Well Pump Fundamentals: Key Factors You Should Know
Installing a water well is a great way to ensure your home's water supply independence. Whether you've recently decided that it's time to break free from your town's water supply grid or you've bought a home that already has a well installed, one of the things you need to understand is the importance of the pump that your well relies on. Before you install a new well pump or replace an existing one, there are some things that you should know. Here's a look at a few of the things that you should talk with your water well pump contractor about.
Water Flow Needs
One of the most important things to think about is your family's water demand. Water demand plays a significant role in the selection of your well pump. For example, most households need an average of about 6-12 gallons per minute flow to hold up to standard demand. If you have a larger than average family, you may find that you need a greater flow rate to meet the water demand throughout your house.
Your well pump contractor will help you to assess the average water use in your home and calculate the ideal flow rate for your needs. That way, you can narrow down your well pump options to ensure that you get a pump that can keep up with your family's demand. Remember that you'll need to account for all of the water-using fixtures in your home, including not only sinks, showers, and toilets, but also washing machines, dishwashers, outside water faucets, and plumbed-in refrigerators.
Pump Duty Cycle
Every well pump has a pre-determined duty cycle that defines how long the pump will run before it turns off automatically to allow the motor to cool. While a pump with a duty cycle that's too short may leave you with insufficient water supply during times of heavy demand, a pump with a duty cycle that's too long could lead to premature wear and tear on the pump.
You should talk with your well pump installation contractor about the duty cycle options before you make your choice. The more you understand about the different choices, the easier it is to find the right pump to meet your family's needs without causing premature pump failure due to excessive run times.
Sediment Issues
One of the biggest single threats to a well pump's lifespan is sediment from your well. Remember that there's always a risk of sand, silt, algae, and other types of sediment, especially in shallow wells. Talk with your well pump contractor about the sediment risks with your well, have your well water tested for sediment, and consider any pre-pump filtration options to try to minimize the exposure to your pump.
These are a few of the most important things to think about when it comes to well pumps. Talk with your installation contractor today for more help and information.