How Does A Submersible Well Pump Work?

Water is an essential resource that sustains life, and for countless homes and businesses, accessing a reliable and consistent water supply is crucial. One key component of a water well system is the submersible well pump, a remarkable device that quietly operates beneath the earth's surface to bring water to the surface. In this blog, we will delve into the inner workings of submersible well water pumps and shed light on their vital role in maintaining water supply.

Understanding Submersible Well Water Pumps

Submersible well pumps are specially designed to be submerged in water, typically located deep within a well. Unlike traditional jet pumps, which are situated above ground and require priming, submersible pumps are entirely sealed and self-priming. This unique design allows them to function efficiently even when completely submerged, providing a reliable and consistent water supply.

The Core Components

Motor:

At the heart of a submersible well pump lies a hermetically sealed motor, specifically built to withstand immersion. This motor drives the pump's impeller, generating the necessary water pressure to push water upward from the depths of the well to the surface.

Impeller:

The impeller, often made of high-quality stainless steel, is responsible for the pump's primary function: moving water. As the impeller rotates within the housing, it creates centrifugal force, forcing water to move from the intake to the discharge.

Diffuser and Pump Casing:

The diffuser, an essential part of the submersible pump, channels the water flow from the impeller to the discharge outlet. The pump casing houses the impeller, motor, and other internal components, providing protection and ensuring efficient water movement.

Check Valve:

To prevent water from flowing back into the well after the pump shuts off, a check valve is incorporated into the design. This valve allows water to flow upward while preventing its reverse movement, ensuring optimal pump performance and reducing stress on the system.

How Submersible Well Water Pumps Operate

Activation:

When water demand occurs, typically triggered by a pressure switch or water flow sensor, the submersible well pump is activated. The motor begins rotating the impeller, creating a low-pressure zone around the impeller's blades.

Water Intake:

As the impeller spins, water is drawn into the pump through the intake, also known as the suction pipe or riser pipe. The low-pressure zone around the impeller creates suction, causing water to flow into the pump.

Water Discharge:

The water flows from the intake through the impeller, gaining momentum and pressure. As it reaches the diffuser, the water is redirected and pushed to the next impeller stages. Depending on the gpm rating of the pump, there are multiple impeller stages that allow pressure to build from one stage to the next, creating enough pressure/lift to bring water to the surface.

Water Delivery:

The pressurized water is then forced up through the drop pipe, ultimately reaching the surface. From here, the water is directed to the appropriate plumbing system, like your household or commercial facility.

Advantages and Applications

Submersible well water pumps offer numerous advantages, making them a popular choice for both residential and commercial buildings. Submersible well water pumps are known for their high efficiency and reliability, making them an effective solution for most applications but need to be sized properly for low-producing wells. By being submerged in water, they experience fewer energy losses due to friction, resulting in increased energy efficiency and cost savings. Due to their location below ground, submersible well water pumps operate quietly compared to other pump types, minimizing noise disturbances. If you're curious about submersible well pump installation in your home or business, give us a call for a free quote. Let us show you why Barnhart Pump Co. is the trusted Colorado water well pump service in Colorado Springs.