So what is the best shallow well pump for you? And how to choose the best one, as there are many different types of pumps available in the market. No need to worry. Here I will give you six eye-opening buying tips to help you choose the best pump for your home.
What is a Shallow Pump
A shallow pump is one of the most important appliances if your home relies on well water completely. The pump is installed over the ground in a safe place and needs a prime before you start digging up water, not unlike a submersible well pump that works underground that works automatically.
A small 0.5 to 1 HP (horsepower) shallow well pump motor can deliver all the water you need from the earth below to your kitchens and bathrooms. They can deliver up to 12 gallons of water per minute from wells up to 25 feet in the ground. You just set up a holding tank that stores the water in the house.
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How to Choose the Best Shallow Well Pump that Lasts Long
Okay, in any pump, the horsepower, gallons per minute, and power consumption are the most crucial thing to check before buying. But there are other important things you should also check along with it, like durability, well depth, pressure switch, and others. Here are the things you should check before you buy a well pump.
1. Check The Depth of Your Well
Well depth is the most important factor to consider when choosing a pump. In some areas, shallow pumps (sometimes called jet pumps) just do not work as they can only pull up the water below 25 feet between up to 9 gallons per minute. If the depth is high than 25 feet, then you need a Deep Well Pump.
A Deep well pump can pull up water from as high as 120 feet. And submersible well pump can do it up to 400 feet. You choose according to your need as those pumps are more expensive than the shallow pump.
2. Select a Good Pressure Switch
A pressure switch is the on and off button for the pump. It detects the amount of available pressure in the water tank, turns on the pump automatically when the pressure falls below 30 psi (set by the manufacturer), and off when the water pressure reaches 50 psi.
In older days, you had to turn the pump on manually to get the water. But in modern pumps, you get this automatic pressure switch, and it handles everything.
3. Get a Overload Protection for the Pump
Now you may be thinking that if this is automatic, how the pump system will protect itself if there is an overload or power surge? Do not worry, as most pumps have an overload Relay that protects the pump by shutting it down before it overheats or causes damage to the motor.
So your work here is to make sure that the shallow pump you are about to buy has an Overload Relay to protect your pump. It is common, and most pump manufacturers deliver it with the pump.
4. Get a Pump Booster
The booster option means they boost your pressure. In some pump models, the booster function is used for homes with deep wells. It is attached to the home plumbing to improve water pressure from the well or municipal water connection (if you have the connection).
This booster option helps the pump work like a proxy Deep Well Pump that can pull water from above 25 feet. I mean, not exactly a deep well pump, but close to it. It is necessary if you have a well above that mark. So check if your pump has it.
5. Verify the Gallons Per Minute of the Pump
The gallon per minute is another crucial factor to check when buying a shallow pump for your home. A 0.5 – 1 HP motor can deliver up to 9 gallons of water per minute to your bathtubs, showers, and sinks.
As a thumb rule, choose a motor that can deliver at least 1 gallon per minute for eminent water supply in your house. Most people select the 1 HP motor for its overall features and performance, but it will cost you more.
6. Carefully Check the Material Used in the Pump
When it comes to the material, it’s all about the cost. All the shallow pumps use different material types like plastic, stainless steel, and cast iron. But plastic is the most affordable one. But it can get damaged sooner, and a replacement may require in a few years.
On the other hand, a steel pump or iron pump has more durability and can last longer. Iron pumps are the most expensive ones and can run up to 20-30 years with little maintenance. So, select the pump according to your budget. Plastic pumps are common and affordable.
Shallow Water Pump FAQs
How deep is a shallow well can be?
On average, a shallow well depth is below 25 feet. If it is above that mark then you will need a deep well pump.
How much water a shallow pump can deliver?
A 0.5 – 1 HP shallow pump motor can deliver up to 9 gallons of water per minute.
Which shallow well pump is the best?
For an average household, a 1 HP shallow pump is the most suitable one as it can deliver water up to 9 gallons per minute.
Last Words
So, this is how you choose the best shallow well pump for your house by checking the gallon per minute, horsepower, and depth of the well. The others are not necessary but good if you have them. Now, look into your budget, decide what function you need for your water supply, and then purchase it.
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