Shallow Well Pump

A shallow well pump is most often used for wells where the water level is less than 25 feet from the surface. Its counterpart, the deep well pump, is used necessarily for deeper water levels. Home owners who are examining the requirements for the installation of a shallow pump system should make sure that they have measured the water level correctly. If the groundwater level is deeper than was previously thought, a whole different process will be needed.

These kinds of systems are used almost exclusively in rural areas where there is no access to any kind of city water network. In most cases, the water must be pumped up from the desired well, where it will subsequently be purified so that it can be used for cooking, drinking, and a wide range of other activities.

Jet Pumps 

Shallow systems, at their core, make use of a jet pump that is ultimately placed at the top of the well itself. In nearly all cases, the jet pump feeds into a draw pipe, which, as its name implies, is responsible for siphoning the needed water to the surface. The upper part of the contraption is usually connected to an electric motor that is often installed in a nearby structure. The motor itself drives an impeller, which ultimately creates an atmospheric pressure difference that is great enough to force water up the pipe.

How It Works

The system, in short, works through suction. Just as sucking on a straw in a can of soda pop creates a mini-vacuum that draws the soda up the straw into the mouth, the above-ground components create a pressure difference in the same way. In effect, the weight of the atmosphere is responsible for allowing the water to be drawn. Hence, houses in different elevations might experience slightly different efficiencies with their shallow water pumps.

Most of the major manufacturers make quality products. Gould and Myers are both consistently cited as providing durable products, as are Aermotor and Red Jacket. If people are searching for a very specific kind of device for their well, then they might want to call around to gauge the prices on different products.

Even a company like Jacuzzi, which is known for its hot tubs, makes good pumps. With some research and a bit of assistance from a friend or neighbor who is well-versed in the field, families should get exactly what they need.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance on the pump should of course always be performed. Review the user manual for information on when and how to maintain the pump for optimal performance. Regular examinations of pumps and motors can head off a range of issues that can be expensive to fix later on. If the system itself seems to be behaving funny, a professional pump technician may need to be called in to make sure that everything is running correctly.

Research Before Buying

Families who are looking into pumps should do some research before buying. One of the best places to look is at Amazon.com, an online retailer that carries a wide variety of products from many different manufacturers. Amazon offers detailed descriptions on many of the products, as well as product reviews from people who have actually bought and used the products.

Another way to research is to visit the manufacturer's websites. Many of the brand names mentioned above have web sites that list product descriptions, usage tips, manuals, prices, warranties, and other helpful information.

Ultimately, a shallow well pump and the related accessory items are the cheapest options for people who are looking for a water-lift system. Because they utilize the natural pressure of the atmosphere to draw water, they are not that difficult to understand in concept or design. With proper installation and routine maintenance, they should remain reliable for years.

Browse our selection of Shallow Well Pumps fulfilled by our retail partner Amazon.com: