Millions of Americans use well water to meet their daily needs. Just like tap water, well water also has some advantages and drawbacks. One of the main concerns private well owners have to face is a slow water pressure problem. All the components of a well system work together to bring fast-flowing water at your taps. The most important machine responsible for maintaining and delivering high-speed water in your is a well water pump.
In this guide, we will be discussing the different types of well water pumps, what are the symptoms of a faulty water pump, and for which wells a submersible pump is best. We will also review some of the best submersible pumps, a buying guide, and FAQs to address all your concerns related to submersible water pumps.
Types of Water Pumps
Following are the 3 types of well pumps used for domestic purposes
- Centrifugal Pumps
Centrifugal pumps are used for shallow pumps which have an average depth of 25-30 feet. They are small in size and power and can deliver enough suction force to bring out water from small depths. Centrifugal pumps are inexpensive and also easy to maintain.
- Jet Pumps
Jet pumps can be used for shallow and deep pumps. They come in two different types, characterized according to the length of the well. The deep version of these pumps can work for wells with a depth of 50-100 feet. They have a simple mechanical operation and are easy to maintain as well.
- Submersible Pumps
Submersible pumps are made for deep wells with a depth of 80-400 feet or more. They can generate a high suction force. For deeper wells, centrifugal and jet pumps won’t work properly. You would need a submersible well pump to provide your home with fast-flowing water without any issues. Submersible pumps resemble long metal cylinders that are placed deep inside the well. It draws water from the bottom of the well with the help of a motor, and then the water goes up through the flow sleeve. Submersible pumps may be a bit costly but do not need any maintenance for at least 20-30 years. Its watertight construction, flawless design, and durability ensure that no water comes in contact with the pump’s electric components.
Signs you need a new Water Pump
You need a new water pump when you are constructing a new well, increasing your well’s depth, overhauling the well, or want to increase the flow rate of water. Apart from these, the following are the signs that your well pump may need a replacement or a repair.
- Slow flow rate
- Water pressure variations
- Spitting faucets
- High energy bills (likely because the pump starts to consume more electricity when it starts to malfunction)
- Unusual working sound (for above ground pumps)
Which wells need a submersible pump?
Deep wells with a depth of more than 80-100 feet need a submersible pump. If you were to try other types of pumps with a deep well, they would fail. You would not get enough water pressure to meet your water needs. To solve this problem for all the deep well owners, we have found the best submersible pumps for your home. Our list is well-researched and contains only the best options. So, you don’t need to worry about anything, just buy with confidence and enjoy fast flowing pressure at every tap in your home.
Best Submersible Well Water Pumps
| Top Picks (Comparison) | ||
|---|---|---|
 | Editor's ChoiceHallmark Industries MA0414X-7A Deep Well Submersible Pump
| LATEST PRICE → |
 | Happybuy Well Pump 1/2 HP Submersible Well Pump
| LATEST PRICE → |
 | Red Lion 14942402 Submersible Deep Well Pump
| LATEST PRICE → |
 | Hallmark Industries MA0419X-12A Deep Well Submersible Pump
| LATEST PRICE → |
 | Hallmark Industries MA0343X-4 Deep Well Submersible Pump
| LATEST PRICE → |
 | iMeshbean 4" Deep Well Submersible Pump
| LATEST PRICE → |
1. Hallmark Industries MA0414X-7A Deep Well Submersible Pump, 1 hp, 230V, 60 Hz, 30 GPM, 207′ Head, Stainless Steel, 4″
- Power: 230V
- Flow rate: 30 GPM
- Construction: Stainless Steel
More Features: A built-in control box and a built-in check valve give you an easy operation mechanism.
The first submersible pump on our list comes from a trusted and well-known brand, Hallmark. It has a powerful motor of 1 HP and can deliver a flow rate of up to 30 gallons per minute. The flow rate may vary as per the water table in your well and aquifer. It comes with a stainless steel body to give you durability and reliability. A built-in control box and a built-in check valve give you an easy operation mechanism. The sealed ball bearings ensure that you won’t have to do any maintenance for at least 25-30 years.
The pump will work with wells up to 207 feet in depth. It is the stated capacity; the actual capacity of this pump is even more. If you have a well 400 feet deep, you can use this pump with full confidence. It is basically an industrial grade pump with the price tag of a domestic pump. It comes with thermal protection, which gives it a long life and can withstand high or extremely low water temperatures. It is a 2-wire pump with one ground wire. The motor is UL approved and ensures that you don’t have to pay too much for it.
It is a 3.8 inch deep well submersible pump and will fit in 4-inch or bigger well casing.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
It is an excellent submersible pump for all the deep wells. Buy it once, and relieve yourself from the tension of slow water forever in your life.
2. Happybuy Well Pump 1/2 HP Submersible Well Pump 150ft Head 25GPM Stainless Steel Deep Well Pump for Industrial and Home Use
- Head: 150ft
- Flow rate: 25 GPM
- Construction: Stainless Steel
More Features: The motor and pump have been combined together to make it a hassle-free and maintenance-free unit.
