Water well pump types, models, pumping capacities:

This article compares the pumping capacity in gallons per minute (GPM) of one line jet pumps, two line jet pumps, submersible pumps, and well pumps of different models and horsepower.

This article includes well pump capacity and model example tables from well pump installation manuals provided by the Water Ace Corporation. [permission requested]

Water Well Pump Capacities & Selection Guide

This page describes how to choose a water well pump based on the well properties and the water flow rate or GPM needed (and limited by what flow rate the well can provide).

Our sketch of a 2-line jet pump and well shows the basic components.

For this well the pumping depth or lift height would be from the inlet at the bottom of the tail piece to the suction port on the front of the jet pump.

[Click to enlarge any image]

Article Contents

• WELL PUMP SELECTION BASICS
• 1-LINE JET PUMP CAPACITY
• 2-LINE JET PUMP CAPACITY
• SUBMERSIBLE WELL PUMP CAPACITY
• PUMPING DEPTH (LIFT HEIGHT) vs GPM
• WELL PUMP STAGES INCREASE CAPACITY

Well Pump Selection Basics

First consider the depth from which your well pump will have to deliver water. Some texts call this the "pumping water level".

The pumping water level is the depth or total water lift height as follows:

• For 1 line or 2-line jet pumps, the distance from the water intake of the pump's suction port to the bottom of the foot valve in the well
• For submersible (in-the-well) pumps, the distance from the point of water usage, usually the water pressure tank's inlet, to the inlet opening of the well pump body that is submersed in the well

Notes to the table above

• Details for each of these water pump types are given in the RECOMMENDED ARTICLES at the end of this page
• Plus, for 2-line jet pumps or for a submersible well pump, increase the pumping water level by the length (depth) of a tailpiece if one is installed below the in-well water pick-up on the venturi-jet or submersible pump inlet
  
  See details
  
  at WELL PIPING TAIL PIECE
• The flow rate or GPM capacity of any pump depends on multiple variables including lift height and piping details described below on this page.
  
  In general, the greater the pumping depth (or lift height) the less the GPM output capacity of the well pump.
• Pumping from a lake or pond, the pumping depth is from the surface of the water to the pump's intake or point of use as described above
• All of these pumping methods require at least one check valve or foot valve, located in the well or possibly for shallow wells, at the pump itself
• Watch out: if your pump's capacity allows and you set its pumping rate to exceed the well's inflow-rate of water then you risk pumping the well dry and damaging the pump.
  
  See WELL YIELD, SAFE LIMITS
  
  The well's pumping depth will be reported by the original driller of the well, or it can be determined by measurement if you don't have that information.
• Adapted from Red Lion 1-2-3 EASY GUIDE to PUMP & TANK SELECTION [PDF] RedLion Products, USA 9255 Coverdale Rd. Fort Wayne, IN 46809 USA, cited in more detail below on this page

What is the Pumping Capacity in Gallons per Minute for a 1-Line Shallow Well Jet Pump?

A one-line jet pump can typically raise water from depths of just a few feet (or "0" depth) to about 25 feet in depth.

Typical shallow well jet pumps sport water delivery rates from 4 gpm or 15 liters per minute (lpm) up to as much as 25 gpm (95 lpm) depending on the variables we list below the well pump capacity tables shown.

Shallow Well Pump Capacity Charts

A nice example table of shallow well 1-Line Jet Pump Capacities for 1/2 hp, 3/4, and 1 hp shallow well pumps is provided in the Water Ace Jet Pump Installation Manual cited at the end of this article and excerpted here to illustrate the factors that determine well pump capacity.

The two shallow well pump capacity charts above & below are for one-line jet pumps produced by Water Ace.

1-Line jet pumps intended for shallow well use and made by other manufacturers can be expected to have similar capacities.

[Click to enlarge any image or table]

What Determines the Water Delivery Capacity of a Well Pump?

The Water Ace charts (shown in part above) make clear that the capacity of a one-line shallow well jet pump to deliver water at a given flow rate varies by these factors:

1. The depth of the well
   
   (the bottom scale in the two charts)
2. The pump horsepower
   
   (the color codes indicate pump model and horsepower HP variation)
3. The well pump model and number of stages
   
   and therefore pump type and internal design
   
   The second shallow well pump capacity table shown just above is for the company's more powerful well pump series of 2-line jet pumps.
   
   The pump "model" for higher capacity output water pumps will include a number of well pump stages (to well over 20 in some cases) that increase the pump's lift and output pressure capacity.
4. The condition of well piping,
   
   including pipe diameter, length, number of bends or elbows
5. Leaks in the water system:
   
   the presumption that the entire piping system has no leaks
6. The flow rate of the well:
   
   for limited flow-rate wells at which a pump protection device is installed (to prevent the pump from running dry and thus being damaged), as the well flow rate diminishes during use, the water delivery rate may also drop.

Permission requested, Water Ace Corp. Aug 2010 - Pentair Pump Group.

