Well pumps are vitally important in the delivery of water to homes, farms, or even for industrial applications. Besides understanding how do well pump work will help home and business owners maintain their water supply system and troubleshoot simple common problems. In this section, we take an overview of well pumps: mechanics, types, and the manner in which they supply you with a continuous flow of water from underground.
What is a Well Pump?
A well pump is a mechanical device that extracts water from underground wells and delivers it to a storage tank or directly to a home’s plumbing system. Such pumps are crucial for homes or areas that have private wells as their source of water.
How Do Well Pumps Work?
Well pumps use pressure differences to raise water out of a well and transport it via pipes to where it is required. This is what’s included in the process.
Step-by-Step Explanation of How Well Pumps Work
- Activation: Every time you turn a faucet or an appliance calls for water, the pressure in the water system will decrease. This triggers the pump to start.
- Water Delivery: The water pumped out is then pushed either into a pressure tank or the plumbing system. The pressure tank balances the flow of water throughout the house and ensures pressure remains constant.
- Deactivation: Once the set level of water pressure has returned, the pump shuts itself off.
Types of Well Pumps
There are different types of well pumps, and each is suitable for different well depths and water demands. Let’s break them down:
- Submersible Pumps
- How They Work: Submersible pumps are installed underwater inside the well. They push water upward using a sealed motor and impeller system.
- Ideal For: Deep wells (over 25 feet deep).
- Benefits: Efficient, durable, and capable of handling large volumes of water.
- Jet Pumps
- How They Work: Jet pumps suck water from the well with suction and sit on top of the ground.
- Best For: Shallow wells less than 25 feet deep or deep wells that require additional piping
- Benefits: Relatively cheap to install and maintain.
- Centrifugal Pumps
- How They Work: Centrifugal pumps make use of a spinning impeller to draw water upwards. Primarily used for shallow wells.
- Best For: Wells less than 25 feet deep.
- Benefits: Simple and not very expensive.
- Hand Pumps
- How They Work: Hand pumps rely on the power of hands to lift water; many require a system of levers.
- Ideal For: Backup systems or places that don’t have electricity
- Benefits: Reliable and are independent of power sources.
The following are the main constituents of a well pump.
- Well Casing: A pipe lining the well to prevent contamination
- Pump: A device used to extract water mechanically.
- Pressure Tank: Regulates the pressure of water in the home and has an additional reserve supply.
- Piping: Water from the well is carried to the home.
- Pressure Switch: This controls the turn on and off times of the pump.
- Check Valve: Prevents water from flowing back into the well.
Common Issues with Well Pumps
- Pumps are generally dependable, however they do break down. Here are some difficulties and some solutions: Low water pressure may be caused by a defective pump, congested pipes, or a faulty pressure tank.
- No water flow: This might be caused by a power outage, a faulty pump motor, or a dry well.
- Pump cycling on and off is often caused by a full pressure tank or a defective pressure switch.
Maintaining Your Well Pump
Regular maintenance can prolong the lifespan of your well pump and ensure a steady water supply. Here are some tips:
- Inspect the Pressure Tank: Check for leaks or waterlogging.
- Test Water Quality: Ensure the water is free of contaminants.
- Check Electrical Connections: Make sure wiring and connections are secure.
- Schedule Professional Inspections: Have a licensed professional inspect your well system annually.
Conclusion
The better you understand how a well pump works and the types that are available, the better you can make your selection for your needs and keep it in good working condition. Whether you’re troubleshooting or simply want to learn more about your water system, the more you know, the better your chances of ensuring a consistent supply of water for your house or company.
Contact a reliable local plumber today for expert advice or professional well pump services.
