After making the investment of drilling a well, people often wonder how long their water well pump will last. Water wells come in different sizes and have various uses, so there are many types of well pumps out there. These pumps have several variables that affect how long they will last. By analyzing these factors, you can determine how long it will be before you need a new pump.
Water Pump Duty Cycle
A water pump’s duty cycle plays a large role in how long it will last. A duty cycle is how often the pump runs throughout the day. Some pumps are only called upon a few times a day, while others are under heavy or continuous use. Pumps that are frequently in use will have a much shorter lifespan than those that aren’t used often. It is also very important that the pump capacity matches the output rate that is safely recommended for a well’s water yield.
Motor Quality and Size
The type of motor that your well pump uses also plays a part in how long it will last. A larger motor with 1 horsepower will typically outlast a smaller, ¼ Horsepower engine for the same workload. The more horsepower your engine has, the longer it will typically last. Higher quality bearings within a motor also increase the lifespan of a well pump. Another thing to look out for is where your motor was manufactured. Your well drilling company can provide information on which manufacturers produce the highest quality motors.
Water Sediment
The sediment in the water plays a part in how long a water pump will last. Water sediment acts as an abrasive that wears down the bearings and moving parts within your pump. If the water in your area is filled with sediment, you will have to replace the pump sooner than areas with less sediment.
Quality of Installation
For a well pump with a long lifespan, it is important that you hire the right company to do the installation. Make sure you hire a company that knows the proper location of valves, wiring, filters, etc. Pumps that are installed haphazardly will break down sooner than those that were installed properly.
Type of Water Pump
So what are the average life spans of different well pumps? One type of pump is the jet pump. These are above ground pumps that operate from 4 to 20 years, depending on the factors previously mentioned. The average life expectancy is 10 years.
The other type is known as a submersible pump. Submersible pumps are underwater within the well and have longer life spans. The water around these pumps keeps them cool which reduces wear and tear. A submersible pump will last around 15 years if the water has low amounts of sediment while higher amounts of sediment cause them to last about 6 years.
Which Parts Wear Down?
To increase the lifespan of your water well pump, there are certain parts that can be repaired or replaced. Pump bearings, motor bearings, and the pump’s rotary vanes that move water all experience a great amount of wear and tear. Internal pump valves and the pump’s control switches are other common parts that break down. An experienced well drilling company can repair or replace these parts to keep your well pump running.
Water Well Pump Experts
To get the most out of your water well, make sure the experts install and repair the water pump. A1 Well Drilling and Pump Service has provided efficient and quality workmanship for 4 generations. We offer a variety of services including well drilling, well and pump service, water treatment installation, and service as well as custom design and installation of water well systems. We are fully equipped to handle any problem and are available 24/7. Contact us today and we will ensure your water pump lasts as long as possible.
