What is a Well Pump and What Size Do You Need?

23 Apr What is a Well Pump and What Size Do You Need?

If you need to install a water system in your home or if you have purchased home with a well water system, you may be asking yourself what exactly is a well pump and what size is needed to meet the needs of your household. 

What is a Well Pump?

A well pump is a mechanical device that extracts water from a water well in the ground in order to provide your home with water. If you live in the city, you likely do not have a well pump because your water is provided through the city’s water supply. If you live outside of the city, on the other hand, a well pump is likely way your home is getting the water that it needs. 

To provide your home with water, the well pump works along with your pressure tank to provide an even amount of water pressure throughout your home. Pumps and tanks come in various sizes and types. Some pumps, for example, are above ground, while others are below. Jet pumps, which are found above ground or sometimes in basements, typically work with a pressure tank to pump water through a pipe. Shallow well jet pumps use just one pipe while deep well jet pumps use two. Submersion pumps, on the other hand, use a single pipe to pump water into the home and only pumps water when it is needed.

How Do I Pick the Right Size?

When buying a well pump, you will notice that they are available in varying sizes. The pump should also have an identification plate with the horsepower listed on it. The more horsepower it has, the less frequently it will need to run and the longer it will last. It is, however, possible to have too much horsepower, so be sure to take this into consideration when thinking about purchasing a larger size. 

Generally speaking the pump size should be based on the depth of the well. For a well that is less than 25 feet deep, you would use a shallow well jet pump. For one that is between 25 to 100 feet deep, you would use a deep well jet pump. For anything between 25 and 400 feet, a submersible pump would be appropriate. The number of gallons per minute that you need (GPM) would be based on the number of water fixtures in your home. At Pump Service Idaho, we will be happy to help you determine the size that is right for you!