If you live in the city, then having some freshwater is not a problem as you already have a municipal water supply connected to your home. But, what if you live in rural areas? Then this might turn out to be a bit problematic as the only water source is a shallow well right outside. In most cases, most people use a bucket and a rope to get the water out. But, is it possible to skip this annoying, cumbersome, and time-consuming process? Oh yes! By using the best shallow well pump.
Now, shallow well pumps are brilliant additions in any home. They’re very convenient because they help to draw water from the well to any destination you will direct the pipes.
Sometimes it’s easier said than done. Although it’s easy to plan, getting to the market and making an informed decision on what to buy is a totally different thing. That’s because the market is already overwhelmed with so many well pumps making it extremely difficult to figure out which one will suit your specific situation.
Although they may appear similar, these pumps differ depending on the quality, durability, motor horsepower, voltage, thermal protection, and cognitive capacities among others.
I will bear with you that the market is overwhelmed with hundreds if not thousands of well pump variations. There are also lots of factors to consider and many technical terms used.
Thankfully, this buyer’s/review guide has done all the research for you by discussing 13 pumps you can consider. As a bonus, we’ve added some tips that you can consider before parting with your money as well as some frequently asked questions that will act as eye-openers. If you’re ready, then we can commence.
[toc]
Best Shallow Well Pumps: Editor’s Top Picks
Top 10 Best Shallow Well Pump Reviews:
1. Goulds J10S Shallow Well Jet Pump
If size and performance are some of the things that matter to you, then you might need to examine the Goulds J10S Shallow Well Jet Pump more closely.
This model is one of the best to consider for shallow wells that don’t go beyond 30 ft. Some people call it an install-and-forget type of pump due to its heavy-duty corrosion-resistant cast iron casing that protects it from the elements.
About the performance, this pump is dedicated to giving its all without ever disappointing you. It has an impressive motor power of 1 HP that delivers over 8.6 GPM at a pressure rate of 30 to 50 PSI depending on the depth of the well.
When it comes to the power source, the Goulds J10S can be wired on either a 115V or a 250V power outlet. The motor operates at 3500rpm plus an operating frequency of 60 Hz making it one of the most efficient and most silent pumps in the market.
To those worried about the installation, this pump is among the easiest to install and it requires a standard pipe connection of 1.25” Npt for suction and 1” Npt for discharge.
Pros
- It can be used on a single-phase electric installation.
- It has an inbuilt automatic shut-off feature.
- The cast iron casing guarantees a long lifespan.
- It has an overload sensor.
- It has a mechanical seal to prevent dry running.
Cons
- The pressure switch is of low quality.
- It doesn’t have a warranty.
2. Red Lion 97080503 Shallow Well Jet Pump
In case you’re not interested in buying a single pump, then you might fall in love with the Red Lion 97080503 Shallow Well Pump. Now, the main advantage of this unit over our previous Goulds J10S is the fact that it comes with a dedicated pressure tank to help increase water pressure for regular water usage.
If your home is a four or five-bedroom condo, then you might require one of these. The downside though is that the tank is quite small meaning it will need to cycle often to catch up with the regular water usage in your home.
Now, just like our previous pump, this one too is housed on a rugged cast iron casing that guarantees maximum safety of the pump regardless of the situation. This pump too is powered by a 115V or a 230V single-phase power outlet which is common in most homes.
The motor has a frequency of 60 Hz though it’s less powerful at ½ HP. Nonetheless, the motor can pump about 12.6GPM at a pressure of about 30 to 50 PSI. The horizontal pressure pump is made of stainless steel and can hold a water capacity of 5.8 gallons at a time.
The Red Lion 97080503 also comes with an injector, a valve, and a pressure gauge. To make things even spicier, it has a 2-year limited warranty which is a relief to most shoppers.
Pros
- It comes with a dedicated pressure tank.
- It has a 30/50 PSI pressure switch.
- Housed under a heavy-duty cast iron casing for durability.
