The size of your water well pump is vital in ensuring the health of your well, the longevity of your pump, and the functionality of your water source. Installing too large of a well pump can drain your well, causing damage to your pump as it continuously tries to collect nonexistent water. Too small of a pump and your well may not be able to service the water needs of your household, resulting in low water pressure and insufficient supply.

When installing a water well pump, it is important to choose wisely to avoid costly well pump repair and replacement in the future. To select a well pump size that will last, our team at North Florida Water Systems Inc suggests considering the following variables.

Residential Capacity

Residential capacity is the gallons per minute (GPM) your household requires from your pump at a time of peak demand. Typically, this peak demand time occurs in the morning or at night, but this time can vary based on when your household is most likely to be using their maximum amount of water. This peak use is measured over seven minutes. If your household uses 91 gallons of water in seven minutes at its peak, then you would need a pump that can service at least 13 GPM. In this case, you should install a well pump with a flow rate of at least 13 GPM.

This capacity can also be measured through an estimation based on the number of water-using fixtures in a household. If a house has a single shower, bathtub, toilet, sink, dishwasher, and washing machine, then the GPM requirement of the property would be 6 GPM. Installing a well pump below the maximum residential capacity results in a pump that cannot handle the maximum request of your property, causing low water pressure, water shortages, and damage to your pump over time. Installing a larger pressure tank can extend the lifespan of your well pump by storing excess water and reducing the cycling frequency.

If you are concerned about the flow rate of your pump, check out our water pressure tank installation and well pump replacement services today!

Water Pressure Requirements

Water pressure, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI), is another important factor to consider when choosing a well pump size for your property. Some household appliances have minimum water pressure requirements to be able to function properly. A typical dishwasher, for example, requires at least 10 PSI to support its rinsing cycle, while an outdoor sprinkler system requires between 20 and 40 PSI. If your household treats its water using any water purification systems, such as a water softener, then you will need to install a well water pump with slightly higher PSI capability to counteract the drop in pressure caused by water treatment.

When selecting a water well pump size, consider the PSI requirements of your household. The average household should consider using a well water pump that can accommodate a PSI between 30 and 60.

Well Capacity

If your well’s water supply is not sufficient to meet the water demands of your household, you risk damaging your pump. The introduction of a large water storage tank and an additional, smaller pump will allow a water well pump within your well’s capacity to service your household’s greater water needs.

If you are struggling with a low-capacity water supply, reach out to North Florida Water Systems Inc to learn more about our storage tank and well pump installation services!

Total Head

Total head refers to the combination of a pump’s suction head and discharge head. Suction head is the vertical distance between your pump and its water source, while discharge head is the maximum vertical height that your pump needs to service water to. If your well is 20 feet deep and your home is 20 feet tall, then your water well pump should have a total head rating of at least 40 feet.

Our professional installers are here to help you decide what size water well pump is right for you. Contact us today to learn more about our pump installation services!