Watch Out: Safety warnings are throughout any pump manufacturer's instructions. Because some pump models are capable of developing internal pressures of more than 100 psi, if your building piping, pressure relief valves, safety controls, wiring, and plumbing are not properly installed, very dangerous conditions including electrical shock, tank explosion, and leaks or floods can occur.

What is the Pumping Capacity in Gallons per Minute for a 2-Line Deep Well Jet Pump?

A two-line jet pump can typically raise water from depths of 30 feet to 80 feet, and at water delivery rates of 4 gpm (for a 1/2 hp 2-line jet pump serving an 80 foot deep well) to 16 gpm (for a 1 hp 2-line jet pump serving a 30 foot deep well).

Deep Well Jet Pump Capacity Charts

A nice example table of Deep Well 2-Line Jet Pump Capacities for 1/2 hp and 1 hp deep well pumps is provided in the Water Ace Jet Pump Installation Manual and excerpted above & below to illustrate the factors that determine well pump capacity.

Both of the charts below are for 2-line jet pumps produced by Water Ace. Two-line jet pumps intended for deep well use and made by other manufacturers can be expected to have similar capacities.

The Water Ace charts (shown in part above) make clear that the capacity of a deep well pump to deliver water at a given flow rate varies by pretty much the same factors as those we listed for shallow wells and well pumps.

Capacity of a deep well pump to deliver water at a given flow rate depends on:

1. The depth of the well
   
   (the bottom scale in the two charts)
2. The pump horsepower
   
   (the color codes indicate pump model and horsepower HP variation)
3. The well pump model
   
   and therefore pump type and internal design
   
   The second of the two deep well pump capacity tables is for the company's more powerful well pump series of 2-line jet pumps.
4. The condition of well piping,
   
   including pipe diameter, length, number of bends or elbows
5. Leaks in the water system:
   
   The presumption that the entire piping system has no leaks
6. The flow rate of the well:
   
   for limited flow-rate wells at which a pump protection device is installed (to prevent the pump from running dry and thus being damaged), as the well flow rate diminishes during use, the water delivery rate may also drop.

Permission requested, Water Ace Corp. Aug 2010 - Pentair Pump Group.

Watch Out: Safety warnings are throughout any pump manufacturer's instructions. Because some pump models are capable of developing internal pressures of more than 100 psi, if your building piping, pressure relief valves, safety controls, wiring, and plumbing are not properly installed, very dangerous conditions including electrical shock, tank explosion, and leaks or floods can occur.

What is the Pumping Capacity in Gallons per Minute for a Submersible Deep Well Pump?

A submersible deep well water pump (the pump is physically inside the well and at or close to the bottom of the well piping) can typically raise water from depths of 30 feet to hundreds of feet, and at water delivery rates of 4 gpm to 25 gpm depending on the variables that we list below.

Submersible well pumps are typically offered in horsepower ratings of 1/2 HP, 3/4 HP, 1 HP, and 1 1/2 HP.

Rated water flow rates for pumps range (by horsepower and model) from a nominal 6 gpm to 35 gpm.

Watch out: installing a higher capacity well pump may indeed give faster water flow and higher water system pressure, but if the pump is not properly matched to the well's safe flow rate (by pump selection or pump controls) you can pump all of the water out of your well, run dry, damage the pump, etc.

See DEFINITION of SAFE WATER WELL YIELD

A nice example table of Deep Well Submersible Well Pump Capacities is provided in the Water Ace 4-inch (diameter) Submersible Well Pump Installation Manual and excerpted below to illustrate the factors that determine well pump capacity. We have sharpened the text and provided a larger, more legible table (click to enlarge) than the original.

In selecting a well pump, the well depth as well as water flow requirements must be considered. While jet pumps have a pickup placed typically 5 feet above the well bottom, when installing a submersible pump, it is placed ten feet above the well bottom (maximum) or ten feet below the draw down limit for the well.

[Click to enlarge any image or table]

[Click to enlarge any image]

The Water Ace charts (excerpted in part above) make clear that the capacity of a deep well pump to deliver water at a given flow rate varies by the factors we listed previously for both shallow well one line jet pumps and deep well 2-line jet pumps.

But this table (above) is for submersible well pumps: the pump is in the well, usually near the bottom.

In the submersible pump capacity table you can see that the table considers:

• The submersible well pump horsepower
• Variations in submersible pump design
• The depth to the water or in other words, the lift that the pump must achieve

Water Ace asserts that a typical 3-4 bedroom home requires a water delivery rate of 8-12 GPM.

Watch out: the water delivery rate at plumbing fixtures is determined by the water pump as well as building water supply piping and controls. But it is a number independent of the ability of the well itself to deliver a sustained water flow - the well yield.

Unless a well pump is protected by one or more special devices to prevent the pump from running without water flowing through it, the pump can be damaged or destroyed.

The water delivery rate is also independent of the total quantity of water that can be run before you run out.

