Submersible Well Pumps

A submersible pump is a pump that can be fully submerged in water. The motor is hermetically sealed and close-coupled to the pump’s body.

A submersible pump pushes water through your water system by converting rotary energy into kinetic energy into pressure energy. This is done by the water being pulled into the pump: first in the intake, where the rotation of the impeller pushes the water through the diffuser. From there, it goes to the surface.

The major advantage to a submersible pump water system is that it never has to be primed, because it is already submerged. Water pressure pushes the water into the pump, thus “saving” a lot of the pump’s energy, making the submersible water system more efficient.

Also, submersible pumps are quiet, because they are under water, and cavitation is never an issue since there is no “spike” in pressure as the water flows through the pump.

There are a few disadvantages with submersible pumps. The seals can become corroded with time. When that happens, water seeps into the motor, rendering it useless until it is repaired. Also, that seal makes the submersible pump a bit difficult to get into for repairs.

The other main disadvantage is that one pump does not fit all uses. Single stage pumps are used for most home and light industrial pumping. This includes aquarium filters, sewage pumping, or sump pumps for drainage. Multiple stage pumps are used for anything underground, such as water wells. Also, pumps are designed to work with thin liquids like water, or thick ones like sewage.

Caution must be used with submersible pumps; they must be fully submerged. The water around a submersible pump actually helps to cool the motor. If it is used out of water, it can overheat.

A number of variables determine the size and type of pump in any given well – including well yield, depth, water system delivery pressure, elevation of delivery point, etc. Additionally, because electricity costs money and water supplies have limitations, it's wise to size pumps for electrical AND water efficiencies. Finally, there are three standard pump types for most residential and small irrigation projects (larger pumping systems, such as systems serving farms & cities, tend to use commercial pumps).

Most of the pumps we use at Ralph’s Pump & Well come from a 100% American Made company, Flint and Walling Co.; we have worked with them for decades. In business since 1890, they’re the experts on well pumps and water systems. Their equipment comes with a 5 year warranty, which we match with our labor. If anything ever goes wrong, we’re there, fixing the issues and getting you the water you need.  If you have the need for submersible well pump replacement, we’re happy to provide this service as well!

If you’re trying to think through whether a submersible pump makes sense for your commercial or residential property water system needs, you should call the experts – and there’s no better expert to call than Ralph’s Pump & Well.  We’ll walk through the options, look at your property, and help you decide on the best and proper course of action for your submersible well pump system.