- Perfect for single-phase use.
- It comes with a 2-year limited warranty.
Cons
- Sometimes it’s hard to prime.
- It tends to leak water.
3. WAYNE SWS100 1 HP Cast Iron Shallow Well Jet Pump
The WAYNE SWS100 1 HP Shallow Well Pump is among those models that are designed to handle heavy-duty water sucking assignments. Now, if your budget cannot allow you to purchase a unit with a pressure tank such as our previous Red Lion 97080503, then you don’t have to worry as this model is here to handle all your water needs.
Now, with its 1HP motor, this pump is capable of delivering a whopping 510 gallons of water per hour with a pressure level of at least 50 PSI. However, the amount of water this pump can deliver in a single hour will highly depend on the depth of the well.
In most cases, well pumps work with 115 and 230V power outlets. However, with the WAYNE SWS100, things are a little bit different as it’s designed to work with either a 120V or a 240V power outlet which is also very common in most homes.
This pump uses a pipe connection of ¾ inchNpt discharge and a 1 ¼ inch Npt suction. It also comes in a few more variations depending on your requirements such as the ½ HP, the 1HP, and the ¾ HP models.
Pros
- It has a high flow rate.
- Compatible with 120V and 240V power outlets.
- Draws water from wells up to 25 ft. deep.
- It comes with a 3-year limited warranty.
- It has a high-pressure rate of up to 50 PSI.
Cons
- It needs extra protection from the elements.
- It has low energy efficiency.
4. Flotec FP4012-10 1/2 HP Shallow Well Pump Jet
The WAYNE SWS100 suffered one minor blow—it’s not energy efficient. So, if you’re a customer looking to save more on electricity bills, then you might opt to consider the Flotec FP4012-10 Shallow Well Pump. Now, by just looking at this pump, you might be deceived by its moderate ½ HP motor. However, when it comes to the ground, this pump has enough power to suck water from a maximum lift of 25 ft.
It has a steady metal construction and is reinforced with a fiberglass thermoplastic cover to protect it from sandy water, vibration and corrosion. To shore case its dominance, this pump is equipped with a powerful pressure switch that’s set at 30/50 PSI which allows the motor to suck about 10 GPM with a pressure rate of 40 PSI.
When it comes to power consumption, this pump relies on the 115V and 230V power outlets that are readily available in most homes. It’s also one of the lightest pump models in the market with a weight of 23.1 pounds.
The Flotec FP4012-10 has discharge fitting of 1 ½ inch Npt inlet and 1-inch Npt outlet meaning it can use the standard plumbing piping without any issues. It also comes with a 1-year warranty making it one of the best choices in the market.
Pros
- It has an anti-corrosive construction.
- The motor is insulated and protected from overheating.
- It has a high flow rate.
- The motor is heavy-duty and has dual voltage.
- Installation is a breeze.
Cons
- Since it’s made of plastic, the motor is hence noisy.
- It’s slightly less efficient as compared to previous versions.
5. BurCam 506547SS SW Stainless Steel Jet Pump
The BurCam 506547SS Stainless Steel Jet Pump is another smart addition to any home that requires both intermittent and steady flow of water. Unlike its close cousins, this pump has gone beyond the usual tradition of using cast iron casing to use something more reliable—stainless steel casing. At least this way, you’re able to guarantee durability as the casing can protect the pump from knocks, vibrations, and the elements.
What’s more, is that the pump has a very strong ¾ HP motor that sucks about 457 GPH at a pressure rate of 65 PSI. However, the rate by which it sucks water from the well greatly varies depending on the depth of the well.
About the power usage, this pump relies on the regular 115V or 230V power outlet to operate. It also has a frequency of 60 Hz making it quite silent when operating. Now, apart from the pump itself, there’s a dedicated stainless steel pressure tank that has a capacity of 6.6 gallons.
