a repetitive pump motion on the hand pump’s lever to allow them to collect and lift water to the well’s surface.

Tips on Choosing the Right Well Pump

Before picking a new well pump, consider these factors to make an informed decision:

• Well Depth: You must know your well’s static water level and total depth to ensure you pick a pump that provides consistent water flow. For instance, jet pumps work best for deep wells. 
• Old Well: If replacing a well pump that worked well for you, consider getting an updated model of the same type.
• Voltage: Jet and submersible pumps run on electricity. Ensure you know the pump’s electrical needs, which may be 115 or 230 volts.

How To Maintain and Troubleshoot Your Well Pump

Though well pumps don’t need daily maintenance, it’s important to manage their upkeep according to their manufacturer’s instructions. Routine maintenance is crucial for energy efficiency and premature wear and tear prevention. 

Check for broken seals, clogged pipes, and malfunctioning valves if your pump stops working correctly. Systems with pressure gauges should remain around 40 PSI. If the pressure drops below 20 PSI or you notice other problems, call a professional for repairs. 

Need More Help With Your Well Pump? Call Poseidon Plumbing!

As one of the most trusted plumbers serving the Mebane, North Carolina area, Poseidon Plumbing has the expertise and tools necessary to handle any well pump problem. Our professional technicians do everything from installing, repairing, and maintaining well pumps to providing drain cleaning and emergency plumbing services. 

Our locally owned and operated company will go above and beyond to ensure your water system runs smoothly at all times — call (336) 202-1287 to request service from Poseidon Plumbing today.