We've come a long way from the days of drawing up well water with a bucket attached to a rope. Today, cutting-edge technology has made wells efficient and reliable systems for delivering water to one or more households. One innovation that makes this possible is the VFD or “Drive”. You may be curious how this device operates and its importance to your home. Henderson Well and Pump, in Vernon, NJ, answers the top questions they receive. 

What Is a VFD?

A VFD or Drive is basically a computer that controls your pump.

Why Would I Want a Drive?

Pumps that are controlled by Drives are among the most advanced and effective technologies for delivering well water to households. They provide consistent water pressure and rarely break down. 

How Is a Drive different from a standard system?

A Drive regulates how fast your pump runs. The pump only runs as fast as it needs to to maintain the set pressure. The standard system works off of a pressure switch that is either full on or full off. When the pump comes on, it is hit with full voltage which over a long period will wear out the motor. A Drive has a soft start feature that slowly ramps the pump up to it’s required speed. This extends the life of the motor and because the pump only runs fast enough to maintain pressure, electric consumption is lower.

How Easy Is a Drive to Install?

The installation process for a Drive can be complicated. As a DIY project, it is not advised. The Drive must be matched with the pump and motor to work properly. There are some Drives that will work with existing pumps. But this information needs to be known in advance. In most cases, the pump will need to be replaced when a Drive is installed. Our preferred manufacturer of Drives is Grundfos. They have many models available that have proven reliable. We have been installing them for over 15 years and most are still working today with no problems.

Henderson Well and Pump has been finding ways to access groundwater for residents of the Tri-State area for close to 60 years. Whether you need water well repairs, installation, or are looking to make an equipment upgrade, the skilled technicians at Henderson Well and Pump can carry out your project with expediency and professionalism. Visit our website to learn more about our services, or call directly at (973) 764-7240.