See WELL FLOW RATE and

see WELL YIELD, SAFE LIMITS

Watch Out: Safety warnings are throughout any pump manufacturer's instructions.

Because some pump models are capable of developing internal pressures of more than 100 psi, if your building piping, pressure relief valves, safety controls, wiring, and plumbing are not properly installed, very dangerous conditions including electrical shock, tank explosion, and leaks or floods can occur.

Readers of this document should also see the water pump types described and our other diagnostic guides for water pumps, wells, motors listed in the "More Reading" section below.

Well Pump Capacity Charts Plot Pumping Head vs GPM Flow Rate Curves vs Pump Horsepower

Reader question: what is the effect of changing from a 1/2 hp to a 1 1/2 hp water pump ?

Currently I have a 1/2 hp water pump that will pump 100 gal in 15 min. I am thinking a 1-1/2 hp water pump will pump water 100 gal in 5 min. What will that do to the existing water line. I don't know if I have 5/8" or 3/4" - B.K. 1/20/2014

Reply: factors affecting the actual water flow rate delivered by a water pump. Check out this example chart plotting water flow in GPM against pump motor size and pumping head resistance.

Indeed, B.K., the flow rate through piping is affected by more than the pump output pressure,

to include not just

• well pipe or line diameter (typically 1" I.D. or 1 1/4" ID from well to pressure tank and pump)
• but also friction losses in the piping system which in turn are affected by
• the total length of piping,
• the number of bends or elbows, and
• possibly the presence of constricted fittings anywhere in the run.

[Click to enlarge any image or chart]

Table adapted from Water Ace data cited in detail at the end of this article.

Because it is located in the well and under-water, the work described by a submersible well pump is described as "lift" rather than "building pressure". It is the "lift" that overcomes the head pressure of water in the piping system above the pump.

The actual effective water flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM) delivered by the water pump through well piping and fittings to the building is typically described as a curve plotting GPM against the pumping head distance in feet, for pumps of various horsepower or pumping capacity.

Most water pump manufacturers provide lift capacity curves for their particular water pumps, plotting horsepower and flow rate and lift height as shown in our example chart above. - National Wells (2014)

The sample well pump capacity chart at above left plots water pump capacity in gallons per minute (GPM) (horizontal axis) against pumping head resistance in feet (vertical axis) for typical 3450 rpm water pump motors in horsepower ranging from 1/2 up to 3 HP. Other well pump capacity charts are in the article above. - Grove Electric (2010), G&G Electric (2010), Water Ace (2010), National Wells (2014)

Typical residential well pumps range in horsepower from 1/2 HP to about 2 HP. You can see in the chart that changing from a 1/2 HP to a 1 1/2 HP well pump, if we stay at the same pumping head resistance and using a 300 ft. head resistance example, we would see a theoretical GPM flow rate change from 4 GPM up to around 7 GPM if all other factors remained the same.

To read this chart, follow the 300 Head horizontal line in the chart across from where it crosses the 4 GPM line on the 1/2 HP pump curve over further to the right to see the 1 1/2 HP pump (two models) touching or close to the 300 Head Resistance line at 7 GPM.

If for theoretical argument we exclude other snafus like clogged piping or a low-flow-rate well, the lift distance or head against which the pump has to work is the most significant factor as pump lift capacity varies by pump horsepower and type and location.

Water Pump Size Requirement Calculation - Definition of head pressure or Total Dynamic Head (TDH), Vertical Rise, & Friction Losses in Piping

You have not specified if your well pump is a submersible or is an above ground unit, nor among above ground units did you specify if this is a 1 line or 2-line jet pump - or a different pump type. As we don't know any of that data, nor the well piping diameter of your installation, its length, bends, etc. a fixed answer would be mere arm-waving speculation.

A well pump needs to be matched to the flow rate capacity of the well itself - lest the pump simply run out of available water, a condition that risks pump damage as well as loss of building water supply.

The well pump also needs to be matched against the lift required - how far water must be lifted from the bottom of the submersible pump in the well to the water pressure tank and controls in the building.

Water pump lift can also be defined as the force required to overcome the "head pressure" measured in feet.

To accurately compute head pressure, expressed as Total Dynamic Head or TDH, the designer adds the pumping level or height that water is moved inside the well, the additional vertical rise from water top to final destination, and the friction losses in the piping system.

In the article above, we show tables and charts helpful in determining the required size in HP required for a water pump in a given installation. I recommend against choosing pump size arbitrarily for reasons I cite below: cost, operating life, as well as capacity requirements.

Recapping,

Calculations of required water pump size must consider:

• The vertical rise 
  
  that the pump has to move water
• The horizontal pumping distance
  
   that water must be moved
• The friction losses in the piping system 
  
  a function of pipe diameter, number of fittings or elbows, and possibly other more subtle factors
  
  Friction losses also include losses as water flows through valves or controls, check valves, tees, couplings. Engineers & other well and pump experts use tables that express the effect of valves and fittings on water flow as equivalent length of piping in feet.
  
