Do you know what type of well pump you have, need or want? Probably not, and that’s OK because it’s always wise to let a professional give you recommendations. However, a well pump is a critical component in keeping your well water accessible and healthy. You need both a pressure tank and a pump in order to get water into your home. This allows for even distribution, and a pressure tank minimizes how many times a pump is turned off and on.
When choosing a pump, the most common mistake is selecting one that is not large enough for your needs. You’ll often find undersized pumps in older homes, because at the time they were built, the homeowners might not have needed so much water. In some instances, the original installation was just done poorly, or the homeowner tried to cut costs. Whether you need to change your pump, you’re installing a well from scratch or you want to make sure you have the right size, a consultation with a local well professional will get you on the right track.
Working with What You Have
Most people who shop for a new pump already have a well installed, so begin with the information you have. Find out your current pump type. It’s pretty simple; if you have an above-ground pump, or if it’s located in the basement, it’s a jet pump. It works by pulling water from the well via piping and is often matched with pressure tanks. It’s also easy to tell if the pump is shallow or deep: If there’s just one pipe, it’s shallow, and two means deep.
Submersible pumps are located at the bottom of the well. They only pump when necessary, and are, of course, a little trickier for a DIYer to swap out. (Note: You should always have a professional install and fix pumps no matter where they are located).
Size Matters
The size of your pump is just as critical as the type. You should be able to see the horsepower written on the pump — submersible pumps will have that information on the paperwork. If that’s gone missing, your contractor will have to access the pump to find out. Many homeowners want to go up a size, but that’s only advisable if you’re currently suffering from lack of water.
Submersible pumps come in two- or three-wire varieties. If you choose three-wire, you’ll need a dedicated control panel. Know if you have two or three wires before shopping. For a brand-new well, the well driller’s report will tell you “depth to water.” Pumps should be matched to these numbers, with under 25 feet needing a shallow well jet pump, 25-110 feet requiring a deep well jet, and 110-400 feet needing a submersible pump. Need help? Contact Mike Zimmerman Well Services for a consultation and expert help getting the well pump you require.