At least with this pressure tank, a steadier flow of water can be guaranteed that is enough to supplement all your water requirements. This shallow well pump is also equipped with a pressure switch that’s factory set to 30/50 PSI.
Pros
- This pump has a very attractive design.
- The motor is very silent.
- The stainless steel casing boosts durability.
- It has a high-pressure rating thanks to the pressure tank.
- It’s also very easy to hook up.
Cons
- Corrosion is evident in the motor housing.
- When new, there are cases of rubber taste in water.
6. Goulds J5S Shallow Well Jet Pump
The Goulds J5S Shallow Well Pump is another variation of the first pump we reviewed here, the Goulds J10S Shallow Well Jet Pump. Therefore, you will expect to see some minor similarities which are just a strategy for Goulds Pumps (the manufacturer) to shore case their design authenticity.
To begin, this pump has a highly performing ½ HP motor that is powerful enough to suit intermittent water requirements. Also powered by a 115V or a 230V single-phase power outlet, this pump is capable of achieving a steady flow rate of at least 8.6 GPM at 30 PSI in wells no more than 25 ft.
Now, although the motor is slightly less powerful, it operates at 3500 rpm with a frequency of 60 Hz making it a unit worth your time if you’re really looking for a smooth silent pump that will not draw the attention of your neighbors.
This pump is constructed from a corrosion-resistant cast iron casing which will definitely resist damage to the maximum. It comes with a pressure switch with a preset of 30/50 PSI and pipe connection requirements of 1.25” Npt for suction and 1” Npt for discharge.
Pros
- Has a solid stainless steel shaft.
- It has overload protection.
- It has met all the required NEMA standards.
- It’s very quiet.
- Has a built-in automatic shut-off.
Cons
- It can’t pump efficiently beyond 30 ft.
- It’s also susceptible to rust.
7. Acquaer Convertible Deep WellJet Pump With Injector kit
In case your water requirements can’t be met by some of the pumps that are available in the market, why not give the Acquaer 1HP Dual-Voltage Well Jet Pump a try? After all, its 1 HP motor is one feature that demonstrates how powerful this beast is.
With a dual voltage advantage of 115V and 230V, this pump will definitely not fail you when it comes to your daily water requirements. Its ability to use single-phase power means that it can be powered by a generator in case of a worst-case scenario.
When it comes to performance, this pump is capable of achieving a flow rate of over 900 GPH with a steady pressure of over 50 PSI. It’s also constructed from cast iron for maximum durability and above all, it can easily be connected using standard plumbing pipes thanks to the 1 ½ inch suction and 1-inch discharge with an ejector included.
Pros
- There’s an inbuilt thermal overload protector.
- There’s a reliable pressure switch that’s pre-set at 30/50 PSI.
- The motor is surprisingly dual voltage.
- Offers a 2-year limited warranty.
- Housed under a durable cast iron casing.
Cons
- It doesn’t have a pressure gauge.
- Only intended for shallow wells.
8. Red Lion RJS-50-PREM 602206 Premium Cast Iron Shallow Well Jet Pump
The Red Lion RJS-50-PREM 602206 Shallow Well Pump is a smaller version of our previous Red Lion 97080503 Shallow Well Pump which we reviewed earlier. Although both of these models use a similar motor with a strength of ½ HP, some minor differences here and there make them distinguishable.
For instance, this model has a lower flow rate of 12 GPM which is slightly different from our previous Red Lion model which had a flow rate of 23 GPM.
However though, regardless of these slight differences, this pump has its own strong points that make it a smart choice for shoppers looking for something reliable and long-lasting. This is highlighted by its solid cast iron construction that houses the pump to guarantee its safety from extreme conditions.
For those living in rural areas where power is sometimes an issue, this pump is equipped with a dual voltage motor that works perfectly when connected to both 115V and 230V power outlets. Designed with a capacitor, this pump can also be operated by a generator and still deliver the same high-quality results.