  For example, the resistance imparted by a 1-inch diameter plastic or steel 90 degree pipe elbow is equivalent to about three feet of pipe.
• The water quantity usage rate -
  
  maximum usage anticipated in the building
  
  See WATER QUANTITY USAGE TABLES for details.

Watch out: none of the topics listed in your message or in pump GPM capacity above address the potentially controlling effects on water flow rate at a given fixture caused by in-building piping, valves, clogs, etc.

Something as simple as a clogged faucet strainer will significantly cut water flow rate there - a problem for which the trouble and expense of changing to a larger horsepower water pump would be very much the wrong "fix".

What you can infer is that you are tripling the pump horsepower - which is a big jump, so it would be reasonable to expect a significantly increased water flow rate - all other components being equal.

Watch out: in some cases of a poor flow-rate well, it is the well's recovery rate or flow rate that limits the water flow rate at the building (unless a large buffer storage tank of water is also installed). In such cases, installing a more powerful pump will simply exhaust the well more quickly, leading to loss of water supply entirely.

And a final warning:

Watch out: be sure that you have an accurate idea of the trouble and costs involved in tripling the well pump horsepower.

A change from a smaller 1/2 hp pump to a 1 1/2 hp model may require electrical wiring changes of wire size or gauge and possibly a change from 120V to 240V service along with appropriate changes in pump controls and switches - all adding to the cost of installation of the new pump.

In sum, I'd want to have a more accurate description of the water flow problem in your building and of the causes of any poor water flow complaints before hopping to install a new larger well pump.

Number of submersible well pump stages determine pump lift capacity

For submersible well pumps, typically higher HP pumps also are designed with a greater number of pumping stages - mechanical impellers that increase the lift capacity of the pump. Below are some submersible pump design stages and horsepower ratings:

Notes to the table above

The data in this table is for example purposes. Actual pump capacities vary by model, manufacturer, design, and installation details.

• Source: adapted from A.Y. McDonald Co. Mfg. (2014)
• API-Ferguson, Zoeller Pumps, Flint & Walling, FOUR-INCH SUBMERSIBLE PUMP CATALOG [PDF] (2012) Flint & Walling, 95 North Oak St., Kendallville IN 46755 USA, Tel: 800-345-9422, Web: flintandwalling.com retrieved 2022/02/24 original source: https://api.ferguson.com/dar-step-service/Query?ASSET_ID=1352800&USE_TYPE=SPECIFICATION&PRODUCT_ID=496013
  
  Properties of 4-inch submersible well pumps, GPM, flow rates, etc.
• AY McDonald Mfg, WATER PUMP SIZING BASICS, HOW a CENTRIFUGAL PUMP WORKS [PDF] A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Co 4800 Chavenelle Road Dubuque, IA 52002 USA, Tel: 800-292-2737, Website: www.aymcdonald.com Email: pumps@aymcdonald.com. Includes the basics of how to choose the proper pump and explains how the matched nozzle and ventyuri in the jet ejector function; retrieved 2020/02/18 original source: http://www.midc-ent.com/Pump%20Basic-Sizing.pdf
  
  Excerpts:
  The head or pressure that a pump will develop is in direct relation to the impeller diameter, the number of impellers, the eye or inlet opening size, and how much velocity is developed from the speed of the shaft rotation. Capacity is determined by the exit width of the impeller.
  
  All of these factors affect the horsepower size of the motor to be used; the more water to be pumped or pressure to be developed, the more energy is needed. A centrifugal pump is not positive acting. As the depth to water increases, it pumps less and less water.
  
  Also, when it pumps against increasing pressure, it pumps less water. For these reasons it is important to select a centrifugal pump that is designed to do a particular pumping job.
  
  The jet and venturi ... have to be well engineered and carefully matched to be efficient for various pumping conditions. The jet nozzle and venturi are also known as ejectors/ejector kits.
• Franklin FPS SUBMERSIBLE PUMPS, RESIDENTIAL, LIGHT COMMERCIAL CATALOG [PDF] (2016) Franklin Electric, FPS, Toll free: 800-269-0063 Fax: 260-827-5800 E-mail: cleanwater@fele.com Website: franklinwater.com TECHNICAL SERVICE HOTLINE Please contact us at: Toll free: 800-269-0063 Fax: 260-827-5800 E-mail:
• Hammelmann Corporation - Headquarters 436 Southpointe Drive - Miamisburg, OH 45342 USA Tel: 937-859-8777 Email: mail@hammelmann.com
  
  Hammelmann provides a water jetting calculator online as well as a downloadable app: http://www.hammelmann.de/us/produkte/anwendungstechnik/app/water-jetting-calculator.php
• IHS, SUBMERSIBLE PUMP SIZING & SELECTION [PDF] Indian Health Service, U.S. Federal Health Program for American Indians and Alaska Natives, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857 USA, retrieved 2020/02.18 original source: National Exploration/ Wells/Pumps, presentation https://www.ihs.gov/EHSCT/documents/sfc_webinar_docs/2013-Pump%20Sizing%20With%20Exercises%20r1.pdf
  
