There are several kinds of pumps that may be used for drawing water out of your well and putting it to various uses, and one common such option is known as a jet pump. This is a non-submersible pump type that uses suction and pressure to draw water for your various needs, and knowing how it works and what to expect from it is a must if you want to utilize this type of pump.
At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we’re here to offer Utah’s best selection of water well pumps, drilling services and repair solutions. Here are some basics on how the jet pump works and the two variations used, plus the factors that play the largest role in their expected lifespan and how you can get the most out of them.
Jet Pump Basics
As we alluded to above, a jet pump utilizes suction and pressure to draw water from the well. It has a venturi device, which is what creates the suction effect needed to draw water up the pipe when it’s running. This type of pump also uses a diffuser and impeller to help move the water through it and then up out of the well.
There are two kinds of jet well pumps:
- Shallow well jet pumps: For wells 25 feet or lower, shallow well jet pumps are typically used. These are designed to work best with a suction lift of 25 feet or less, and anything more than that can be risky for these pump types.
- Deep well jet pumps: For wells deeper than 25 feet and often up into the hundreds of feet, you’ll need to utilize a deep well jet pump instead. The same general principles apply, but deep pumps are meant to manage larger volumes of water over larger distances.
Naturally, deep well jet pumps will cost more and require more effort to install, but they’re well worth it if that is the only way you can get water out of your well.
Our next several sections will look at the key factors impacting the lifespan of a jet pump for your water well.
Pump Quality
Not all jet pumps are created equal, and you will want to be sure to find a reliable option that is made with high-quality parts. This can help ensure it can stand up to the demands of daily use and last for many years before needing repair or replacement.
As you’re looking at jet pumps, consider their power ratings, the seal materials used and whether they’re designed to handle submersible water conditions.
Maintenance
As with any other kind of mechanical device, a jet pump requires regular maintenance in order to ensure it can keep doing its job properly. This includes lubricating all moving parts regularly, checking the impellers to make sure they’re free of debris, and checking the pressure gauge for accuracy.
If you don’t stay on top of regular maintenance, then you could find that your jet pump fails more quickly than it should — or worse yet, causes problems if something goes wrong inside the well due to lack of attention.
Use Frequency
As you may have guessed, another key factor to consider when it comes to jet pumps is the amount of use they will receive. If your pump is being used all day, every day, then it may not have time to cool and rest between uses. This can lead to increased wear-and-tear on the pump and decrease its lifespan if it’s not handled properly.
On the other hand, if the pump is only being used occasionally, then you may find that it lasts longer than expected.
Surrounding Elements
Another factor you want to consider is the environment in which your jet pump will be used. If its exposed to harsh elements like strong winds, rain, or snow, then it may not last as long as if it were sheltered from such things.
Another example here is a particularly sandy water environment, where the sand could easily get inside and clog up the pump or cause other issues.
By understanding these key factors for jet pumps, you can make sure that your water well pump is ready to provide you with clean and safe water whenever you need it!
At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we specialize in the installation and repair of well pumps. Our team has years of experience dealing with these pumps, and our services are always performed to the highest standard. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get reliable water out of your Utah well!