It’s fitted with a brilliant automatic shut-off, a pressure switch with a factory pre-set of 30/50 PSI, a glass-filled thermoplastic impeller, and a diffuser to enhance a steady flow of water.
Pros
- Built with a heavy-duty cast iron casing.
- Versatile enough to suit various uses.
- The motor is dual voltage.
- It also has an auto shut-off function for added safety.
- It provides a steady flow of water.
Cons
- It doesn’t have a low-pressure cut-off.
- The motor overheats at times.
9. BACOENG 1.6HP Stainless Booster Pump Shallow Well Pump
Now, the BACOENG 1.6HP Stainless Shallow Well Pump is among those pumps with beautiful designs you can’t resist looking at. To balance between beauty and convenience, BACOENG has designed the front of the pump with stainless steel and the rest of the body with cast iron casing to enhance durability.
Like it’s not enough, they’ve added a handle at the top to make it easier for you to transport this 15-pound pump to any location of your choice.
When it comes to the performance department, this pump has truly thrived and outperformed most of its closest competitors. First, the BACOENG Shallow Well Pump has a powerful motor with a whopping 1.6HP. It has a power rating of 1200W and a maximum flow rate of 1000 GPH and a pressure of 69 PSI.
To allow for efficiency, this pump is designed to draw water from wells 23 ft. max. It has a convenient ON/OFF switch and a power cable with a length of 4ft. It’s also versatile enough to handle various water requirements such as irrigation, gardening, aquarium use, and domestic use.
Pros
- Versatile enough to suit a variety of uses.
- It has a very powerful 1.6HP motor.
- Has a carry handle for convenience.
- It has a high power output of 1200W.
- A high flow rate of 69 PSI.
Cons
- It tends to leak water when pumping.
10. Goplus 1.6HP Shallow Well Pump & Tank Garden Water Pump
Just like our previous well water pump, the Goplus 1.6HP Shallow Well Pump is another high-performance pump that’s perfect for tough situations. Whether it’s sucking water from a well, pumping water to the upper stories of a building, pumping water to an aquarium, or sucking water from your backyard pool, this pump is one of the best models that will never fail you.
With its extremely powerful 1.6HP motor, this pump can suck water at a steady flow of 1000 GPH which is more than enough for intermittent water usage. It also has a maximum power rating of 1200W and an unbelievably deep suction depth of 60 ft.
With such specs, there’s no doubt that this pump is generally the best when it comes to heavy commercial usage such as pumping water from septic in construction sites. For safety purposes, this pump is equipped with a slide valve, a built-in pressure gauge, and thermal/overload protection to keep things in order.
Pros
- At 1.6HP, this pump is extremely powerful.
- It’s also universal and capable of handling a variety of situations.
- Draws water from a depth of 60ft.
- At 30 pounds, this pump is highly portable.
- Cast iron casing offers immense durability.
Cons
- The poor threads on the pipe connection cause water to leak.
- The plastic parts on the housing make durability an issue.
11. STA-Rite SND-L Shallow Well Jet Pump 3/4HP 115/230V
The reason why the STA-Rite SND-L Shallow Well Pump has made it to our list is due to its powerful ¾ HP motor that can multitask and pump water from shallow wells with a maximum depth of 25 ft.
It can pump at least 11.4 GPM with a flow rate of 40 PSI. Combining this with the high-performing motor, the final result is a pump that’s versatile enough to suit a wide range of water pumping tasks.
About its construction, this pump is built with a cast iron body that’s tough enough to resist regular wear and tear caused by regular knocks and the elements. When it comes to performance, the motor is equipped with heavy-duty ball bearings that keep it lubricated to prevent friction and reduce operating noise.
Superior insulation materials have also been used to prevent overheating of the motor at all costs. For those worried about the power source, the STA-Rite SND-L Shallow Well Pump is powered by a 115V or a 230V single-phase power outlet for optimal performance.
Pros
- It’s fitted with a pressure switch with a setting of 30/50 PSI.
