Looking to Purchase a New Submersible Well Pump? Keep These Factors in Mind

A submersible well pump is used in different types of water wells and is designed to ensure the water doesn't damage parts such as the motor. When placed in a well, this type of pump is able to reach and pull up water that other equipment may not be able to access, allowing you to make full use of the water in the well. If you are setting up your first well, or have a pump that needs to be replaced, there are many factors to consider as you shop for a pump. The materials the pump is made from and the cost are two important factors. However, there are also factors that many people aren't aware of or don't think about until later. Keeping these factors in mind as you shop for a submersible well pump will help ensure you find one that best meets your needs. Here are a few factors to keep in mind as you shop for a submersible pump.

The Discharge Rate of the Pump

One of the factors you need to consider as you shop for a submersible well pump is what the discharge rate, also called flow rate, of the pump is. The discharge rate basically means how much water the pump is able to pull out of the well and dump into your water system. As you shop for a pump, pay close attention to what this number is and whether it is per minute or hour, as both methods are frequently used. If you have a pump that operates around the clock and simply stores the water until you are ready to use it, and you have plenty of stored up water, a fast pump may not be important to you. However, if you have a system that pulls water directly from your well into your home, you may want a fast pump to ensure you can quickly get water when you need it.

If The Pump Has a Float Switch

Another factor to consider as you shop for a new submersible well pump is whether the pump has a float switch or not. A float switch automatically tells the pump to stop pumping when water levels are too low in the well. As water levels decrease, the float switch lowers, which triggers this reaction. When it rains or water is added to the well, the float switch naturally floats upwards, letting the pump know that it is time to work again. Running a submersible well pump when there is no more water present can be damaging to this piece of equipment, so a float switch helps ensure that you don't have to worry about this happening if you travel often or can't see the water levels in your well.

The Suction Depth of the Pump

The last factor that you want to pay close attention to as you shop for a new submersible well pump is the suction depth of the pump. The suction depth of the pump refers to how deep your submersible pump can go while still pumping water. Generally speaking, the farther a pump can go, the more it will cost. If you are looking to empty out your well, you want to find a pump that travels to the bottom of the well. If your well consistently retains several feet of water, you may only need a pump that travels 75 percent of the way down your pump. However, keep in mind that the suction depth of a pump cannot exceed 10.3 meters. Gravity will not allow suction to pull water up any higher than this, and you will need a vacuum system for depths deeper than this. The depth of your well and how much water your well typically retains will tell you how much suction depth you need as you search for a new pump.

There are many factors to keep in mind as you shop for a submersible well pump. Learning what these factors are and paying close attention to them will help you find the pump that is ideal for your situation.