  Includes table of friction losses in well piping as well pump performance curfes and head lift vs pump capacity in GPM.
• Pemberthy/ Tyco JET PUMP APPLICATION GUIDE [PDF] (2005) Penberthy / Tyco, 320 Locust Street, Prophetstown, IL 61277 USA, Tel: (815) 537-2311 Website: www.penberthy-online.com • Email: penberthysales@tycovalves.com
  
  retrieved 2020/02/18, original source: http://alliedindustrialsales.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Penberthy-Jet-Pump-Application-Guide.pdf
  
  Excerpt: Jet pumps, also known as eductors, operate on the principles of fluid dynamics. An operating fluid media, which is referred to as the MOTIVE, placed under pressure enters the inlet and is forced through the nozzle where it is converted into a high-velocity stream.
  
  This high-velocity stream decreases the pressure in the suction chamber, creating a partial vacuum that draws the suction material into the chamber where it is entrained by the motive media.
  
  Once the SUCTION stream is drawn in, shear between motive media and the transported material causes both media to be intermixed and pumped out the DISCHARGE outlet, dispelled at a pressure greater than that of the SUCTION stream but lower than that of the MOTIVE. This basic principle of fluid dynamics is what makes Penberthy jet pumps work.
• Red Lion 1-2-3 EASY GUIDE to PUMP & TANK SELECTION [PDF] RedLion Products, USA 9255 Coverdale Rd. Fort Wayne, IN 46809 USA,
  
  Red Lion Canada Customer Relations: 61 Parr Blvd, Unit 1 Bolton, ON L7E 4E3
  
  Tel: 888-885-9254, Email: techsupport@fele.com Website: https://redlionproducts.com/ retrieved 2020/02/18 original source: https://redlionproducts.com/media/33881/996245_rl-pump-and-tank-selection-guide_web.pdf

 

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Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

On 2023-05-15 by InspectApedia Publisher

@Steve,

Perfect question. The chart doesn't answer it. Let's get more data.

I'm traveling so research is difficult for a few days. Perhaps you can review all of the specs or call the company.

On 2023-05-14 by Steve

@InspectApedia Publisher, I looked at the well driller'report and I was off a little. The well was drilled to 265', not 260'. And static water level is 105', not 110'. Not a big deal, I just like to be accurate. It says it was tested at 100 gpm using airlift from 265' for one hour.

The wells in my area average 25 gpm. My neighbor's well 100' away is 35 gpm at 150' deep and the neighbor to the north is about 150 yards away and get 55 gpm, but I don't know the depth.

My pump is a 9 stage and if I put it at 150', I'll have 45' of water above it. If I'm reading the chart right, I'll get about 16 gpm at 40 psi but there isn't a number listed for the 60 psi row below it. Does that mean it's outside of the pumps efficiency curve so the lifespan will be shorter?

Or does that mean it won't get to 60 psi?

On 2023-05-14 by InspectApedia Publisher

@Steve,

The chart that you attached showed that at 150 ft lift height a five-stage pump could give you 15 gallons a minute if the well flow rate sustains it.

If your well driller certified your wallet a flow rate of 100 gallons a minute that's an incredible rate for domestic water supply.

And it means it's worth trying raising your pump to a significantly higher point in the well, so try that before replacing it.

My earlier comment that said you have the wrong pump was before I saw the flow rate data.

Certainly it's worth a try.

Keep in mind that the flow rate of well is the sum of water that may be flowing into the bore at different depths at different rates and for different durations.

So higher in the well maybe we a lower rate.

But, absolutely, give it a try.

On 2023-05-14 by InspectApedia Publisher - well flow rate needed to determine next steps

@Steve,

Sure, zero PSI is going to be pretty worthless to you that's says it can deliver that flow rate at no pressure whatsoever.

Changing your pressure control switch from a 40/60 unit to a 30/50 or even a 20/40 is not going to do it.

Sounds like the wrong pump for your application.

If I understand correctly you set your pump at 250 ft. You could raise the pump and you might get some usable flow.

But we don't know the flow rate of the well at that depth.

On 2023-05-14 by Steve

@InspectApedia Publisher, I attached the spec sheet. The performance curve says 15 gpm at 250', but the bottom of the last page says it's 15 gpm at 0 psi. It says max depth is 280' though.

Can I trust the driller that it's truly 100 gpm and raise it to ~130'-140', since the pump would never out-pump the well?

...

On 2023-05-14 by InspectApedia Publisher

@Steve,

For the pump that you have, what are its

Maximum Rated lift height capacity

It's gpm rate at the actual total lift height for your installation?

On 2023-05-14 by Steve - do I have the wrong size pump?

I have a new 100 gpm 4" casing well drilled to 260' with a static water level at 110'. During an "exceptional" drought two years ago, it dropped to 115'. I was curious how the drought had affected the well so I dropped a washer on fishing line and pulled it out and measured it.

