There are many reasons to own a private well. Well water is free and reliable and a rich source of various beneficial minerals such as magnesium, sodium, and calcium that support a wide range of bodily functions.

Thinking of Installing a Well Water System? Here Are Some Must Dos!

Learn Everything There is to Know About the Land

  • Consider climatic factors.Try to understand how they can impact your well
  • Take note of nearby factories that may pose a contamination risk
  • Make an effort to learn about the groundwater quality in the region. Find out whether the water level significantly decreases at certain times of the year

Get Necessary Permits

Every state requires its residents to obtain permits before digging a well. Expect to pay between $350 and $700 or more for obtaining permits. Authorities will visit your site at least a couple of times to ensure your well is properly capped, drilled, and properly connected to the designated water system. 

Determine the Amount of Water Required

Most American families use 60-100 gallons of water everyday. Calculating the amount of water that your family will use can help determine the right pump type for your well.

What is the Well Water Pump?

Well water pumps are designed to extract water from wells. It’s the water pump that is the heart of a well water system. The two most popular types of pumps used by households around the world are submersible pumps and jet pumps.

Both pumps utilize centrifugal force to pump water upwards or into the water system. These pumps have spinning rotors known as impellers. An impeller creates a vacuum that forces water upwards through the well casing into the distribution system.

Jet Pumps: Jet pumps are usually placed above the ground. They have a suction pump to lift water from the ground. The suction pump utilizes an impeller to create a vacuum. A jet pump must be primed with flowing water before use.  

Shallow well jet pumps are typically used in wells with a depth of 25 feet, while deep well jet pumps are usually used in wells that go down to a depth of 150 feet or more. Deeper wells usually require submersible pumps.

Submersible Pumps: Submersible pumps can be used in shallow wells with a depth of 25 feet as well as deep wells with a depth of up to 400 feet or more.

As the name suggests, a submersible pump is submerged deep in the well. Unlike jet pumps that suck water from above, submersible pumps push water upwards.

Submersible pumps are cylindrical in shape. A submersible pump contains a pump motor and impellers that drive water into the drop pipe. Famed for their versatility, efficiency, and durability, submersible pumps are widely used around the world.

When choosing a pump for a well system, the two most important factors to consider are the amount of water required and the depth of the well.

How Does a Well Water Pump Work?

Though jet pumps and submersible pumps vary in design and mechanics, both pumps work by pumping water from the ground into the designated well water system.

A pressure tank usually has a pressure range of 40 psi-60 psi. As the water pressure drops (due to use of water throughout the house), the pressure switch signals the water pump to turn on. 

When impellers get the signal from the pressure switch, they start spinning rapidly, pushing water upwards through the pipe connected to the pump. As the pressure tank fills, the water pressure starts rising. When the pressure reaches 60 psi, the pressure switch signals the pump to turn off.

The pressure remains at this level until more water is used. Once the pressure drops below 40 psi, the cycle is repeated.

Why You Should Turn Off Your Well Pump Before Leaving Town

Here are some reasons why you should turn off your well pump before leaving town:

Prevent Unit Damage: Well pumps, like all other devices, require routine checkups and maintenance. If you plan to stay away from your home for a long time, switch off your well pump before leaving incase some type of electrical problem occurs this will not continue until you arrive home.

Prevent Water Damage and Potential Health Issues: Your water pump can develop leaks, or a pipe may burst while you are away. This can lead to flooding and serious water damage.

Stagnant water is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. If a pipe bursts, and water stagnates in different parts of your house, you may have to hire an expert to deep clean your home.

Turning off your well pump makes sense. After all, who would want to return to a flooded home? Turning off your well pump reduces your risk of flood and water damage.

Additionally, many people cannot stop themselves from thinking about their well pump that they left running. If you tend to overthink, turning off your pump before leaving town can bring your peace of mind.

How to Turn Off a Well Pump?

To turn off your well pump, go to your electrical panel and shut off the breaker that connects to your well pump system. Consider cutting the power to your water heater to prevent a broken water line from pulling water from it.

If you do not know the manufacturer’s requirements for your pump, consult your plumber before trying to turn off your well pump.

Weeks Drilling & Pump Co. is a leading groundwater company in California. Whether you need top-notch water well drilling services or want to have a public water system installed, our team has got you covered. We offer cost-effective solutions customized to suit the particular needs of our clients. To benefit from our pump repair services in Healdsburg, call us at 707-823-3184.