Wells pump water primarily by utilizing different types of mechanical pumps that either push water upwards or create suction to draw it out of the ground. These pumps rely on impellers—rotating components that move fluid—to achieve this.
Understanding Well Pump Mechanisms
The method a well uses to pump water depends directly on the type of pump installed. There are several common types, each with a distinct operational principle:
- Submersible Pumps
- Jet Pumps
- Centrifugal Pumps
These pumps can be strategically placed either in your home, an outbuilding, or directly within the well itself, depending on their design and the well's characteristics.
1. Submersible Pumps
A submersible pump is designed to be installed inside the well, submerged directly in the water. Its operation is straightforward:
- Mechanism: A submersible pump uses impellers to draw water in from the well. Once drawn in, these impellers rapidly spin to push the water up a pipe to the surface.
- Benefits: Being submerged, they are very efficient as they don't have to "lift" water through suction over long distances. They also operate quietly.
2. Jet Pumps
Jet pumps are typically installed above ground, either in your home or an outbuilding, rather than inside the well itself.
- Mechanism: Unlike submersible pumps that push water, jet pumps work by creating a vacuum or suction. Specifically, jet and centrifugal pumps use impellers to create suction that pulls water up from underground. They achieve this by using a high-speed jet of water (generated by an impeller) to create a low-pressure area that draws more water into the pump.
- Types:
- Shallow Well Jet Pumps: Used for wells where the water level is relatively close to the surface (typically less than 25 feet).
- Deep Well Jet Pumps: Employ two pipes, one to send water down to an ejector and another to return water to the surface, allowing them to pull water from greater depths.
3. Centrifugal Pumps
Similar to jet pumps, centrifugal pumps are also usually installed above ground.
- Mechanism: Centrifugal pumps, like jet pumps, also use impellers to create suction that pulls water up from underground. They operate by rotating impellers that accelerate water outwards, creating a low-pressure zone at the impeller's eye, which draws more water into the pump. This force then pushes the water through the discharge pipe.
- Use Cases: Often used for wells with higher water levels or for boosting pressure in water systems.
Summary of Pump Types and Operation
| Pump Type | Installation Location | Primary Mechanism | Water Movement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Submersible | In the well, submerged in water | Uses impellers to draw water in and push it up | Pushes water directly up a pipe. |
| Jet | Above ground (home, outbuilding) | Uses impellers to create suction | Pulls water up from underground using a water jet. |
| Centrifugal | Above ground (home, outbuilding) | Uses impellers to create suction | Pulls water up from underground by accelerating water. |
Understanding these mechanisms helps clarify how wells, through the ingenuity of pump design, provide essential water supply for various uses.
