What Determines the Lifespan of a Well Pump?

Drilling a well for water can be an expensive endeavor. In order to get the most out of your well, it makes sense to choose the best water well pump possible for your well. What determines the lifespan of a water well pump?

There are several factors that can play a part in the lifespan of a water well pump. Like many machines, much of the lifespan can be determined by the quality of the device and how much use it sees—but there are other factors that you should be aware of, too.

Here are some factors that can play a part in how long your water well pump may last.

Frequency of use

Just like any machine, a water well pump will wear out faster if it’s used more frequently. This is called a duty cycle. If the pump has a higher duty cycle (i.e., it is used more times per day), it will have a shorter lifespan. In addition to the duty cycle, it’s important to note that the pump capacity should be right for the output rate of your water well. This will help maximize the lifespan of the pump.

Motor quality

Another aspect that can factor into a pump’s lifespan is the quality of the motor. A higher-quality motor will have better bearings, which will help it run more smoothly. Motors made by reputable and well-regarded manufacturers will also typically have a higher lifespan. Not just quality, but strength and power of the motor will factor in here, too. For example, a motor with 1 horsepower will last longer than a motor with 1/4 horsepower under the same workload.

Type of pump

The quality and power of the pump play a part in its lifespan, but so does what type of pump it is. For example, a jet pump, which is placed above ground, can last between four and 20 years. The average lifespan for a jet pump is about 10 years. A submersible pump, placed underwater in the well, often has a longer lifespan; it will last around 15 years on average.

Water sediment

It’s not just things about the pump that will factor into its lifespan—water sediment can shorten the lifespan of a water well pump, too. The sediment is an abrasive that can wear down the moving parts of the pump. If the pump is located in an area with a lot of sediment, it will have a shorter lifespan.

Professional installation

Even if you have the best-quality water well pump located in a spot with little sediment, it won’t have a long lifespan if it’s not installed correctly. If a pump is not installed properly, it will wear out faster and may even break down without warning.

When you want to get the most out of your water well pump, it’s important to hire an experienced professional to handle the installation and choose the right model for your home. For all your water well pump needs, contact Action Electric Motor & Pump Repair today.

Categorised in: Well Pump Failure