- It’s reinforced with a polypropylene diffuser.
- The motor is insulated with motor windings to prevent moisture leakage.
- The bearings are permanently lubricated for smooth operation.
- The motor is dual voltage enabled.
Cons
- The motor can sometimes malfunction.
12. Happybuy Shallow Well Jet Pump and Tank 1 HP 750W Shallow Well Pump
Happybuy has released a couple of high-quality pumps with the happy buy Shallow Well Jet Pump being one of them. Since it is perfectly built, this pump can serve a variety of purposes such as sucking water from a well, septic, a pool, or pumping water to overhead sprinklers for irrigation purposes.
The pump itself is housed under a cast iron body while the pressure tank, including the centrifugal impeller, is made of stainless steel to prevent corrosion while still eliminating the pumping of rust water for drinking purposes.
The performance is something you’ll definitely love as everything has been designed with the user in mind. First, this pump is powered by a very powerful 1HP motor that can extract at least 740 GPH of water at a depth of 45 meters.
Like it’s not enough, the motor has a power rating of 750W and an operating speed of 3420 rpm making it one of the most efficient pumps in this list.
Pros
- Ventilation provides efficient heat dissipation.
- The motor is winded with copper coils for added durability.
- There are a gauge and a pressure switch at the disposal.
- It has a very high flow rate of 740 GPH.
- The 1HP motor is powerful enough to suit a variety of uses.
Cons
- There are cases of leakages.
- The user manual is very shallow.
13. XtremepowerUS 1.6HP Shallow Well Pump Tank
Our review can never be complete without listing the XtremepowerUS 1.6HP Shallow Well Pump. Although the rest of the pumps in this list have truly impressed in terms of their performance, this one is among the best pumps that will lower your workload immensely.
To begin, this pump uses a very powerful 1.6HP motor that’s capable of extracting water from a 150 ft. well with a flow rate of 1000 GPH and a maximum pressure rating of 72.5 PSI. Since overworking the motor at such a high rate can expose it to regular overheating, XtremepowerUS has solved this issue by adding a thermal overload protector that brings the motor to a sudden stop to prevent burning.
In addition to that, there’s a dedicated automatic booster system and a pressure gauge to give you an explicit view of how the flow rate is getting along. This pump also comes with a dedicated pressure tank that provides a pressure boost of up to 5 times as compared to most other pumps in its category.
Pros
- It has a high power rating of 1200W.
- It has met all the required CE safety requirements.
- The pump has a high flow rate of 1000 GPH.
- At 28 pounds, this pump is unbelievably light.
- The 1.6HP motor is extremely powerful.
Cons
- It’s quite noisy.
- The motor suffers regular breakage.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Shallow Pump
Now, in our review section, we’ve discussed 13 of the best shallow well pumps that will definitely make a difference. But, even after choosing some pumps which you believe lie in your circle of interest, you will still require some technical knowledge that will help you rule out the rest and remain with your very best shallow well jet pump. So, if you’re ready, then let’s commence.
-
1. Well Depth:
The first thing you’ll need to consider when choosing a shallow well pump is the depth of your well. You see, the reason why they’re called shallow well pumps is due to their capacity to pump water from shallow wells of 25 feet and below.
So, if your well is somewhere from 10 ft. to 25 ft., then this is exactly what you need. If your well is anywhere from 25 ft. to 100 ft., then you’ll need to look for a deep well pump. Wells ranging from 100 ft. and beyond will require a submersible pump.
Therefore, to avoid any confusion, it’s wise that you measure the depth of your well to know the exact measurements and determine the right pump that will work for you.
-
2. Efficiency:
Another factor you’ll need to consider when choosing a shallow well pump is efficiency. Here, you need to consider the size of your home and the total number of water fixtures present. Let’s assume your home is a 5 bedroomed condo unit with about 8 water fixtures where each water fixture has a requirement of 60 gallons per hour (GPH).