The submersible pump from Happybuy comes with the power to work on wells with a depth of 20-150 feet. Its ½ HP motor generates enough suction force to deliver you a flow rate of 25 gallons per minute. This flow rate means that you can easily use showers at 4-5 washrooms at your home. All these features make it perfect to be used with medium and large families.
It comes with one 5-feet cable, which is used to place the pump inside the well. The motor and pump have been combined together to make it a hassle-free and maintenance-free unit. It is a versatile pump that can work inside steel pipe wells, ash pipe, or soil pipe wells. You can use a steel pipe or plastic pipe as the water pipe along this well. Please keep in mind the maximum pressure before picking up the water pipe.
Another amazing feature about this pump is that it provides an additional layer of sediment filtration for your well water. It will help you remove excessive granular sediment and enhance the life of your main filtration system. Please keep in mind that it is just a secondary filtration option. You cannot rely on it for your whole house well water filtration.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
This pump has a small extension cord. You may need to add an extension to the cord.
3. Red Lion 14942402 Submersible Deep Well Pump
- Ideal for: 3/4 washrooms
- Flow rate: 22 GPM
- Construction: Stainless Steel
More Features: The motor and bracket are covered with a thermoplastic coating, making the system durable and weather resistant.
With Red Lion, you can choose between ½ or 1 HP motors. Of course, there is a price difference, and so does the suction power vary. With 1 HP motor model, you can get a flow rate of 22 GPM, which is enough for a medium-large sized family. The smaller model holds the power to deliver you with 12 GPM, making it perfect for small families with 3-4 washrooms home.
The motor and bracket are covered with a thermoplastic coating, making the system durable and weather resistant. It comes with a built-in suction screen and a check valve. The built-in check valve is the reason behind the increased price. Red Lion brings the most durable, reliable, and long-lasting submersible pumps. You would need to repair or replace your pump for at least 30 years. Hence, the price hike is justified.
It is ideal for a well, which has a depth of 250 feet, making it one of the most powerful submersible pumps available for you to buy. It is compatible that has a 4-inch or greater diameter. The Red Lion submersible pump is best suited for rural homes, farms, cabins, and canals.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
It is a costly option, but its performance and results justify the high price. Please keep in mind that this pump is only suitable for wells up to 250 feet.
4. Hallmark Industries MA0419X-12A Deep Well Submersible Pump, 2 hp, 230V, 60 Hz, 35 GPM, 400′ Head, Stainless Steel, 4″
- Power: 230V
- Flow rate: 35 GPM
- Construction: Stainless Steel
More Features: For 30/50 PSI, the maximum water to ground level is 280 feet, and for 40/60 PSI, it is 260 feet.
Another well pump comes from Hallmark, and it has been made to deal with wells with a depth of 400 feet (without pressure tank). When you have a 20/40 PSI pressure tank setting, it can work with 300 feet. For 30/50 PSI, the maximum water to ground level is 280 feet, and for 40/60 PSI, it is 260 feet.
It comes with a built-in starter box and a built-in check valve along with a pump protector. It is a very powerful pump, and the motor will consume more electricity than the 1 HP or ½ HP pumps. If you are opting for this one, please keep in mind that your electricity bill may see a surge.
The pump can generate high-pressure water at a rate of 35 GPM. It is perfect for large families and commercial uses. The flow rate is enough to provide water for 7+ washrooms. If you have a softener, other water filters, and water-using appliances, don’t worry about their working. You will get enough water to run them without any inconvenience. The pump will fit in wells with a casing of 4-inch or more. It comes with a 10-feet cord, which is more than the other pumps. Hence, it will be perfect to work with extra-deep water pumps.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
You get a 1-year warranty on this pump. Don’t worry about its functioning. It is a powerhouse and will deliver you an excellent flow rate without any inconvenience for the next 20-30 years.
5. Hallmark Industries MA0343X-4 Deep Well Submersible Pump, 1/2 hp, 110V, 60 Hz, 25 GPM, 150′ Head, Stainless Steel, 4″
- Power: 110V
- Flow rate: 25 GPM
- Construction: Stainless Steel
More Features: The motor is sealed to protect it from water and harsh weather. It comes with a 10-feet wiring cord, and a wiring kit is also included in the box.
Hallmark has made sure to cater to all the people with different wells. If your well has a depth of 150 feet, why go for costly pumps when you can get the work done at an economical price. This pump can generate a flow rate of 25 GPM and comes with a motor of ½ HP. A small motor size will not impact your electric bill as compared to the other big well pumps.
The maximum water level to ground varies according to the pressure pump settings. For 20/40 PSI, it is 43 feet, for 30/50, it is 24 feet, and for 40/60 PSI setting, the maximum water to ground level is 5 feet. If there is no pressure tank installed, it is 150 feet.
