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Well pumps

From PumpProfessionals.wiki, an independent record of Pump Professionals and the pumps, valves and septic parts it lists

Researched and compiled by the Pump Professionals Wiki editorial team · First published · Revised

The short version: A private well usually has a submersible pump feeding a pressure tank controlled by a pressure switch; the tank’s air charge, about 2 psi below the turn-on pressure, prevents short-cycling.[1][2]

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A private well water system

In a typical private well, a submersible pump in the well pushes water up to a pressure tank. A pressure switch starts the pump when pressure drops below a set low point and stops it at a high point; the tank stores water under pressure so that the pump does not short-cycle every time a tap opens.[1] Modern tanks separate water from the air charge with a diaphragm or bladder, because otherwise the air dissolves, the tank becomes waterlogged and the pump short-cycles.[1] The air charge is usually set about 2 psi below the pump’s turn-on pressure.[1]

Submersible and jet pumps

A submersible pump has a sealed motor close-coupled to the pump and works submerged, pushing water to the surface; a jet pump sits above ground and relies on suction, which limits it to shallower wells.[2] Submersible well pumps are multistage centrifugal pumps.[2][3] The supplier’s lifespan guide says submersible well pumps typically last 8 to 15 years and jet pumps 10 to 20, depending on conditions, water quality and maintenance.[4]

Constant-pressure systems

A constant-pressure system uses a variable-speed drive to change the pump’s speed with demand, holding pressure steady instead of swinging between the pressure-switch settings. The supplier’s guide describes the benefit as steady pressure at multiple fixtures and fewer hard starts.[5] Such systems usually still use a small pressure tank.[1]

Valves in the well

A check valve above a submersible pump holds the column of water in the drop pipe when the pump stops, so that it does not drain back and the pump does not start against an empty pipe.[6] The supplier lists Flomatic stainless submersible check valves (Model 100MSS) and a Model 70 auto-drain valve, described as opening at 5 psi to drain lines and prevent freezing.[7]

Signs of trouble

The supplier’s diagnostic guide lists warning signs of a failing well pump, and its pressure guide ranks causes of dropping pressure.[8][9] The common signs are short cycling, sputtering taps, falling pressure, higher electric bills and noise. Many have simple causes: a waterlogged pressure tank with no air charge causes rapid cycling, which the pressure-tank reference explains, and a clogged filter or failing pressure switch reduces flow.[1][10]

Winterizing

The supplier has published two five-step guides on winterizing a well pump and pressure tank before cold weather, aimed at protecting exposed pipes, pump houses and tanks from freezing.[11][12] The usual steps are insulating or heating the pump house, draining and protecting exposed lines, and checking the tank’s air charge.[11][1]

In the catalog

The manufacturers page lists well pumps among the systems available through the supplier’s partners.[13] The brand counts on 9 November 2026, however, are dominated by wastewater equipment, and this reference did not identify specific well pump models in the listings reviewed. Readers looking for a particular well pump should ask the supplier.[14]

Common questions

How long does a well pump last?

The supplier’s guide says 8 to 15 years for submersible pumps and 10 to 20 for jet pumps, depending on conditions.

Why does my well pump short-cycle?

Often because the pressure tank has lost its air charge and become waterlogged.

What pressure should the tank be charged to?

Usually about 2 psi below the pump’s turn-on pressure.

Related entries

Endnotes

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Pressure tank. Wikipedia. Retrieved 9 November 2026.
  2. ^ a b c Submersible pump. Wikipedia. Retrieved 9 November 2026.
  3. ^ Centrifugal pump. Wikipedia. Retrieved 9 November 2026.
  4. ^ How long does a well pump typically last? (2026). Pump Professionals (pumpprofessionals.com). Retrieved 9 November 2026.
  5. ^ How a constant pressure pump system works (2025). Pump Professionals (pumpprofessionals.com). Retrieved 9 November 2026.
  6. ^ Check valve. Wikipedia. Retrieved 9 November 2026.
  7. ^ Flomatic valves (brand listing). Pump Professionals (pumpprofessionals.com). Retrieved 9 November 2026.
  8. ^ Warning signs your well pump is failing (2026). Pump Professionals (pumpprofessionals.com). Retrieved 9 November 2026.
  9. ^ Best fixes for dropping well water pressure (2026). Pump Professionals (pumpprofessionals.com). Retrieved 9 November 2026.
  10. ^ Troubleshooting low flow: simple checks before calling a professional (2026). Pump Professionals (pumpprofessionals.com). Retrieved 9 November 2026.
  11. ^ a b How to winterize a well pump and pressure tank (2026). Pump Professionals (pumpprofessionals.com). Retrieved 9 November 2026.
  12. ^ How to winterize a well pump before cold weather (2026). Pump Professionals (pumpprofessionals.com). Retrieved 9 November 2026.
  13. ^ Pump brands we carry (manufacturers page). Pump Professionals (pumpprofessionals.com). Retrieved 9 November 2026.
  14. ^ Shop septic, sewage & grinder pumps. Pump Professionals (pumpprofessionals.com). Retrieved 9 November 2026.