A Properly Sized Well Pump Should Last 8 to 10 Years
A modern well pump installed by certified professionals should last for many years, but many homeowners find they do not have enough information when it comes to the age and condition of their well pump to know if it needs replacing.
A well pump is a mechanism that drives water from the ground into a home. The pump is usually paired with a pressure tank, which evens the water pressure throughout the home and reduces the number of times the pump needs to turn on and off. If there seems to be a problem with your water pump, it could mean the pump is old and needs replacing. It could also mean the pump is undersized, or there are other problems with your water system. Calling professional water system specialists, like Skillings & Sons, will help you determine the source of the problem.
Different Kinds Of Well Pumps
Knowing what kind of pump your home water system uses is the first step in determining the source of any pump problems.
JET WELL PUMPS
Jet pumps come in two varieties, shallow and deep, and are often combined with a pressure tank. The shallow well pumps use a single pipe to draw water from about 25 feet. Deep well jet pumps can draw water from more than 100 feet and use a two-pipe system to draw water from the ground.
CENTERIFUGAL WELL PUMPS
Centrifugal pumps consist of one pipe inserted into the water column at a shallow depth, usually no more than 25 feet. The pump then sucks water from the ground and into the home.
SUBMERSIBLE WELL PUMPS
Submersible pumps are installed inside a home well and pumps water into the home only when needed. These are the most common type of well pump and can be used in deep wells.
How Long Do Water Well Pumps Last?
Submersible pumps, which are located in the well last 8 to 10 years before they need to be replaced, however, many well pumps that service homes with moderate water usage can last up to 15 years.
What if My Well Pump is Relatively New, but Not Working Properly?
If you know your water pump is under five years old, and it is not working properly, it could be the wrong size. Did you expand a previously small home into a larger home, or have you recently increased your home water usage? If so, the water pump may be too small to meet your family’s needs.
How much power your water pump has is also a factor. Look at your water pump identification plate, or at the original installation paperwork, to determine horsepower. The more horsepower means the pump will run less often and last longer.
The water system professionals at Skillings & Sons can run a flow test to measure the gallons per minute coming from your well. Our large trucks are rolling warehouses stocked with everything we need to replace your well pump fast. The average American household needs 100 to 120 gallons per person per day, and a flow rate of about 6 to 12 gallons per minute. If the flow rate falls below the average level, it could mean your well pump isn’t up to the task.
If you suspect your water pump is getting old or isn’t powerful enough to properly supply your home, it is important to contact a water system professional for an evaluation. The problem could be from another cause, such as inadequate piping, low well water or low pressure. Calling in professionals like Skillings & Sons can help you correctly determine the cause and save you time and money on fixing the problem.
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