Hopefully your shallow well pump will keep on ticking, but realistically, something will happen to it and you will need to either repair or replace it.
We’d like to provide you with tips and warnings for how to install a shallow well pump.
Which Pump is Right for the Job?
First of all, you will want to determine whether you have a shallow well or a deep well.
- A shallow well reaches water that is closer to the surface of the ground, and generally ranges in depth to 25 feet or less.
- A deep well, on the other hand, must be dug further into the ground to reach water tables ranging 25 feet or more below the surface.
A shallow well pump is not submersible and are placed inside a well housing.
Deep well pumps are submersible, with the controls placed at ground level.
When unpacking your factory-shipped shallow well pump, inspect it for damage. Do not use it if damage is found.
Shallow well pumps work best when water depth is around 25 feet or less below the surface. They are required to have a pressure relief valve on all installations, and the jet pump generally comes with a 30-50 pressure switch already installed on the pump.
Related: How It Works: Water Well Pump
How does a shallow well pump work?
The main electronics of the shallow well pump sit above ground, with the suction pipe and foot valve with its strainer device inserted into the well. It can be mounted to a horizontal or free-standing pressure tank that has been precharged, or used with a conventional air-to-water tank.
A watertight seal is placed at the top of the shaft at the well head to enclose the well casing. This prevents surface water from seeping into the well and contaminating it.
The foot valve, placed at the bottom of the suction pipe, helps maintain the pump’s prime by closing automatically when the pump is inactive.
Related: How Much Does a Well Pump Cost to Replace of Install?
How to Install a Shallow Well Pump
To begin to install a shallow well pump, shut off the power supply to the pump and drain the existing system of all pressure. Then drain all liquids from the system and secure the discharge line. An unsecured line could whip and cause severe injury or property damage.
Check the existing system for wear, damage or weakened areas, and secure the system tightly. And take care not to allow foreign materials to fall into the well. This can contaminate the water and potentially damage the system. Cover the well during installation to prevent this.
When starting the shallow well pump for the first time, we recommend running it and taking test samples. Once water in the test samples is clear and free of sand or silt, your pump is ready for home use.
Related: How a Shallow Well Jet Pump Works
Shut off the water.
To begin to install a shallow well pump, shut off the power supply to the pump and drain the existing system of all pressure.
Drain all liquids.
Then drain all liquids from the system and secure the discharge line. An unsecured line could whip and cause severe injury or property damage.
Check for damages.
Check the existing system for wear, damage or weakened areas, and secure the system tightly.
Cover the well during installation.
And take care not to allow foreign materials to fall into the well. This can contaminate the water and potentially damage the system. Cover the well during installation to prevent this.
Cover the well during installation.
And take care not to allow foreign materials to fall into the well. This can contaminate the water and potentially damage the system. Cover the well during installation to prevent this.
When starting the shallow well pump for the first time, we recommend running it and taking test samples. Once water in the test samples is clear and free of sand or silt, your pump is ready for home use.
Related: How a Shallow Well Jet Pump Works
Warnings When Installing a Shallow Well Pump
You must never try to override the pressure relief valve on your shallow well pump. Doing so can cause serious injury, property damage, and possibly death.
The pressure relief valve should also be large enough to relieve the maximum gallons per minute. Flammable liquids, including gasoline, kerosene or fuel oil should never be pumped.
Trust ClearWater Well & Pump: Your Local Experts
ClearWater Well & Pump is a local business with more than 25 years’ experience troubleshooting and installing well pumps in the Shenandoah Valley of VA region.
We hope this guide to how to install a shallow well pump was helpful.
If you are experiencing problems with your well pump and would like to know your well pump installation or repair cost, please give us a call.
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