The Difference Between Submersible Water Pumps and Well Jet Pumps
Whether you’re replacing an old plumbing system or looking to install a brand new water supply system, it’s important to know the differences between the types in order to install the pump that works best for your home and water source. Read on to learn more about how well jet pumps and submersible pumps work, and the features and benefits of each pump type.
How Submersible Water Pumps Work
These electric pumps contain motors that are protected in a watertight compartment filled will oil; they must also be fully submerged under water in order to work. In a submersible water pump system, water is pushed up to the surface using rotating impellers that suck water into the pump. The water is then pushed out of the pump, through a pipe and into a water tank.
Residential plumbing typically uses sump pumps and .
Benefits of Submersible Water Pumps
Because it is completely submerged under water, this pump type doesn’t need external air pressure to pump water and is self-priming. Submersible pump systems are most effective when you need to pump water above the surface from 25 to 400 feet underground. In addition, these pumps typically last longer than jet pumps—sometimes as long as 25 years—because they are not prone to cavitation, a mechanical problem that occurs as a result of the pump being above ground.
How Jet Pumps Work
There are two types of jet pumps: shallow well and deep well water pumps. Jet pumps operate above the ground and draw water through a pipe and into a water tank.
Shallow well jet pumps draw water through a single inlet pipe and are used for water depths of 25 feet or less. This pump type uses a one-way check valve to keep the system primed.
Deep well jet pumps are for water depths of 25 to 110 feet, and draw water through a series of pipes. In addition, they require a foot valve to keep the pump primed.
Benefits of Jet Pumps
Because they run above ground, well jet pumps are often easier to repair. In addition, they don’t require airtight seals, which could corrode.
What is Priming?
Water pumps need an initial amount of water in order to start pumping. Priming a pump is when water is added to replace any air that could keep the pump from working initially. Check valves and foot valves keep pumped water from flowing back down to the source.