At 250' down I have a Little Giant W22G15S9-32P 1.5 hp with poly pipe and check valves on top of the pump, at 125', and just before the pressure tank. The reason I bought it is because I called a pump company and gave them the specs of my well and how many fixtures I would supply (in process of building house) and that was what was recommended.

I finally was able to connect the 86 gal pressure tank with 38 psi and 40/60 pressure switch and turn on the pump. The pump ran continuously because the tank pressure wouldn't go over 45.

Being new to wells, I took the advice of an "expert" at the pump supply company but after doing my own research, I think I was sold the wrong pump.

After looking at the pump specs, I think my options are to replace it or raise it to 140' or so. But even raising it, I don't think it will supply what I want in a two story home and get to the 60 psi to turn off the pump. Or do I get a 30/50 switch and leave it at current depth?

I read that 30/50 isn't enough pressure for a two story. Keep in mind that all components are new, there are no leaks known (poly pipe at check valve connections was heated and double banded), and everything is wired correctly. If any more information is needed, I can supply it.

Please advise. Thank you for your time.

On 2023-05-11 by InspectApedia Publisher - critical data about well flow rate needed to determine water supply

17 ft is a very small static head.
So indeed when you're a driller was squirting water out for a time he was certainly running off the wells flow rate.

But that wasn't a true flow test and so we don't really know what the Wells sustained ability to deliver water is.

The true number or the true ability of the will to deliver water is a more complex number. For example you might have a 10 gallon a minute full rate for the first 10 minutes of running a well and then the floor rate might fall to eight or two seven or two or two one. In addition water is usually flowing into the well from different depths so you may be exhausting one part of an aquifer or available water. Of course this is just theory because we don't know anything about the aquifer into which you are well has been tapped.

WELL FLOW RATE

Might be helpful in defining what a true flow rate and flow rate measurement would involve.

So these articles you'll see there's a table that will give you typical flow rates for different types of well pumps at different horsepower. When you don't know any of the specs of your particular pump that's as close as we're going to get to what the pump can deliver.

What I've been trying to explain is that what the pump can deliver doesn't begin to tell you how much water you actually can pump out of the earth since that's quite possibly going to be limited by the well flow rate.

Apologies that I can't give you a more specific numeric answer but frankly doing so would be so speculative as to not really be very useful.

You have my sympathy and I'm sorry because we are really in existence to try to be helpful here but with no more information I can't even imagine how we would know what your pump capacity is. If you can at least identify whether it's a 120 or 240 volt pump and identify the wires you can certainly either test it on the bench or hook it up put it in the well and try it out.

As I said in my earlier reply we're missing so much critical data about well flow rate that we can't predict anything about what the well is actually able to deliver at any sustained pumping rate.

On 2023-05-11 by Guy

Thank you for your reply. I draw water at 30’ in a 6” casing. The casing has 17’ of water in it, leaving only 13’ to ground level. The pocket is actually at 33’. When it was sucked, the driller used a 4 cylinder Wisconsin motor shooting out a 3” solid stream of water about 30’ conservatively, for at least 20 minutes. I have about 100’ to get to where I need to irrigate. The submersible pump I have didn’t have any specs. that are legible. So right now my dilemma remains the same.

On 2023-05-10 by InspectApedia Publisher

@Guy,

You're missing the flow rate data for the well itself. Without that you don't know if the well can support the flow rate that you want. Is it really an unlimited water supply?

If it is then all you need to look at is the pump tables above for the lift height and the horsepower but keep in mind that there's a considerable range among pump models even within brands at the same horsepower so it would be best to get very specific.

On 2023-05-09 by Guy

Can someone tell me how many gpm should I be able to get out of a 2hp submersible in a 30’ well with a static water level of 17’. 2” discharge, 6” casing and unlimited water supply. I need to run a big gun 1/2” nozzle.

On 2023-01-18 by InspectApedia Publisher - do I need a two part convertible jet pump for my artisan well?

@Larry,

Probably not. A 2 line jet pump is used to lift water from depths of more than 27 ft.

On 2023-01-18 by Larry

My artisan well is true artesian , it overflows ,do I need a two part convertible jet pump?

On 2022-11-04 by InspectApedia (Editor)

@Audrey castello,

With little or no lift required, the tables above on this page show that a typical 1/2 horsepower pump can deliver 10 gallons per minute, perhaps lesson the hose is a smaller diameter.

On 2022-11-04 by Audrey castello

Good day I need to know which size of pump will pull water a long a road way with hose 500 feet the water comes slow on its own we have 8 hours to full a 800 gallon tank so I want to speed it up by adding a pump it is not a well it is from one pipe to a tank by hose thank you

On 2022-10-15 by InspectApedia (Editor) - any restriction in piping reduces water flow rate

@Chris,

Thank you for a helpful question.

