Factors To Consider When Choosing A Well Pump

If you live outside of town, your home probably gets its water from a well. In the United States, many homes rely on private wells to provide drinking water. If you recently moved into a house that relies on well water, consider buying a pump. Here are factors to consider when choosing a well pump.

Well Depth

One of the factors to consider when choosing a pump is the well depth. The depth of the well will vary based on the method of construction. Drilled wells are deeper than dug and driven wells. Therefore, consult a professional to measure the depth of your well so you can choose the appropriate pump.

For dug wells, choose centrifugal pumps. Driven and drilled wells require deep pumps like submersible pumps. Centrifugal pumps have a fan that helps draw water up, while submersible pumps have a pump motor underwater. The motor is connected to a power source that transports water up. Submersible pumps can be used for both deep and shallow wells.

Well Pump Size

When choosing a well pump, choose one that can satisfy your family's daily water needs. Therefore, choose a pump that can deliver as many gallons per minute (GPM) as your home can consume during peak periods, for example, in the morning when more than one shower runs simultaneously.

Another consideration is water pressure. This is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). Your specialist will assist you in determining the PSI needs for each appliance in your home that uses water. For example, dishwashers and washing machines demand a lower PSI than a sprinkler irrigation system.

Well Pump Components

When shopping for a well pump, the key elements to consider include the check valve, foot valve, pressure switch, and pressure tank. A check valve prevents pumped water from returning to the basin, while a foot valve prevents it from moving down to the source when the pump is turned off. 

Another critical component is the pressure switch. It turns the water on and off based on the pressure settings. For example, the switch turns the pump on when the pressure decreases because of water use. Therefore, if the pump doesn't go off, this is a sign of a problem with the pressure switch settings.

The pressure tank regulates water flow and maintains water pressure to ensure appliances run efficiently. The pressure tank pumps water into a tank where it is compressed and moved evenly through the household's plumbing system. Ask a professional to enlighten you on some of the crucial components of well pumps to ensure you choose one with the right features for your household.

Contact a supplier to learn more about well pumps.