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A well is often used to supply water to a house or irrigate a site. If earlier they could get by with a collar and a bucket even in a private house, but today even in the country this option is no longer suitable. After all, you can get the convenience of a modern level by installing a pump for a well. In order for the system to work properly, it is necessary to choose the right equipment. There is nothing super complicated in this, but you need to know a few things.
Types of pumps and their use for wells
According to the installation method, pumps are surface and submersible, according to the principle of operation – centrifugal and vibration. Both submersible and surface models come in both types. So in general, it turns out four types of equipment. To choose the right pump for a well, you need to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each type of this equipment.
Surface
The surface pump is attractive for its ease of installation and mobility. The equipment itself is on the surface, and only a hose is lowered into the well. Another point is the low cost, which is explained by the fact that there is no need to make the case airtight.
Despite all the advantages, you can use surface models for a shallow well. The maximum depth is 8 meters, but preferably less. This is the main limitation and their main disadvantage. The second negative point is low efficiency – no more than 25%. This is the lowest rate among all pumps.
Why not make more powerful equipment of this type? Because due to the peculiarities of the working cycle, the liquid that is lifted from a great depth is saturated with air bubbles (a phenomenon called cavitation). If water with a large number of air bubbles enters the working body, it will burn out.
You can get around the problem with the help of an ejector, which is built into the pipeline lowered into the well. The depth from which surface units with an ejector can pump water is much greater – up to 15 meters, but the efficiency is even less – around 15%, which means that electricity bills will be large.
Submersible
Submersible pumps for a well at best have an efficiency of about 45%, on average – about 35%. From the name it is clear that they are in the water column. This is the main difficulty – it must be well fixed, and then through the wall of the well to bring the line into the house.
A submersible pump for a well is usually fixed with a chain or a strong cable (optimally – made of stainless steel). They are hooked to a special eyelet in the upper part of the body, the free end is wound around the collar, such as the one that used to lift buckets. With the help of this device, if necessary, raise the equipment to the surface.
Read more about water supply from a well (with diagrams and a description of the installation) here.
It is equally important to choose the position of the submersible pump in the well. It is necessary to make sure that at least a meter remains to the bottom (otherwise sand and silt may get in). At the same time, it is necessary that there is a sufficient layer of water above the body (you need to look at the instructions, different models have different requirements). If the height of the water column in the well is low, this can be a problem. Although, there are models that allow horizontal installation in a well (for example, Aquario ASP).
| Name | A type | Head | Performance | Power | Manufacturer | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grundfos SB 3-35 M | centrifugal, submersible | 33 m | 6,6 m3 / h | 800 W | Italy | $250 | overheat protection |
| Grundfos SB 3-35 AW | centrifugal, submersible | 33 m | 6,6 m3 / h | 800 W | Italy | $330 | Float switch |
| Grundfos SB 3-45 A | centrifugal, submersible | 43 m | 6,4 m3 / h | 1000 W | Italy | $280 | Float switch + overheating protection |
| Kid 10 m / 16 m / 25 m / 40 m | vibrating, submersible | 40 m | 0,43 m3 / h | 250 W | Livny city | $24 – $34 (depending on cord length) | Lower water intake, diameter not less than 100 mm |
| Malysh-M-L 10 m / 16 m / 25 m / 40 m | vibrating, submersible | 40 m | 0,95 m3 / h | 240 W | Livny city | $ 23 – $ 33 | Upper water intake |
| Malysh-K 10 m / 16 m / 25 m / 40 m | vibrating, submersible | 40 m | 0,95 m3 / h | 240 W | Livny city | $ 25 – $ 34 | Lower water intake + thermal protection |
| Kid-3 10 m / 16 m / 25 m / 40 m | vibrating, submersible | 40 m | 0,43 m3 / h | 160 W | Livny city | $ 25 – $ 34 | Lower water intake, diameter not less than 76 mm |
| Gileks WATER MET PROF 40/50 A | centrifugal, submersible | 50 m | 2,4 m3 / h | 520 W | Russia | $160 | Float + presence of solids 2 kg/m3 |
| Gileks WATER MET PROF 40/75 A | centrifugal, submersible | 75 m | 2,4 m3 / h | 670 W | Russia | $205 | Float + presence of solids 2 kg/m3 |
| Gileks WATER MET PROF 55/35 A | centrifugal, submersible | 35 m | 3,3 m3 / h | 460 W | Russia | $135 | Float + presence of solids 2 kg/m3 |
| Gileks WATER JET 55/35 M | centrifugal, submersible | 35 m | 3,3 m3 / h | 460 W | Russia | $135 | Presence of solid particles 2 kg/m3 |
| Aquarius BTsPE 0,32-25 U to 140 U | centrifugal, submersible | from 25 m to 140 m | 1,2 m3 / h | 440 W to 2500 W | Promelectro | $ 132 – $ 290 | overheat protection |
| Aquarius BCPE 0,5 (from 16 U to 100 U) | centrifugal, submersible | from 16 m to 100 m | 1,8 m3 / h | 400 W to 2050 W | Promelectro | $ 115 – $ 255 | overheat protection |
| Aquarius BCPE 1,2 (from 12 U to 80 U) | centrifugal, submersible | from 12 m to 80 m | 4.3 m3 / h | 500 W to 2820 W | Promelectro | $ 140 – $ 280 | overheat protection |
| Aquarius BCPEU 0,5 (from 16 U to 63 U) | centrifugal, submersible | from 16 m to 63 m | 1.8 m3 / h | 400 W to 1270 W | Promelectro | $ 125 – $ 220 | Overheat protection, smaller diameter |
Some explanations for the table. There are many more models with different characteristics than are presented in the table. Only a few are presented here, so you can see the approximate range of prices and features. In the description of the Aquarius well pumps, there is an index of models in brackets, indicating the lifting height with equal performance. For pumps “Baby” in the index is the length of the cord, other things being equal.