The pump comes with a built-in starter box and does not need an external starter. It also has a built-in check valve. Please keep in mind that this model lacks a pump protector like other Hallmark models.
The pump is suitable for 4-inch well casing made of steel or plastic. It comes with a 10-feet wiring cord, and a wiring kit is also included in the box. The motor is sealed to protect it from water and harsh weather.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
It is a very economical well pump with very reasonable features. It is one of the best buys for people heaving wells from 30-150 feet in diameter.
6. iMeshbean 4″ Deep Well Submersible Pump, with 33 Feet Long Electric Cord,1 HP, 230V, 60 Hz, 33 GPM, 207 Feet Head Max, Stainless Steel Long Life
- Power: 230V
- Flow rate: 33 GPM
- Construction: Stainless Steel
More Features: It comes with a 207 ft long head. The pump has a 33 ft long electric cord for an easy power supply.
The last pump on our list is best suited for wells with a depth of a maximum of 207 feet. If you have a well of 200 feet depth and you are looking for a pump with strong suction force and a ling electric cord, this one has got you covered. It can generate a flow rate of 33 GPM, which will be enough to run 7+ washrooms at one time and allow you to run other taps. The long cord allows for easy connection, and you won’t need to extend the length of the cord for installation.
The stainless steel body, magnet motors, and thermoplastic coatings give the pump long life and high performance. The pump can be used with steel pipe wells, soil wells, and ash pipe wells. It comes with a control box and a control valve for protection against overloading and water.
You can use this pump for domestic and commercial pumps, garden and courtyard irrigation, swimming pools, and fountains.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
It is a powerful and versatile pump and will deliver a fast flow rate with a small motor as compared to big pumps. It will keep your electric bill under control and still perform like a powerful motor.
Buying Guide
We know that you have already made your mind about which pump you want to buy. We suggest that hang on for a couple of minutes more and go through our buying guide. It will help you in making the best purchase decision. A submersible pump works for 20-30 years. Therefore it is better to buy the perfect one.
Depth of the Well
You know the depth of your well. Buy a pump that can handle that particular depth. It is better to buy a pump that has slightly more capacity. For example, the depth of your well is 110 feet; we suggest you buy a pump that has the capacity of drawing water from 150 feet.
Diameter
Well pumps come in different diameters. You must measure the diameter of your well and then compare it with the diameter of the pump. If it can adjust with your well, go for it.
Flow Rate
It is the most important factor while considering a water pump for your home. You need to know your demands before buying the pump. If you are a large family, don’t settle for anything less than 20 GPM. For small families, a pump with 10+ GPM is good enough. Similarly, the distance of well from your home will also impact the flow rate at your faucets. You will also have to keep this in your mind while selecting the pump.
It is better to keep in mind the number of water-using appliances in your home, such as washing machines and dishwashers. Not all the appliances and faucets will run at one single time. Hence, it is impossible to allocate 1 gallon to each point of use. A flow rate of 25-35 GPM is enough for all domestic use.
Motor Power
Domestic well pumps come with a power of ½, 1, 1.5, or 2 HP. The more the power of the motor, the more will be the suction force and the resulting flow rate. However, you would also want to keep your electric usage in check. Therefore, we suggest that you buy a pump which you can afford in the long run.
Power Supply
Well pumps come with a supply of 110V or 230V power options. Always consider the power of your pump. You would need to hardwire the pump in your home’s power supply. You can also use a voltage converter for your well pump. Such devices are easily available online and in nearby hardware and electric supply stores.
Pumping Power
Check that the pump has the capacity to draw water from your well. If your well has a depth of 200 feet, we suggest you buy a pump which can draw water from a depth of 210 feet. If you buy a pump that will not create the needed vertical lift, you may have slow water or no water at all. Do not hesitate to spend a little more on the pump and buy the one which will go a long way with you. It is also possible that in the long run that the underground water level decreases, a more powerful pump will come in handy at such a critical time.
Durability and Consistency
Durability and consistency are the cornerstones while selecting a water pump. A durable pump will work for you for at least 20 years, and a consistent one will deliver you with the same flow rate water. You don’t need to worry about it, as all the pumps in our list are consistent, reliable, and long-lasting.
Price
A good pump will not need any maintenance or repair for at least 20 years. We suggest that you spend some extra bucks on the well pump and ensure that you don’t have to face any issues about maintenance or repair. Such things are not bought annually or after six months. Hence is it better to select the best one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I increase the life expectancy of my well pump?
You must take proper care of your well for long life. If any of the components show signs of trouble, get them repaired immediately or contact the customer service. This is the best practice to ensure that you avoid any big damage to your well pump or other components.
My well is running out of water. Is there any fault in well pump?
The well may run out of water because of less reserve underground. The first step to getting rid of this problem is to lower your pump further to reach the water table. Long term solutions include deepening the well further or digging a new well.
Conclusion
We have explained in detail everything about well pumps. Now, it is up to you to select the best one according to your needs and forget the tension of a slow flow rate or faulty pump for at least a couple of decades.
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