According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 15 million households in the U.S. rely on private wells and water pumps for their water supply. If you’ve recently bought a home and need to purchase your first water pump, here’s a brief guide to help you make an informed choice.

Water Pump Basics

A private well obtains groundwater for household use by tapping into an aquifer. While the well provides access to water, a water pump is needed to draw the water from the aquifer and distribute it through a home’s plumbing system. Most water pumps fall into one of two categories, either submersible pumps or jet pumps. Deciding which type is best for your well depends on a number of factors, including its depth and the amount of water used.

Jet Pumps

Jet pumps are very powerful and can deliver large amounts of water at faster rates than other water pumps. They are a smart option if you have a large home that uses water frequently and has multiple plumbing fixtures. Jet pumps are mounted above ground and are commonly used in shallow wells. These pumps are powered by an electric motor, and they lift the water up from the ground. The water is then pushed through a pipe via the suction that’s created when an impeller pushes water through a narrow, cone-shaped nozzle. This feature is called a jet.

Submersible Pumps

While jet pumps pull water up from the ground, submersible water pumps are installed below the water. They push water up from the ground and operate from an impeller powered by an electric motor. However, the process of pushing the water requires less energy than pulling the water, which makes them more efficient than jet pumps. They are a popular choice for deeper wells, and while not as powerful as jet pumps, they tend to last longer and rarely require water pump repair.
 

When you’re in need of water pump replacement, contact the experts at Stackhouse & Son Well Drilling. For nearly 50 years, they’ve been providing residents of the Bloomsburg, PA, area with services for existing and new wells, including water well drilling, water pump installation, and water pump repair. They also offer same-day emergency services. Check out their website to learn more about water pumps for your well, and call (570) 784-5034 to arrange for a complimentary estimate today.