Vibration
In a vibration pump for a well, water is pumped using a diaphragm or piston. They alternately either create a vacuum, due to which water is sucked in, or they build up pressure, pushing it into the outlet pipe. Such a duty cycle creates a rather noticeable vibration, which is why such devices are called vibrational. Vibratory pumps can be external or submersible type. Submersible vibrators are quieter – water dampens noise, outdoor vibrators are noisy devices.
The vibrator is a simple, inexpensive device, small in size and light in weight, thanks to which it is very mobile (weight – several kilograms) and can be used for pumping small volumes – even lower it into a barrel, just remember to turn it off in time. All this is true, but there are many disadvantages:
- Vibration has a negative effect on durability, the service life is short.
- Demanding on the quality of the power supply. When the voltage drops to 160 V, the performance drops by 2 times, with an increase in power it increases, but not so critical. Frequent drops lead to accelerated wear, so buy a stabilizer in pair with a vibration pump for a well, the simplest possible, on a relay.
- Poorly tolerates the presence of sand and other debris in the pumped water. The design is such that you cannot install filters at the inlet, and the presence of abrasive particles (grains of sand) quickly renders the piston or diaphragm unusable. Therefore, such filters can not be used categorically on sandy soils.
This is official data. And unofficial ones, according to operating experience, say that such pumps have to be changed often – they quickly burn out. So this type is good as a temporary solution – for occasional use in the country. For guaranteed water supply at home with permanent residence, it is better to take centrifugal models.
| Name | A type | Suction depth | Lifting height (pressure) | Performance | Power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIOLD NP-0,4 | Surface vibrating | 8 m | 32 m | 2100 l / h | 400 W | $50 |
| DIOLD NPV-800 | Surface vibrating | 8 m | 60 m | 3000 l / h | 800 W | $52 |
| METABO HWA 3500 INOX | Surface vibrating | 8 m | 45 m | 3500 l / h | 1100 W | $170 (protection against dry running and overheating) |
| METABO HWAI 4500 INOX | Surface vibrating | 8 m | 48 m | 4500 l / h | 1300 W | $170 (protection against dry running and overheating) |
| PATRIOT R 900 | surface garden | 8 m | 40 m | 3800 l / h | 850 W | $75 (float, nerdavik body) |
| VORTEX PN-370 | Surface centrifugal | 9 m | 30 m | 2700 l / h | 370 W | $40 (cast iron body) |
| VORTEX PN-1100CH | Surface centrifugal | 9 m | 50 m | 4200 l / h | 1100 W | $95 (cast iron body) |
| JAMBO 60/35 P | Surface centrifugal | 9 m | 35 m | 3600 l / h | 600 W | $85 (polypropylene case) |
| JAMBO 60/35 hrs | Surface centrifugal | 9 m | 35 m | 3600 l / h | 600 W | $95 (cast iron body) |
| JAMBO 70/50 Ch | Surface centrifugal | 9 m | 50 m | 4200 l / h | 1100 W | $120 (cast iron body) |
| AL-KO Jet 3000 Inox | Surface centrifugal | 8 m | 35 m | 3100 l / h | 650 W | $100 (stainless steel case) |
Centrifugal
In these units, water is pumped through the movement of impellers mounted on the central shaft. They are located in the working chamber of the pump. This chamber is filled with water. When the blades rotate, a reduced pressure is created in the center, and increased pressure along the edges. This difference is what makes the water move.
It is the centrifugal pump for the well that is bought more often. It is less sensitive to the presence of sand in the water, its working depths are greater. Of the negative – a higher price, but the service life is much longer.
With or without hydraulic accumulator
When organizing water supply from a well, many water from the pump is pumped into a hydraulic accumulator (storage tank), and from there it is already supplied to the points of water intake – taps, equipment. They put such a drive in the attic. It is needed to solve two problems at once:
- Extend pump life. If the water supply system is built without a hydraulic accumulator, the pump turns on every time a tap is opened in the house, household appliances that need water work. Often such inclusions are only for a second or two, and each start is a minus to the service life. If there is a storage tank, then a small flow comes from it. The water level is controlled by a float mechanism. It turns on the pump only after the water level in the tank reaches a critical level (set during installation).