In general, any restriction in piping reduces water flow rate, and increase in diameter, even over just a section of piping, improves water flow rate. In the article above we note the effects of pipe diameter in at least fourteen places. Please take a look.

Then read

WATER SUPPLY PIPE DIAMETER vs FLOW

Do let me know what questions remain.

On 2022-10-15 by Chris

What are the effects of throttling a pump that has an inch and a quarter discharge with a 1 in pvc pipe it goes up 200 ft jumps up to a inch and a quarter pipe for another 90 ft and then exits the wellhead with a 1 inch pipe the pump they took out was a goulds 5gso7 and they put in a 7gs07.

It has a 60/40 pressure switch but I noticed that the 7GS07 has a cut off of 53 PSI and from what I can understand from the chart it doesn't even work at basically 300 ft every once in awhile the water stops I go out there and the pump is running

I don't think I'm running out of water in the well the pump set at 290 and the depth of water is supposed to be 300 I believe it's only happening when several faucets are being used at the same time the reason we took the first pump out originally it was sucking air as we pulled it out of the well right at where it attaches to the pump

where they reduced it to the 1-in pipe exiting the pump it broke off I'm not sure if I should replace all my drop pipe with inch and a quarter like it's supposed to have or if that pumps too much and pumping it too fast because of the jump and pipe size I'm thinking maybe cavitation causing an airlock

I don't know any thoughts would be appreciated thank you

On 2022-10-14 by InspectApedia-911 (mod) - usually OK to install a more powerful water pump of the same type as you had before

@Gene Shew,

In general the answer to your question is yes. It's usually perfectly fine to install a more powerful water pump of the same type as you had before.

You may find that the pump-on-cycle will be reduced when you do that. That is to say the pump works less hard and runs less often.

However take care. If you significantly increase the rate at which you pump water out of the well, particularly when you are using water in the building, it's possible that if your well flow rate is marginal you will run the well dry.

If that happens you'll need to install a pump protection device.

On 2022-10-14 by Gene Shew

I have a above ground 1/2 HP jet water pump and I would like to know if I can replace it with a 1 Hp jet water pump

On 2022-09-26 by InspectApedia (Editor) - grundfos 3/4 horse submersible well pump

@Tom Halstead,

I'm not sure how to interpret your psi data.

Take a look at the pump performance curve given below for the Grundfos 5S07

If we're reading this graph correctly, at a 400 foot total lift height you can get about 4 gpm. sustained - provided of course that the well's flow rate also can sustain that.

On 2022-09-26 by Tom Halstead

@InspectApedia, I have a grundfos 3/4 horse submersed well pump, 18 stage, 4.4 gpm at 400 feet, filling a 2500 gallon storage tank. Model 5SO7-18-801451. Its rated at 217 psi.

If we disconnect it from the tank and 70psi booster pump and connect it directly to the house plumbing, will it provide enough pressure to handle 30 to 40 psi by itself?

On 2022-09-19 by InspectApedia-911 (mod) - what size above ground centrifugal water pump

@David turner,

Take a look at the pump capacity tables on this page. You'll see that even a half horsepower pump has no trouble lifting 65 ft if it's a two line shock pump or a submersible. The real question is what flow rate you think you want to deliver and what flow rate you're well can support.

On 2022-09-18 by David turner

I need to know what size above ground centrifugal water pump I would require to pump water up 65 metres via a one inch vinyl pipe. The only restrictions are one ninety degree elbow in the flow to a 12000 litre reserve tank, thanking you in antisipatation.

On 2022-09-08 by InspectApedia-911 (mod) - buy a submersible pump of sufficient gpm capacity

@Kevin Wiest,

You could use a 2-line jet pump and place the injector and its tailpiece sufficiently deep in the lake, but a simpler and cleaner installation would be to buy a submersible pump of sufficient gpm capacity that at a 50 ft. lift the pump can give the 25 GPM you want.

IMO that's less costly and is a simpler, cleaner installation even though the pump itself may cost a bit more.

Be sure to check the pump's gpm capacity against the head or lift height.

Here's just one example

Grundfos 22SQE15-220 - 22 GPM 1-1/2 HP SQE-Series Deep Well Submersible Pump (220' Rated Head) (2W - 200-240V) (maybe more capacity than needed given that rated head)

On 2022-09-08 by Kevin Wiest

Want to pump 20 to 25 gpm out of a lake approximately 50' below and deliver to and irrigation system at 50 psi would a lift pump with a booster pump be more evonomical the lake level is subject to change and elevation of pump will decreas

On 2022-08-14 by InspectApedia-911 (mod) - what size submersible pump do I need

@Hank,

In the article above take a look at the pump capacity table versus pump stages in the pump design that we give, titled

Table of Submersible Pump Stages vs HP vs Total Dynamic Head vs. GPM Flow Rate Capacity

You will see that depending on the pump staging design and therefore cost you can get by with as little as a one and a half horsepower pump but you're probably going to go with a three or four horsepower.