So, by multiplying the 8 fixtures with the 60 GPH, you’ll be able to determine the amount of water your pump will need to pump into your tanks. By doing this, you’ll also be able to know whether to spend some extra money to buy a more powerful pump or to stick to a moderately powerful pump.
-
3. Housing Material:
The housing of the well pump is something else you’ll need to examine closely. Thankfully, most pumps of this caliber are made of the metal casing, usually stainless steel and rugged cast iron. However, there are some manufacturers that make their pumps from thermoplastic polymer so you need to be really careful.
Now, the best thing about metal housings is that they’re both corrosion and rust-resistant. This is quite the contrary with a thermoplastic polymer which will break regularly and will hence require regular maintenance.
-
4. Thermal Protection:
Thermal and overload protection is another feature you might wish to consider when shopping for a reliable well pump. With this feature, your pump’s motor will regularly be stopped whenever it reaches high temperatures to prevent it from overheating.
Overheating is usually a common issue with well pump motors which is caused by clogging of soil. This can over-burden the motor causing partial or permanent damage to your pump.
-
5. Horsepower:
When it comes to horsepower, you need to be really careful as the calculations can sometimes be misleading. It’s said that the higher the horsepower value a well pump has, the more powerful it is.
Now, just as their name suggests, these pumps are meant for shallow waters. Therefore, a pump with just ½ HP will be powerful enough to suck enough water supply to supplement your domestic needs. At least this way, you’ll be able to economize on energy as you won’t be needing too much power.
However, in case your home is quite big to require more water for domestic use and for irrigation, only at such a situation will you go for a pump with higher horsepower.
-
6. Dirt Protection:
One bitter truth about your pump is that it will have to stay outside next to your well. What this means is that the pump will be at the mercy of the elements such as rain and dust. So, to keep it well protected, you will need to build a “house” for it to protect it from rain and extreme dust. From there, you’ll need to ensure the pump you buy is advertised and tested to be dustproof. At least this way, you’ll manage to save it from dust and give it more years of service.
-
7. Noise Produced:
Of course, this is another major consideration you can’t just ignore. Since you’ll be using your pump often, the noise it produces when operating is something of a concern. If it’s too loud, it will definitely create a nuisance that will not be good for you and your neighbors.
To some extent, loud operating noise can draw the attention of bad guys which can lead to theft. So, to avoid all these, you need to choose a fairly quiet pump that will operate silently without driving you insane.
-
8. Power Source:
Regardless of how beautiful the pump looks, you’ll need to think about its operating power before you can purchase it. The best thing about this is that most homes, both in the United States and other regions, use the standard 120V outlets which are enough to power most of the shallow well pumps.
However, there are a few models here and there that are so powerful and will hence require a higher voltage to operate. So, to ensure that you don’t end up scratching your head the moment you get home with your pump, consider your power outlet beforehand.
-
9. Warranty:
Lastly, we will conclude this segment by discussing the warranty. Due to the excitement of owning a new pump, most people end up forgetting about this silent but key consideration. When it comes to well pumps, not forgetting machines and electronics, thinking about the warranty is not an exception.
If your pump doesn’t have a warranty, then it means it’s a cheap offshore and generic product that will break down time after time. This will call for regular maintenance which will be costly in the long last. Therefore, to avoid all these regular maintenances, always go for a long-lasting and reliable pump that has a long warranty.
Shallow Well Pump vs Submersible Pump
Just as we mentioned earlier, living outside town means that you’ll most probably require an electromechanical system for drawing water from your well to the overhead storage tanks for later use. To achieve this, there are several things you’ll have to consider one of which is choosing between a shallow well pump and a submersible pump. So, to ensure the process runs out smoothly without any issues, we’ll briefly discuss these two types of pumps.
- Mode of Operation
Starting with the shallow well pump, this type of pump is designed to sit above the well and suck or pull water up. They’re convenient options for people with shallow wells and are usually paired with pressure tanks to ensure even distribution of water throughout your home’s plumbing systems.
