Well Pump Sizing Guide: Find Your Fit

Welcome to your ultimate well pump sizing guide! Choosing the right size well pump is key for a reliable water supply at home. If you’re wondering, “what size well pump do I need?” or looking at residential options, we’re here to help. Knowing the water well pump requirements is important for a steady water flow, especially when you need it most.

In this guide, we’ll cover important topics. We’ll talk about different well pumps, what affects their size, and expert tips for picking the right one for you. So, let’s start finding your perfect match!

Key Takeaways

• Match pump capacity to the number of fixtures for optimal performance.
• Consider peak water demand, especially during mornings and evenings.
• Select a pump that meets both current and future water needs.
• Pay attention to the required pressure levels for appliances and sprinklers.
• Access resources from the Water Systems Council for additional guidance.

Understanding Well Pump Basics

First, let’s learn about well pumps. A well pump pulls water from underground. It uses a special force to get water to your home. Knowing about well pumps helps you choose the right one for your water needs.

What is a Well Pump?

A well pump works by changing pressure to lift water. Over 15 million homes in the U.S. use wells for water. Different pumps are used based on how deep the well is:

• Shallow well jet pumps for depths less than 25 feet.
• Deep well jet pumps for depths ranging from 25 to 110 feet.
• Submersible pumps for depths between 25 and 400 feet.

Types of Well Pumps

Knowing about different pumps helps pick the right one for your well:

How Well Pumps Work

Well pumps move water through different depths. A 3- to 4-bedroom home needs a pump that can move 8-12 GPM. Submersible pumps can go up to 400 feet deep and last about 25 years.

Learning about well pumps helps you choose the best one. This ensures your water supply is always there.

Factors to Consider for Sizing

Choosing the right well pump is important. You need to know about factors for well pump sizing. This includes the well’s depth, water demand, and flow rate requirements. Each factor is key to determining well pump size.

Depth of the Well

The well’s depth affects the pump type. For example:

• Wells under 25 feet use shallow well pumps.
• Wells 90 to 300 feet deep need deep well pumps.
• Convertible jet pumps work from 0 to 25 feet or 25 to 90 feet.

Knowing the well’s depth is crucial. It decides if you need a submersible or non-submersible pump.

Water Demand and Usage

Your home’s water demand affects pump choice. In the U.S., over 42 million people use private wells. It’s important to think about daily water use.

1. A typical household needs 100 to 120 gallons per person daily.
2. For homes with one bathroom, 8 gallons per minute are needed.
3. Fixtures usually use 6 to 12 gallons per minute.

Count all your home’s fixtures and faucets. This helps figure out your peak water needs.

Flow Rate Requirements

Knowing flow rate requirements is key for a good well pump. Residential fixtures’ flow rates help pick the right pump. Don’t choose a pump too big for your well to avoid flow problems.

• Look at gallons per hour (GPH) ratings.
• PSI ratings should be between 40 and 60 psi for best performance.
• Check pipe size to ensure proper flow.

Checking these details ensures your pump fits your water demand and flow needs. For more tips, see this guide.

Calculating Your Well Pump Size

Knowing how to size your well pump is key for good performance and long life. Two important things to consider are Gallons Per Minute (GPM) and Total Dynamic Head (TDH). Let’s look at these in more detail.

Gallons Per Minute (GPM) Calculation

The GPM calculation shows how much water flow you need. A typical home needs about 12 GPM. For example, a two-bathroom house might need 14 GPM during busy times.

Here are some important points:

• A pump too big can cause problems.
• Bigger water tanks help the pump last longer.
• If your well is small, you might need a second pump.

Total Dynamic Head (TDH) Explained

Total Dynamic Head is how high the pump must lift water. It’s important for choosing the right pump size. Several things affect TDH, like well depth and needed pressure.

• Water pressure needs vary by appliance:
  • Dishwashers and washing machines need at least 10 psi.
  • Lawn sprinklers need 20 to 40 psi.
• Modern systems usually run at 30 to 50 psi, or 40 to 60 psi.
• Setting pressure at 20 psi at the farthest point ensures enough flow.

The well’s depth often decides the pump type. Shallow wells use shallow pumps, while deeper ones need submersible pumps. Remember, the right pump size for TDH helps avoid low pressure problems.

Choosing the Right Pump Type

Choosing the right pump is key to getting the water you need. Knowing the difference between submersible and jet pumps helps. Each has its own good points and not-so-good points.

Submersible vs. Jet Pumps

Submersible pumps go underwater. They work best in wells 90 to 250 feet deep. They pump water well under pressure.

Jet pumps sit on top of the well. They’re good for wells up to 25 feet deep. Some jet pumps can work in wells up to 90 feet deep.

Pros and Cons of Different Pump Types

Think about these points when picking a pump:

• Submersible Pumps:
  • Pros: Great for deep wells, quiet, and low maintenance.
  • Cons: Harder to install, might cost more.
• Jet Pumps:
  • Pros: Easy to install, cheaper, works for shallow wells.
  • Cons: Needs more upkeep, not as good for deep wells.

Choosing the right pump affects your setup and ongoing costs. Deeper wells need more powerful pumps. For example, a ½ HP pump is enough for 5 GPM. But a 1.5 HP pump is better for 25 GPM.

Using the right pump power prevents burnout. This means your pump will last longer and work better.

Installation Considerations

Putting in a well pump needs careful planning. You can do it yourself or get professionals. Either way, you must think about efficiency and safety.

Well Pump Installation Process

Knowing how to install a well pump is key. Here’s what to do:

1. Assess the Area: Make sure there’s room for the pump and its parts.
2. Gather Necessary Tools: You’ll need wrenches, connectors, and power tools.
3. Prepare the Well: Clean out the well casing of any dirt or blocks.
4. Install the Pump: Put the pump in the well, following the type’s instructions.
5. Connect the Wiring: Wire it up safely, as the maker says.
6. Test the System: Turn on the water and check for leaks or low pressure.

Professional Installation vs. DIY

Deciding between a pro or DIY for well pump installation matters. Think about these points:

• Expertise Level: Pros know how to deal with tough parts and follow rules.
• Time Investment: DIY takes longer if you run into problems. Pros do it quicker.
• Cost Factors: DIY might save money at first. But, pros can avoid expensive mistakes later.
• Safety Concerns: It’s risky with electrical stuff. Pros make it safer.

Knowing these points helps you choose the right way for your well pump.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting Tips

To keep your well pump working well, regular care is key. Doing maintenance tasks helps avoid problems like clogs and overheating. Daily, monthly, and yearly tasks are important to keep things running right.

Check the water pressure and clean filters often. Make sure your pump is the right size. The wrong size can cause it to work too hard and break down fast.

Regular Maintenance Tasks

Important tasks include checking the electrical parts and watching the water pressure. Also, look for any leaks. Doing annual video checks can find problems early.

Following a maintenance plan can make your pump last up to 15 years.

Common Problems and Solutions

Homeowners might face issues like no water or low pressure. Finding these problems early can save money and improve water quality. If your pump keeps turning on and off, it might need a bigger size or expert help.

For big problems like power spikes or mechanical failures, get help from a pro. They can fix it right.