Determining whether you need a shallow well pump or a deep well pump depends on the depth of your water source. Here's how you can differentiate between the two:

Shallow Well Pump:

Designed for wells with depths of 25 feet or less.

Shallow well pumps are installed above ground.

Draws water up from near the surface using suction.

Deep Well Pump:

Designed for wells with depths greater than 25 feet, sometimes reaching hundreds of feet.

Uses mechanisms such as jet systems or submersible designs to draw water from deep underground.

To determine which type of pump you need:

Measure the depth of your well: This is the crucial factor. If your well is deeper than 25 feet, you'll likely need a deep well pump. Otherwise, a shallow well pump should suffice.

Consult a professional: If you're unsure about the depth of your well or which pump to choose, it's best to consult a well drilling professional or a plumber. They can assess your situation and recommend the appropriate pump for your needs. For help sizing a pump for your application, please reach out to us.

Shallow Well Pump:

Designed for wells with depths of 25 feet or less.

Shallow well pumps are installed above ground.

Draws water up from near the surface using suction.

Deep Well Pump:

Designed for wells with depths greater than 25 feet, sometimes reaching hundreds of feet.

Uses mechanisms such as jet systems or submersible designs to draw water from deep underground.

Disconnect electricity to the pump. Remove your priming plug located on the wet end of your pump (not the motor). Fill the orifice with water until there is no more bubbling and it holds steady at the hole. Replace priming plug. Reconnect electricity and turn it on. Check the pressure. If pump is steadily building pressure you have successfully primed it, if not, repeat the priming process.

Self-priming pumps are designed to automatically prime themselves AFTER the initial priming, meaning they can remove air from the suction line and fill it with water without manual priming. However, while self-priming pumps can prime themselves, they still require initial priming before the first use. This involves filling the pump casing or housing with water to ensure there is enough water in the system for the pump to start priming itself. (See “How do I Properly Prime My Water Pump?”)

It's crucial to install the self-priming pump correctly according to the manufacturer's instructions. This includes ensuring all connections are tight and free from leaks, and that the pump is positioned correctly to allow proper priming.

Even though self-priming pumps are designed to prime themselves, it is important to follow proper maintenance. This includes: checking valves, ensuring the suction line is free from air leaks, confirming that the pump is installed on a level surface and re-priming after long periods of storage. 

Winterizing your jet pump is essential to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. Here's a step-by-step guide to winterize your jet pump:

Turn Off Power: Start by turning off the power to the pump at the circuit breaker or disconnect switch. This ensures safety while you work on the pump.

Drain Water: Drain all water from the pump, pressure tank, and associated pipes. You can do this by opening drain valves or taps at the lowest points in your system.

Disconnect Hoses: If your pump is connected to hoses or pipes, disconnect them to allow any remaining water to drain out completely.

Remove Pressure Switch and Gauge: If possible, remove the pressure switch and pressure gauge from the pump. This prevents damage to these components due to freezing.

Flush Pump: Flush the pump with non-toxic antifreeze. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the appropriate amount and method of flushing.

Protect Exposed Components: If your pump is located in an area exposed to extreme cold, consider insulating it or using a pump cover to protect it from freezing temperatures.

Store in a Sheltered Location: If possible, remove the pump and store it in a sheltered location for the winter. This protects it from exposure to freezing temperatures and reduces the risk of damage.

Check Regularly: Throughout the winter season, periodically check the pump and associated components for any signs of damage or freezing. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage.

By following these steps, you can effectively winterize your jet pump and protect it from damage during the cold winter months.

The term convertible refers to the pumps ability to be used in deep or shallow well installations. In a deep well, the ejector kit is placed in the well. In a shallow well, it is on the pump. Convertible pumps will not work without the additional required components to make it either a shallow or deep well pump. For help selecting the correct jet assembly for your pump, please contact us.

When selecting the proper Jet Assembly for your pump you will need to know the drop pipe size, discharge pressure and total suction list. With this information, you can select the correct Jet Assembly from the tables: See tables here.

The maximum head/pressure and maximum flow specifications provided by the manufacturer are NOT what can be expected from your pump. The actual performance of the pump in your specific application will vary due to several factors, including system design, piping configuration, elevation changes, and friction losses. When designing or selecting a pump for your application, it's essential to the specific requirements of your system. This includes factors such as the required pressure at various points in the system, the total dynamic head (which accounts for both vertical lift and friction losses), and the desired flow rate.

When determining how many GPM are needed for your home, consider that each fixture is approximately 1.5 to 2 GPM. For example, for a 2-bathroom home, with 1 kitchen, 1 washer and 2 hose bibs outside, the recommended gallons per minute is 17-22 GPM. 

However, when selecting a pump that meets the required GPM, it is important to keep in mind the recovery rate of your well. If you need help determining what is the correct pump for your home, please contact us.

A 2-wire motor will have 2 black wires and a green ground wire (a total of 3 wires). The starting components will be built into the motor itself. 

A 3-wire motor will have a black, red, yellow and green ground wire (a total of 4 wires). The 3-wire motors require a separate control box outside of the pump that will be mounted above ground. 

Yes. Choosing the proper tank for your pumping system will greatly reduce the risk of premature pump failure. If you fail to invest in the correct size pressure tank, you can short cycle your pump. Short cycling is a term used to describe when your pump is turning on and off too frequently. It increases energy use and can cause premature failure of your pump as it builds up excessive heat. When it comes to pressure tanks, bigger is almost always better.

Determining the minimum size pressure tank required for your water system will depend on your pumps flow rate. Here is a table with the recommended tank size for different flow rates: See chart here

There is no such thing as a pressure tank that’s too large. And, because larger pressure tanks have fewer pump cycles, it can increase the life of your pressure tank. However, you can choose a tank that is too small. When the pump cycles too quickly, it can cause the pump to fail prematurely.

Using a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) with your pump system can offer several benefits. Here are some potential advantages of using a VFD: 

Energy Savings: VFDs allow for precise control of motor speed by adjusting the frequency of the electrical power supplied to the motor. By running the motor at lower speeds when full capacity is not required, VFDs can significantly reduce energy consumption compared to running the motor at constant speed.

Improved Efficiency: Operating pumps at lower speeds using a VFD can improve system efficiency by matching pump output to actual demand. This reduces unnecessary energy losses due to throttling or bypassing excess flow, particularly in systems with varying demand.

Reduced Wear and Tear: VFDs enable soft starting and stopping of motors, reducing mechanical stress and wear on pump components. This can extend the lifespan of the pump and associated equipment, leading to lower maintenance costs and downtime.

Smaller Tank Size: When using a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) with a pump system, a smaller pressure tank can be used because the VFD allows the pump to run smoothly at different speeds, reducing the need for the pump to turn on and off frequently. This means the pressure tank doesn't need to store as much water. The VFD also reacts quickly to changes in water demand, so even with a smaller tank, the system can still maintain consistent pressure. Smaller tanks take up less space and are usually less costly. By using a smaller tank with a VFD, you save space and money without sacrificing performance.

Please contact us if you would like to learn more about how to incorporate a VFD into your pump system.