Choosing The Right Well Pump: Understanding Your Options

Posted on: 26 July 2021

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When you're having a well drilled on your property, you'll find that you need to choose a well pump to keep the water flowing from the well to your home. What many people don't realize is that there are several different types of well pumps, and choosing the right one for your needs takes some careful consideration. Here's a look at what you need to know about well pump options and the differences between them.

Submersible Models

A submersible pump model is crafted with the pump motor encased in a sealed metal enclosure because the pump is lowered into the well, below the surface of the water. There are submersible pumps for a variety of different well depths.

While submersible pumps can be more expensive than other models, they often last longer because they are self-priming and low-maintenance. Putting the pump in the water helps to keep the pump cool and prevents any issues with cavitation. 

Jet Models

Jet pump models are another popular option. Jet pumps are a versatile, affordable choice for well pumps. Since jet pumps can be installed above the water, near the top of the well, they are much easier to get to than submersible options.

These pumps are efficient, and you can find high-capacity models. However, they are vulnerable to grit and sand, which can damage the pump. Jet pumps are also vulnerable to cavitation, which will require repair to address.

Centrifugal Models

Centrifugal well pumps rely on kinetic energy to draw water from your well to your pipes. This design keeps the pump motor away from the water so that there are no concerns about exposure and potential damage. Additionally, these pumps are simple designs, which means that they are far less likely to encounter problems.

It's important to remember, though, that centrifugal pumps must stay under the surface of the water to operate properly. Remember that these pumps are designed for water. Anything with a thicker viscosity won't flow through them, so drawing sand or other particles into the pump could be problematic.

These are the primary options for well pumps. If you are going to have a well installed on your property, you need to discuss these pump choices with your well installation technician. He or she can help you evaluate the well and the necessary water flow so that you can choose the pump that's the best solution for your home.

For more information about well pumps, contact a well contractor in your area.