Now, in contrast with the shallow well pumps, the submersible pumps are installed inside the wells and are designed to push the water upwards. The reason why they’re called deep well submersible pumps is that they’re installed in deep wells from 100 ft. to several hundred ft.
Due to their nature of pushing water upwards, these pumps are energy efficient and have strong motors as compared to their shallow well counterparts.
- Cost
Now, submersible pumps tend to cost more due to their complex mechanical parts inside. However, once installed, these pumps will require less maintenance from thereon. Shallow well pumps, on the other hand, cost less but are quite expensive to install and maintain.
- Energy Efficiency
Unbelievably, submersible pumps are slightly more energy-efficient as compared to shallow well pumps. How does that happen? Now listen, submersible pumps push water upwards. Although they use the same energy, this pushing mechanism is more efficient and flow-oriented allowing these pumps to use less energy.
This is quite the contrary with shallow well pumps that have to fight against gravity and atmospheric pressure to deliver water from the well to the tanks. This pulling process overworks these pumps causing them to use more energy.
- Performance
Finally, there’s the performance. Since submersible pumps are designed to push water up, this makes the pumping process more efficient in terms of speed, flow rate, and pressure.
When it comes to shallow well pumps, these pumps rely heavily on priming which means the pump needs to be filled with water before it can be pumped. This process leads to a slower pumping process which results in a reduced flow rate and pressure.
Advantages of the Shallow Well Pump
Now, the best shallow well pump is an excellent addition to any home that depends on shallow well water for survival. These pumps are reliable for wells that have a maximum depth of 25 ft., though it depends on the area in question. What I mean is mountainous or high altitude areas will require a shallower depth of about 18 or 20 ft.
These pumps are used above the source of water and they rely on single-suction technology to suck the water from the well to the surface. So, with that said, here are just a few of the reasons that might force you to have one of these pumps right next to your water source.
- First and foremost, these pumps are the cheapest solution for drawing water from your well. They’re not only affordable but also energy-efficient as compared to submersible pumps.
- They’re fitted with pressure boosters that ensure that water is drawn from the well with a steady PSI. This is highly beneficial if your home is huge and requires a steady flow of water.
- The motors fitted in these pumps are very powerful. They also have safety features built into them such as thermal and overload protection to give them a longer lifespan.
- These pumps are also beneficial if you’re intending to start irrigation. They can supply enough water to your garden for irrigation purposes.
- Finally, if you’re looking to draw unwanted water from a pond or a water body near your home, then you can use these pumps to remove the water with ease. They can also be used in apartments to remove water from a flooded basement or any other flooded area. For those doing fish farming, this shallow well pump will really help to pump water from the well to your pond.
Shallow Well Pump Use And Maintenance
Having a shallow well is one part of the story. To make it complete, you’ll need a high performing pump that will draw water from the well to your home or business for usage. Given the amount of regular work these pumps are bound to perform, proper usage and maintenance is, therefore, a necessity if you intend to see them work for a long time.
Due to that reason, this section will discuss some ways in which you can use and maintain your shallow well pump.
- The first thing you need to know is that these pumps are not one size fits all. You, therefore, can’t guarantee that they’ll fit on all wells they’re fitted on. You need to measure the depth of your well to determine the right model that will work for you. That way, you’ll be able to use your pump effectively while still maintaining it.
- Secondly, you need to regularly inspect your pump to ensure that it’s working in the right order. This will help you avoid problems that can lead to high maintenance costs. Things like dirt, silt, and sand should be checked and removed regularly to avoid damaging the eye of the impeller. The motor should also be examined regularly for overheating issues in case your model doesn’t have overheat protection.
- Thirdly, your well should be clean and habitable enough to welcome a shallow well pump. Always examine the water purity to ensure it’s clean and free from any chemicals, bacteria, and other contaminants.
