Well Pumps? Practical Advice For Homeowners

Turning a tap to fill a glass, take a shower, or water the lawn is an action that many Americans take for granted — especially those who live in incorporated areas served by public water supplies. For those who live in a rural setting, the action of turning a tap to get water is a more meaningful one, especially if they have experienced private water well issues in the past. 

When water fails to flow from a tap in a home or business connected to a private water well, the problem is often due to the failure of a well pump. The following information will help private well owners better understand their home's well pump and avoid common mistakes. 

Submersible well pumps

Well pumps are typically available in three forms, submersible, single drop jet, and double drop jet. As the name suggests, submersible pumps are installed beneath the surface of the water source, often hundreds of feet deep. 

Submersible well pumps are designed to provide several decades of reliable service. They can however be damaged or become at risk of increased wear on components if struck by lightning or forced to cycle too frequently because of leaking faucets or other types of negligence. 

If a submersible pump requires repair or replacement, the process will involve pulling the pump up, along with the pipe, in order to access the existing pump or remove it and replace it. The process of pulling the well pump and attached piping can be tedious, requiring the use of a special well drilling truck and equipment. 

Single and double drop jet pumps 

In areas of the country where the water table is close to the surface, single and double jet pumps are popular choices for well pumps. Unlike submersible ones, single drop jet pumps are located on top of the ground, usually within the home's structure or inside a dedicated well house structure. 

Double drop pumps are placed inside the well, with an attached impeller motor located above the ground. The jet motor draws the water then feeds it to the impeller to move the water through the plumbing pipes and into the home. 

While more convenient to access, single and double drop well pumps have shorter lifespans than submersibles, largely due to the amount of wear placed on their impeller components. 

Learning to use and care for your well pump responsibly is the best way to prolong its life. To learn more, contact a well pump installation and repair contractor in your area.