If you live in an area that gets its water from a private well, then you likely have a well pump. But what exactly is a well pump, and how does it work? In this guide, we'll cover all the basics of well pumps, including what they are, how they work, and the different types of well pumps.
What is a Well Pump?
A well pump is a device that is used to draw water from a private well. It is installed by digging or drilling beneath your home or yard. The way it works is by using pressure to force water up from the well and into your home. An electric motor or suction powers a jet of pressure to help the water travel from the pipes underground into your home.
Well pumps are common in more rural areas where homes are more spread out. If you live in an area where well pumps are common, that means you and your neighbors have your own independent source of water drawn from a well beneath your house.
How Does a Well Pump Work?
There are two main types of well pumps: surface pumps and submersible pumps. Surface pumps are located above ground and use a suction pipe to draw water from the well. Submersible pumps are located below ground and use a pressure tank to force water up through the pipes.
Surface Pumps
Surface pumps are the most common type of well pump. They're relatively easy to install and maintain, and they're not as expensive as submersible pumps. The downside of surface pumps is that they're more susceptible to freezing in cold weather.
Submersible Pumps
Submersible pumps are more expensive than surface pumps, but they have a few advantages. They're less likely to freeze in cold weather, and they can push water up from deeper wells. The downside of submersible pumps is that they're more difficult to install and maintain. Submersible pumps have a range of expenses and can vary from $250 to $1,200. The price can vary by how deep your well is, the deeper the well the more power is needed to draw it to your house.
Common Problems with Well Pumps
No two homes with a well pump will experience the same issues with their pump, but some of the most common problems that can occur are:
- Doesn’t run properly - if your well isn’t running well it may be due to a lack of power or it could be your pump failing.
- Varying water volume - if you find yourself having a lot of water at the beginning of the day and it lessens as the day goes one, that may be a sign of aquifer depletion. This means you’ve pulled more water than is available. Water levels vary year by year due to how much rain or snow you receive.
- Pulsing water - this is mainly caused by a lack of pressure in your tank. The problem is most commonly located in the internal air bladder or the electric pressure switch.
How We Can Help
If you're not sure which type of well pump is right for your home or what is wrong with your current well pump, we can help. At West Coast Plumbing Pumps & Filtration we offer installation and repair services for all types of well pumps. Contact us today to learn more.