- Increase the life of the entire water supply system, including household appliances connected to it. The fact is that every inclusion of the pump is a water hammer. Since the number of inclusions in a day is in the hundreds, the service life of the equipment in the system is significantly reduced. In the presence of a hydraulic accumulator, all hydraulic shocks from internal wiring and household appliances are cut off – they are extinguished by the water column in the storage tank.
House water supply scheme from a well with a pump and a hydraulic accumulator
So the storage tank in the water supply is a useful thing. How big should the accumulator be? It depends on the flow rate (we will tell you how to count below), they put both 25 liters and 150 liters, but the larger the supply, the better – less often the pump will turn on. As an added bonus of installing a storage tank, there is a certain supply of water in case of a power outage.
Learn how to purify water from a well here.
Select by specifications
Determining what type of well pump you will install is a smaller part of the task. Then you need to choose a manufacturer, and then find a suitable model that can supply water in the right amount with the required pressure. These are the two main characteristics when choosing a pump for a well – performance and pressure.
Performance (consumption)
The required pump capacity for a well (usually denoted by Q, measured in l / s or l / h, less often in cubic meters / h) is calculated based on the composition of the system. It has a certain number of taps, a toilet bowl, a bidet, household appliances with water consumption. The water consumption for all these consumers is considered (usually in liters per second). The flow rate can be taken as an average of 0,2 l / s per point, or can be found in the table.
There is no need to add a “just in case” reserve to this figure. The calculation already includes more than a double margin: situations when all consumption points are turned on at the same time are practically excluded. As much as half of the consumers can work for you at the same time, and even then for several seconds, but in reality, an even smaller number of points are turned on at the same time. So the stock is really large, and there is no need to increase it.
Head
The head of the pump (denoted by the letter H, measured in meters) is the amount by which it can raise water. When choosing a pump for a well, you need to know:
- The depth from which the water will rise (the depth of the well).
- Rise to the highest point of consumption. If there is a hydraulic accumulator, this is its height; if it is not, this is usually the highest located shower in the house.
- The total lifting height (Hgeo) is calculated as the sum of the depth of the well and the level at which the highest point of the drawdown is located.
- The distance to which the water must be transferred (L) horizontally, including the height of the lift to the highest point.
The exact calculation formula is complex, so when choosing a pump for a well, they usually use a simplified version. One of them is in the photo.
According to the figure found, the pump pressure for the well is selected.
Selecting a model by graphic characteristics
After you have decided on the pressure and performance, you need to choose a model. This is done according to graphs showing technical characteristics (pictured below).
Similar graphs are in the technical specifications. You find on the coordinate axes those values that you previously calculated, find the point of their intersection on the plane. It should be located in the middle part of the graph (in the figure this field is colored gray in gray), then the pump will work in normal mode, which guarantees its long service life. What if the point is outside the required zone? Look for another model, this one is not suitable for your case.
The point was found, it fell into the middle part of the performance. Then the graph closest to the point will be your pump model (they are signed). What to do if several models fit at the same time? This happens if the point is approximately in the middle between the graphs. Take the one whose characteristics are above the point.
How to make a house for a well is described here (with step-by-step photos).
What to look for when choosing a well pump
In addition to the technical parameters and the type of pump, you will need to pay attention to a number of additional parameters:
- Idle protection is highly desirable. This is a situation where the pump is running but there is no water. Such moments often lead to a breakdown, sometimes the pressure simply worsens, air is “sucked in”, etc. In this case, it is necessary to take the pump to a service center, perhaps it can be reanimated.
- The presence or possibility of retrofitting a float sensor (also called a “frog”). This is a small sealed pear attached to the body with a piece of cable. The sensor floats in water. When it falls below a certain mark, the pump turns off. It will turn on after the sensor rises (if the taps are still open). This, by the way, is another plus of the hydraulic accumulator circuit – when the pump protection is triggered, you do not have to wait for it to turn on, you will use the water that is in the tank. You won’t even notice the pump turning off.
One of the options for a system with a submersible pump for a well - Overheat protection. With prolonged continuous operation, the pump for the well may overheat. To prevent this from happening, and make this protection.
- Pay attention to the build quality and fit of all body parts. No backlash, surface defects (caverns, burrs, etc.) no mismatch of parts in size. These are all signs of poor quality.
- The length of the power cable (sometimes up to 40 meters). This parameter can also be important – not everyone has electricity brought to the well.
- Temperature regime. If you choose a pump for a well to give a seasonal visit, there is not much difference (if it is stored in a warm room). If the equipment will work all year round, it is necessary to choose models that can work in conditions of a small positive temperature.
The choice of a pump for a well on this can be considered complete. Not an easy task, but you need to track all these moments. Then the equipment will work for a long time and without problems.