Remember, if your pump develops some buildups, this can affect the pressure of the water making it low. This will cause the pump to overwork the motor to try and fill the deficit which will result in damage in the long last.
Some Common Problems & Troubleshooting
- The Pump Doesn’tTurn On:
Although many reasons can cause your pump to fail, some of the most common are possible electrical failure or tripping of the fuse or the circuit board. So, to correct this, you first need to check the electrical wiring on the pump to ensure its okay.
If that’s not the cause, then you can proceed to examine the fuse to check whether it’s damaged. In case the fuse is fine, you might try to disconnect the pump from that particular outlet then test another electrical appliance to determine whether it’s the pump or the outlet that has an issue.
- There’s no Water Coming Out:
If that’s the case, the first step is to ensure there’s power by double-checking the circuit breaker. Then, check the pressure switch to see whether it’s damaged. Next, run a quick test on the pump to ensure that it doesn’t have any damaged electrical components.
- Pump Runs and Doesn’t Stop:
If the pump runs nonstop, then it means there’s a huge problem which could be a heavily leaking water line somewhere. So, to troubleshoot this problem, you’ll need to call a technician to find the leakage and fix it.
- Pumps at Low Pressure:
In case you’ve noticed pressure doesn’t build up when your pump is at work, then it simply means there are foreign materials clogging the impeller and the nozzle.
So, to troubleshoot this problem, you need to examine these parts alongside the strainer, the foot valve, and the pipe to ensure there’s no mud, sand, or other debris clogging to the system.
- Pulsing Water:
When water pulses, then it means there’s a problem with the pressure tank. You see, a pressure tank stores about 6 to 10 gallons of water inside a bladder located inside the tank. This water rests at the bottom half of the bladder while the other top half is filled with air.
So, as the pump fills the pressure tank with water, this water applies pressure to the air above which in return pushes water forcing it to circulate through the plumbing to the faucets in the house with high pressure.
Now, in case of water seeps to the upper parts of the bladder (to the air chamber), this forces the water in the faucets to lose pressure dramatically. It also makes the water appear rusty and also increases your electric bill rapidly. The only way to fix this problem is by replacing the pressure tank altogether.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about Shallow Well Pump
-
Q1: Can These Pumps Usable in Deep Wells?
Just as we’ve mentioned in most of our reviews, these pumps are only intended for shallow wells that are at least 25 ft. deep. Anything more than that will force you to consider a submersible pump model instead as they’re suitable for drawing water from wells beyond 100 ft. deep.
-
Q2: Can the Pump be Installed in the Well?
Again no. The reason why they’re called shallow well pumps is that they’re designed to be installed on top of the well and not inside the well. If you’re looking for a model that can be installed inside the well, then you’ll have to look for a submersible model.
-
Q3: Is it Possible for the Depth of the Water to Change?
Yes. It’s very possible. In fact, this is something you should countercheck regularly especially since the water in wells can change regularly. In some cases, the water in your well can be increased by floods or excessive rain or be reduced by drought.
Now, since these pumps are designed to suck water up to about 25 ft. deep, in case the volume of water drops beyond this depth, then it means these pumps will not be usable anymore.
-
Q4: Are These Pumps Durable?
The simple answer is yes. In fact, these pumps can go up to 10 years or even more without getting damaged at all. What determines their longevity, however, is how you use and maintain them. If you keep a clean record of regular maintenance, then these pumps will offer you years of service. On the other hand, if you leave them at the mercy of the elements, then you’ll be shocked to see them breaking even before their time.
Final Verdict
Now that you’ve read through this insightful guide from start to finish, we believe you’ve gathered plenty of information that will help you arrive at an informed conclusion. Whether you decide to go with Red Lion, Wayne, Goulds, or Flotec, everything about these pumps is right at your disposal.
For those living in rural areas, the best shallow well pump is an important investment that will give you access to clean drinking water both for your home and for irrigation purposes. In case you’re still undecided, then maybe you might wish to go through our list once more to try and digest the content.