How to Install a Submersible Well Pump

Submersible well pumps are great equipment for supplying continuous water flow. Their installation may seem complex and one that must need the assistance of a professional plumber to undertake. However, when one has the right tools, materials, and helping hands, carrying out the installation becomes very simple. Below is a guide that gives a detailed outline of how you are supposed to install a submersible pump safely and successfully.

Tools you need

• Submersible
• Wrench
• Right Piping
• Bleach
• Seal material
• Electrical tape
• Extraction tool
• Metal file

How to Install a Submersible Well Pump – Getting Started

After getting everything you need in place, head to the well and prepare to start the installation.

Step 1:

Start by sanitizing the well by pouring a cup of bleach into it. Then access any element that may damage or the wire during the installation. Such include jagged or rough pieces on the lip of the well casing which can be smoothed using a metal file or a hammer.

Step 2:

With the help of another person, attach the piping to the pump. Laying the pump across the ground from the top of the well is the easiest way to connect the piping. The most common tubing for water well systems is the black poly pipes. Heating may be required to soften the pipes to ensure they fit into each other well. Use a wrench to ensure the pipes are properly held in place and tight to prevent leaking.

Step 3:

Install power wires and connect them to a proper source of power. Ensure the power source is off to avoid electrocution. Any wiring done in a submersible pump should be protected by from any hazards like coming into contact with water or bare wires crossing each other. This can result in damage of the pump of even worse electrocution to during the installation. To ensure the wiring is properly done, carry out the following measure:

• Attach the wires that come with the pump to extra wires to ensure they are long enough to cover the full depth of your well. Wires that are not long enough will most likely overstretch, break cover leading to exposed wires coming into contact.
• Arrange the wires well in a way there won’t be friction because of the motor which can lead to wearing of their outer coating. Hold them together using electrical tape. The cables should be taped to the pipe at intervals of 3 meters to prevent snarling of cable.
• Use a torque arrestor to clamp the top of the submersible pump where the pipe threads into it. This will prevent rotating, movement, and the swinging of the pump when the motor starts hence preventing twisting of the threaded pipe which can wrap the wires causing them to break.
• Solder any wire connections and cover the wires with a heat-shrinking and self-sealing tubing. This will prevent corrosion and crimp-on which can fail the water system due to the wet conditions in the well.

Step 4:

After you are done with wire connections, align the pump in the well opening and lower it into the well. Use stainless steel safety support cable to support the pump. You will need assistance to ensure the wiring doesn’t snag or the pump doesn’t drop suddenly into the well resulting to damage. The pump should not be lowered to depth within 5 feet from the bottom of the well. A depth finder or water level sounder can be a good tool to assess the depth of your well.

Step 5:

If your well is beyond 200 feet in depth, ensure you install a check valve before the water pipe it reaches the pressure tank. It prevents water flow back hence ensures there is a reliable supply of water. When the pump is not running, a check valve ensures water doesn’t flow back into the well hence reduced strain on the pump and fast water flow when it is started.

Follow Safety Precautions Now That You Know How to Install a Submersible Well Pump

Even though the installation process seems easy in writing, you should not take it lightly. You may incur serious injury if you make a simple mistake or don’t follow safety precautions. If you aren’t sure you can handle the installation process safely, seek assistance from a plumber for clarification about anything about the water well system. The advice of an electrician can be resourceful if you are not conversant with electrical working.