Shallow Well Water Pumps

whstein · Jun 18, 2009

I have just installed a shallow (20' deep) well for irrigation only. Our domestic water is from a deep drilled well. For the shallow well I want to pump into a 1000 gallon tank for a gravity feed irrigation system. I also want to pump directly to a sprinkler system in another area. I will be running the pump from a generator. My questions are:
1. Should I get a submersible pump or an above surface pump? The guy who installed the well advised on a submersible pump to avoid priming problems. An above surface pump would simplify the piping into the well and would keep all electrical connections out of the water. What advice do you guys have on the type of pump?
2. The horizontal run will be about 200' and the vertical rise about 10'. Can I run directly from the pump to the sprinkling system i.e. no pressure tank. If so, how much horsepower in the pump will I need to maintain about 40psi? Will it make any difference if I use a submersible pump or an above surface pump.
Thanks guys.
Wally Stein

Kays Supply · Jun 19, 2009

You usually get more bang for your buck with the submersible. I would put a low pressure switch on what ever you use. A 20' well doesn't give much of a reserve. If it gets pumped down you could damage a pump. If you have plenty of water and don't need the low pressure switch you won't need a tank. Don't put a valve on the pipe, just turn the pump on and off with the electricity. If there is a need for the low pressure switch, you will need a tank to make it work properly. If the tank will have a float valve in it , you will need a pressure tank. If you are going to just fill it and turn it off manually, you won't.