Millions of people rely on well pumps to supply cleaning and drinking water to support daily activities. High-quality well pumps bring water from a well and deliver it right to your home, whether you need it for appliances, in the kitchen or bathroom, or to water your plants and lawn. These systems are efficient and reliable, empowering homeowners to control water pressure and temperature. Like most equipment, well pumps come in various sizes and configurations to meet your needs, and not all models will be suitable. Here, you can learn more about well pumps, including the most well-known models and what elements to consider when choosing the right system for you.
Understanding the Various Types of Well Pumps
Well pumps lift or pull water from a well or storage tank using a pressure tank system to send water to your home. Well pumps are available in various sizes and designs to be suitable for homeowners in unique locations and with specific needs.
People can use it to access hot water, control home water pressure, provide drinking and cleaning water, and supply residential irrigation system water.
The most well-known types of well pumps are:
- Submersible: Submersible well pumps are deep well pumps suitable for small or large applications. These models must be submerged in water to function correctly, so homeowners with wells reaching up to 325 feet can rely on this equipment to access water. Most people install these systems several inches above the well’s bottom to ensure function. You can find submersible well pumps with various horsepower ranges and expect up to 26 gallons of water per minute for a small- or medium-sized house.
- Convertible: Star’s convertible jet pumps can draw water from wells with a depth of more than 25 feet but less than 110 feet. Convertible well jet pumps use two pipes in the well and have a versatile configuration, allowing them to act as shallow well jet pumps if necessary. These are above-ground well pumps, meaning homeowners must place this equipment in special housing outdoors, mounting it on the pressure tank.
- Shallow well: These well jet pumps can run on 115v or 230v power, and homeowners mount them to the top of their pressure tanks. Shallow well pumps have one front pipe that draws water from wells with depths of no more than 25 feet. This equipment sits in housing units rather than going underground. These units are smaller than other pumps, lowering costs while delivering up to 15 gallons of water per minute with 3/4 horsepower.
Key Features of Your Well Pump to Consider
Like most home systems, finding the right system is key to enhancing at-home experiences and meeting homeowner needs. Whether you’re installing a new well pump or shopping for a replacement, there are several important factors to consider. Evaluate these features to find the right model:
- Well depth: Well depth is one of the biggest factors to consider when shopping for a new unit. Shallow jet well pumps are suitable for wells with a maximum depth of 25 feet. If you have an existing well pump model on the property, replacing it with the Star adjacent model will likely be your best bet. However, if you don’t know the well’s depth, measuring it with a string or fishing line can help determine the model you need. Contact our customer service if you have questions regarding this DIY approach.
- Horsepower: As you browse appropriate models, you should refer to the pump’s performance chart to identify specifications like horsepower. Typically, well pumps with higher horsepower can go farther underground, helping you identify suitable units.
- Voltage requirements: You must also evaluate property voltage requirements. Often, homeowners can set our jet pumps to accommodate electrical requirements, but evaluating these needs beforehand is crucial to making an informed purchase.
- Number of pipes: One of the last elements to consider is the number of pipes coming from the well. Evaluating existing lines can help determine your needs. Shallow jet pumps only have one pipe, while convertible jet pumps have two.
Maintaining Your System for Optimal Function
Regardless of the specific system you choose, your well pump will need care and preventive maintenance to ensure optimal function and a long life span. Check out these tips for maintaining your system:
- Install a sediment filter: Sediment filters catch and remove pollutants and contaminants like debris, rust and stormwater runoff to protect your well pump components and ensure you have access to quality water. Installing a sediment filter into your well pump system can prevent clogs from building and impacting your pump. You can also restore water taste by filtering chlorine and chloramines with carbon filters.
- Listen for a noisy tank: Monitoring your system is one of the best care measures to take. If you notice abnormal sounds or an influx of noises, you likely have a problem. These issues can range in severity from having air bubbles in the tank to experiencing well pump cavitation. In any case, it’s best to inspect your equipment and address the problem as quickly as possible to ensure optimal function.
- Evaluate water pressure fluctuations: Fluctuating water pressure can result from several situations. When it comes to well pumps, fluctuations could result from clogs or leaks. Failing motors or worn valves can also cause reduced pressure, and leaving these components in poor condition can cause stress to other parts of your system, reducing its life span and overall efficiency.
- Look for damage and replace parts: Visual inspections can go a long way to protect your system’s integrity. Visible leaks, cracks, corrosion and rust are all common well pump issues that you should address right away. Sometimes, these issues can be easy to spot, while others need a more attentive eye. Adding a visual inspection to your maintenance routine is the best way to catch these issues early and address them before they cause further damage.
Find the Right Well Pump at Star Water Systems
Star Water Systems strives to deliver quality and innovative solutions that last. Our team has more than a century of expertise, and our strides in the industry empower us to be a leader. We’re committed to exceeding expectations, and we know that our products are a testament to our dedication and skill. Star Water Systems empowers you to find top-notch solutions you feel confident choosing. Whether you need a new installation or a replacement system, our quality well pumps offer the reliability you need. Find a retail location near you to browse our systems and find the best well pump for your needs.
