Well Pump Centre All About Well Pumps!
The shallow well pump, as its name suggests is used for pumping water from a shallow well – ideally 25 feet deep or less. It can be operated manually or using power generated by electricity or generator. The pump is ideal for pumping water that can be used for a wide variety of functions including: drinking water, coolant in industrial applications, irrigation, and many others. It can also be used to supply water to a swimming pool within your property. Decorative pools can also be supplied with a constant supply of water using the shallow well pump.
How it Works
One of the notable features of the shallow well pump is that no single mechanical part of the pump is submerged in water and its pumping mechanism is in most cases connected to a plastic pipe. This pipe is the only channel through which the water flows and it has a valve that directs the water to flow in one direction. Once pumped the water can never flow back to the water source. It also has a siphon-like function that creates a vacuum which be used to utilize atmospheric pressure needed for pumping the water.
The Many Uses of the Shallow Well Pump
If you thought the shallow pump is limited to household, industrial, irrigation and other complex needs then you are very wrong. The shallow well pump can also be used to remove excess water from a pond, a drainage ditch, and any other place where collected water is not required. The pump will come in handy during periods of heavy rainfall when there is too much water that is not needed flooding all over the place.
The shallow well pump is also very helpful during natural disasters and emergencies. It can be used to provide a constant supply of water that can be boiled before drinking. It is a versatile piece of equipment that serves so many purposes.
Materials and Prices
The shallow well pump is made using a wide variety of materials. Some of the most commonly used materials include cast iron and steel. The price variation of the shallow well pump is wide and this is determined by its sophistication. The cheaper pump can never be compared to an excellent quality model and thus it is wise to strike a balance between price and quality. Also remember to shop around and compare various designs and models before buying one.
The Shallow Well Jet Pump
The shallow well jet pump is designed to meet the needs of those who would like to pump water from depths of 18 ft (5.5m) or less. The main components of shallow jet pump include: electric motor, a jet assembly, and an impeller. An ordinary centrifugal pump can do a good job of pumping water from such a height but when a shallow jet pump is used it delivers a greater discharge pressure.
Pros and Cons of the Shallow Well Jet Pump
Pros
- Fit perfectly with wells that have a small diameter.
- It is extremely easy to install.
- Lightweight and that is why it comes in handy during emergencies and natural disasters.
- Works perfectly with wells of various yields.
- Durable since it is made of material that resists corrosion, wear, tear, and rusting.
- They are not complex mechanically and do not require a lot of maintenance.
- Quite affordable when compared to other models.
Cons
- One of the main limitations of shallow well jet pumps is that they tend to be inefficient as the level of lift increases. You can measure the total lift by measuring the vertical distance from the pump to the water. The friction losses in the foot valve and suction line are also taken into account when measuring the total lift. If the total lift is more than 18ft (5.5m) then using a shallow jet well will never make sense.
- The mechanical seal of the shallow well jet pump is also subject to wear and leakage when it pumps water containing sand. The pump must never be run if the pump casing is not filled with water. Any air or gases in the pump result in the pump losing its prime. To maintain the prime a check valve or a foot valve is installed on the suction prime.
How to Prime a Shallow Well Jet Pump
- With the suction line and pump casing fully filled with water, shut the pump control valve.
- Loosen the priming plug and start the pump.
- Once the air stops bubbling around the priming plug stop the pump.
- Refill the pump casing with water then replace the priming plug loosely. Start the pump.
- The pump will be fully primed when the water flows out continuously around the priming plug.
- You can now tighten the priming plug and open the pump control valve.
- Precharge the pressure tank after priming the pump.
Maintenance of the Shallow Well Jet Pump
Jet pumps do not require regular maintenance and the shallow well jet pump is no exception. One of the main problems associated with pump is the clogging of dirt or plastic cuttings on the pump’s nozzle. When this happens the pump might still draw out the water but will not deliver to the required levels of efficiency. Any dirt such as silt and sand usually causes the eye of the impeller to wear out. This ultimately affects the pumping capacity and the maximum level of pumping pressure required.
A Final Word
The shallow well jet pump and other types of pumps have forever changed the way we draw water. Areas that have water problems can now utilize these versatile implements. Nonetheless, it is prudent to choose a supplier who has a good reputation when buying your pump. Get a shallow well jet pump that has been tried and tested in conditions that are extremely unbearable. Most of the reputed manufacturers out there have a clear portfolio of their products and the areas where they have been tried and tested. Be on the lookout for such products and you will be guaranteed of a long life expectancy of your shallow well jet pump.