A well pump is part of your well system, and like any other system and investment in your home, you need to know something about it to ensure its proper installation, maintenance, and service. Call us at Alkota, and we can help you in these areas, so you can protect your investment.

Types and Installation of Well Pumps

Determining what type of pump to use with your well is largely based upon the depth of your well. The three types you’ll be considering are shallow well pumps, convertible jet well pumps, and deep well (or submersible) pumps. If you’re looking for a replacement rather than a new install, it’s best to keep with the same type you currently have for compatibility reasons. The size pump you’ll need is determined by how much water you’ll need (Gallons per Minute, or GPM). Talk to one of our professionals to help you with both type and size. Fun fact––no matter type of well pump you’ll have, all the pumps have the same components on their outsides.

Shallow Well Pump

The shallow pump is utilized with wells 25 feet deep or less. It’s not submersible and is placed outside the well, usually in a type of well housing. The most common type of shallow pump used these days is a jet pump.

Convertible Jet Well Pump

The convertible jet pump is used with wells 0 to 25 feet deep with a shallow jet well nozzle or 25 to 90 feet deep with an ejector assembly. This type of pump isn’t submersible and is placed in a well housing. People who have a fluctuating water table usually choose this type of pump.

Deep Well (or submersible) Pump

The deep well pump is used in wells as deep as 90 to 300 feet. They contrast to shallow well pumps in that they’re submerged inside your well.

Maintenance and Service

The two biggest priorities in residential well pump maintenance are keeping the pump working efficiently and protecting the water from contaminants like bacteria and pollution. To keep your well pump working efficiently, it’s recommended to have an annual checkup of your well and well pump by a qualified professional. As part of the maintenance you can perform yourself, protect your well from any type of contamination by keeping all toxic household chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, and paints from seeping into the ground near your well. They can make their way into the ground water and to the well. Also, septic and wastewater drainage needs to be a safe distance from the well to prevent any cross contamination. While you’re having your maintenance performed, be sure your water will also be tested at that time for quality.

Contact Us

Performing regular maintenance on your well and well pump can help ensure a well pump that will work hard for you for years. Call Alkota Plumbing and Heating at 907-332-5325 to schedule a maintenance appointment now. Or if you’re looking to install a new or replace an old well pump here in Anchorage, Alaska, call to speak with one of our professionals. We are happy to help.