Last Updated on July 10, 2023
Are you planning to install a submersible pump in your well? If yes, then the first and most crucial step is determining how deep the pump should be installed in the well. Installing the pump at the correct depth can improve the efficiency of your well and prevent sediment build-up.
It is generally recommended that the pump be placed at a depth at least 10-20 feet below the water level in your well. The pump is always submerged in water, which prevents overheating and motor damage. Also, if the pump is deeper, it won’t be affected by drought or heavy use changing water levels.
Today we will guide you through determining the optimum depth for your submersible pump installation. We will explain what to consider when installing a submersible pump deep in a well. So keep reading for more information.
How Deep Should a Submersible Pump Be in a Well: Explanation
When installing a submersible pump in a well, avoid placing it at the bottom. Opt for a depth of 10 to 20 feet to prevent sediment buildup that can lead to pump damage. Placing the pump below the recharge zone in low-yield wells can cause cascading water situations, leading to more sediment buildup in the well cavity.
Installing the pump too close to the bottom can also cause sediment and debris to mix, clogging the pump and decreasing its efficiency. Notably, sediment accumulation can cause the pump to wear out faster, leading to frequent replacements and repairs.
Also, position the pump at a level with sufficient water to keep it cool and submerged but not so close to the bottom. Hence, place it at least 10 to 20 feet above the bottom of the well for optimal submersible pump performance and longevity.
What to Consider When Putting a Submersible Pump Deep in a Well?
When placing a submersible water pump deep in a well, several key points must be considered, which include:
Pump Selection:
Selecting the right submersible pump for your well involves considering factors such as flow rate, head pressure, and power requirements. These factors ensure that the pump suits your well’s specifications and can operate efficiently.
A pump’s flow rate is how much water it can move in a given time, while its head pressure is how high it can lift water. Power requirements determine the amount of energy that the pump needs to operate.
When selecting a pump, choose one specifically designed for deep-well applications. These pumps are designed to withstand the high pressures and temperatures in deep wells.
Well Capacity:
To ensure your well meets your water needs, determine its capacity and yield. Here’s what you should do:
- Conduct a pumping test: This involves running the well pump constantly for several hours and measuring the well’s water yield. This test will help you determine the maximum amount of water your well can produce in a given time.
- Measure your well’s static water level: This is the water level in the well when the pump isn’t running. Knowing the static water level will help you determine the well’s recharge rate and how much water is available for use.
- Calculate the well’s drawdown: This is the difference between the static water level and the well’s water level when the pump is running. The drawdown will help you determine how much water the well can provide before the water level drops below the pump intake.
- Analyze the results: Based on the pumping test, static water level, and drawdown, you can determine the well’s capacity and yield. This information will help you select a submersible pump appropriate for your well’s water production and recharge rates.
Pump Size and Placement:
Choosing a pump that is too small for your well casing could cause problems like insufficient water flow rates and frequent breakdowns. Conversely, choosing a pump that is too large for your well casing could damage the pump and other components due to excessive pressure and flow rates.
Correctly place the pump for optimal performance. Position the pump deep enough to be fully submerged below the water level during operation but not too close to the bottom of the well where sediment and debris gather.
If the pump is installed too high above the water level, it may run dry, leading to overheating and eventual damage. Therefore, carefully consider pump size and placement for a properly functioning submersible pump system.
Pump Depth and Lift:
Depth and lift are crucial factors determining water delivery’s effectiveness in a pumping system. It’s essential to know how deep a submersible pump should be placed in a well to ensure it functions optimally.
The depth at which the pump is installed affects the amount of water that can be drawn and the efficiency of the system. Here are some factors to consider:
- The depth of the well: The deeper the well, the longer the vertical distance the pump has to lift water to the surface. This requires a more powerful pump to handle the lift and ensure effective water delivery.
- The water table: The depth of the pump should be below the water table to ensure that water is available for pumping. If the pump is installed above the water table, it won’t be able to draw water, and the system will be ineffective.
- Additional pressure requirements: In some cases, the pump may need to deliver water to a higher elevation than the discharge point. This requires additional pressure to overcome the lift and deliver water effectively.
Power Supply:
When installing a submersible pumping system, consider if your electrical system can handle the pump’s power requirements. To prevent overheating or electrical issues, make sure the wiring is suitable.
Also, the power supply must be capable of supplying the required voltage and current to the pump, as specified by the manufacturer. Look at the manufacturer’s specifications to determine the power requirements, such as the voltage and current needed and the pump’s horsepower rating.
Remember that the pump’s depth in the well may also impact power requirements since deeper pumps require more power to raise water to the surface. You need to ensure your electrical power system can handle the power requirements of your pump for years to come.
Pump Protection:
Don’t hesitate when safeguarding your plumbing system or pump. Install check valves and surge arrestors to prevent water hammer or pressure surges that could cause damage.
Surge arrestors, also known as pressure tanks, help control system pressure by storing excess water and reducing the likelihood of water hammering. Check valves to keep the pressure steady and prevent backflow. They work by permitting water to flow in one direction only.
| Type of Protection | Function | Benefits |
| Check valves | Prevent backflow | Protects the pump from damage caused by sudden changes in water flow |
| Surge arrestors | Regulate pressure | Reduces the likelihood of water hammer and prolongs the life of the pump |
Well Casing and Seal:
To ensure your water quality remains unaffected, it’s crucial to install your well casing and seal properly. Here are two important considerations:
- Material: Geology plays an important role in selecting the best material for the well casing and seal. PVC is commonly used, but stainless steel or fiberglass may be necessary under certain conditions.
- Sealing: The well casing must be sealed properly to prevent contaminants from entering the well. A cement grout or bentonite seal can be used. Regular checkups are necessary to ensure there are no cracks or leaks.
Can I use a submersible pump in a deep shallow well?
Submersible pumps are versatile and can be installed in wells just a few feet deep or over a thousand feet deep. The depth at which the submersible pump should be installed depends on the well’s casing size and the pump’s required flow and pressure.
When mounting a submersible pump in a deeper shallow well, it is important to consider the well’s casing and seal.
The well casing should be properly sealed to prevent water from seeping into the well and contaminating the water supply. The submersible pump should also be installed at the appropriate depth to ensure it operates efficiently and effectively.
How deep can a 2HP submersible well pump go?
If you’re looking to install a 2 HP submersible well pump, you should know that it can reach depths of up to 150 feet. This makes it an ideal choice for wells that aren’t deeper than this.
This pump uses a 2-wire system, which helps make it more energy-efficient, saving you money over time. Remember that determining the right pump for your well is more complex than just looking at how far down it goes.
You need to consider other important factors like the diameter of the well, flow rate, and water quality. That being said, if your well measures are no more than 150 feet deep, then this 2 HP submersible pump is worth considering.
Maximize Water Output with the Right Depth for Your Submersible Pump
A submersible pump is a valuable investment for ensuring a steady water supply from your well. But installing it at the correct depth in a well is crucial for long-term efficiency and protection against sediment buildup.
Remember, when installing a submersible pump in a deep well, several factors must be considered. Also, choose the right pump to handle your well’s depth and water volume to ensure optimal performance.
If you have a deep shallow well, a submersible pump can still work, but selecting a pump that can handle the well’s depth is crucial. So, research, consult experts, and choose a submersible pump that meets your well’s specific needs.
