For some homes, the municipal water supply doesn’t reach their area. To have a consistent water supply at home, they need a ground well. This is the source of water for 13 million homes in the United States.
The water from ground wells comes from freshwater underneath the Earth’s surface. This is the Earth’s reserve, accumulated from rain and precipitation that enters cracks in the soil. This source of water comprises 95% of the Earth’s freshwater.
The water from the well doesn’t reach the faucet on its own. It needs an additional plumbing system to supply the water directly to the house.
What is a well pump?
A well pump is needed in order to transfer water from the water well to your house in Utah. This electromechanical appliance is the primary option for those living in rural and remote areas.
It sucks the water upward so that it can flow into the house’s plumbing system. A vacuum created by impellers, or spinning rotors, create centrifugal force to bring the water upward.
Well pumps come in three popular types: centrifugal pumps, submersible pumps, and jet pumps.
Centrifugal pumps
Centrifugal pumps only have enough force to suck water from a maximum of 25-feet deep. It only uses a single pipe that penetrates the well borehole and water column.
It is smaller in size and doesn’t need much maintenance, making it an inexpensive option.
Jet pumps
This type of pump is placed on top of the well and close to the house. A suction pipe pulls water from the ground and leads it to a nozzle.
A single drop jet pump can be used for 25 feet deep well. On the other hand, a double drop jet pump can reach up to 150 feet deep with the help of a submersible pump.
In order to jumpstart the pumping process of this type of well pump, water needs to be primed into the system first.
Submersible pumps
Submersible pumps are submerged in water within the well and push up water until it reaches the tank. They can be pump water from 400 feet below the ground since they are made for deep or shallow operations.
Because submersible pumps are designed to stay underwater, they are tightly sealed to avoid electrical problems as well as water leaks.
Know the right well pump for your house
There are a few things to consider before deciding on what kind of well pump to use. The weather in your area affects the amount of water that could be supplied to your home. Since groundwater is your main source, it is possible to run out of water during the summertime or seasons with little to no rainfall.
Knowing your area should also be part of the planning process. How deep should the well go? Is it okay to drill into the ground in your area? Moreover, groundwater is easily contaminated by waste, so it’s necessary to check if there are nearby barns, livestock pens, or other sources of contaminants.
Water is a basic necessity, but running water doesn’t always reach closed-off areas. A water pump may be necessary for your home’s plumbing, and knowing about the types of well pumps can help you in the planning process.