On 2022-08-14 by Hank

Im wanting to pump from my river to keep my pond full. Its roughly 1250 feet away and 220 feet of head. I would like to know what size submersible pump I need and what size pipe to get roughly 20 gallons per minute into my pond. Thanks

On 2022-07-08 by InspectApedia-911 (mod)

@Anne Gilmer,

A 1/2 horsepower submersible pump can lift water from your lake to a height of 35 ft but you may need a more powerful pump depending on the flow rate in gallons per minute that you require.

On 2022-07-08 by Anne Gilmer

What size pump do I need to pump water from the lake to my yard...it's 600 feet with an elevation increase of 35 feet. Thanks

On 2022-06-18 by InspectApedia-911 (mod) - need to know the well's recovery rate

@Anthony,

First we need to know what is limiting the well's output.

For example, if the inflow rate to your well is weak (or anywhere under 20 gpm - which it probably is) and you add a more powerful pump you'll simply run out of water sooner.

So we need to know the well's recovery rate.

Only if you had reason to think the pump is damaged and not easily repairable (such as mineral crud in the impeller assembly) would you be moving to replace it.

On 2022-06-18 by Anthony

I have a 1hp centrifugal pump that's not doing much more than 20GPM, wWith a static pressure in the 20s, dynamic in the teens. I am unaware of how deep the well goes and to how many well points there are. If I install a 2HP will I increase the volume?

On 2022-06-03 by InspectApedia-911 (mod) - is the flow per liter specify on a pump

@Ezekiel Pam,

Pump flow is not quite expressed as "per liter" but rather, as liters per minute - lpm, (or gallons per minute - gpm).

Then, yes, for any water or well pump, the manufacturer will provide - and you can read above on this page - the capacity of that specific pump brand and model in liters per minute output, in the form of a table that will show that the greater the lift-height to which the pump has to raise water to its delivery point, the smaller will be its output in LPM.

On 2022-06-03 by Ezekiel Pam

Is the flow per liter specify on a pump

On 2022-04-15 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - what size pump is needed for rain cannon

@Maged Tahseen,

Because the total lift height is so slight (1m) your pump selection will perhaps ignore that.

The effect of 100m pipe distance is worth a closer look. You need to specify the pipe material and also the number of bends or elbows. Typical pipe pressure loss due to internal friction where given in tables won't go up to 100m so we'll need to use an online or other engineering calculator.

For example, at 70 gpm, 2" ID Sch 40 PVC pipe has a friction loss of 3.71 gpm. So I'll make a ballpark guess at your friction loss of say 5 gpm or roughly 20 lpm.

That's 4% of the LPM flow rate that you want - probably not significant.

So any pump sized to give 500 lpm with low-lift requirement ought to work.

Hop over to our admired Engineering Toolbox at www.engineeringtoolbox.com/pumping-water-horsepower-d_753.html

to see that you're going to need about a 1hp pump.

Watch out: check the specific pump capacity tables for the manufacturer of the specific pump brand and model you're considering, and review again: pipe material and elbows or bends

On 2022-04-15 by Maged Tahseen

What is the right pump size for rain cannon that delivers 500 liter per minute the pipe is 2 inch and 100meter length from a 1meter lift resevoir

On 2022-01-11 by Danjoefriedman (mod) - how much well water can I used to refill stock pond?

@David Mayfield,

Fair question but we have no data at all that would let us tell you how much water you can take out of your stock pond each week:

You need to calculate or estimate:

1. the volume of the pond (if it's a rectangle that's easy, if it's like most ponds, bowl shaped, you'll have to either make detailed measurements or calculate the rectangular volume and then guess it's half that

2. the pond leakage rate: how much does the water level fall over a specific time period - calculate that volume too

3. The pond fill-rate: how much water enters the pond, from what source, when?

4. The pond evaporation rate

5. The water usage rate for all sources: home use and other uses

On 2022-01-11 by David Mayfield

I live in Gillispie County in Texas and have a stock pond that has a slow leak. How much can I pump from my well each week to make sure the pond maintains enough water to keep the fish alive and not have to worry about running out of water for my house?. It's at a level of about 4 feet and covers about 1/4 of an acre.

...

Continue reading at SUBMERSIBLE PUMP TORQUE PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see WATER PUMP CAPACITY & GPM FAQs - questions and answers about pump capacity posted originally at the end of this page.

Or see these

Recommended Articles

• WATER PUMP REPAIR GUIDE - home
• WATER PUMP CAPACITIES TYPES RATES GPM
  • TREADLE PUMP CAPACITIES & USE
  • WATER PUMP, ONE LINE JET
  • WATER PUMP, SUBMERSIBLE
  • SUBMERSIBLE PUMP TORQUE PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS
  • WATER PUMP, TWO LINE JET
  • WATER PUMP, TWO LINE JET OPERATION
  • WATER PUMP VARIABLE FREQUENCY / VARIABLE SPEED DRIVE (VFDs)
• WATER PUMP WONT STOP RUNNING
• WATER PUMP TYPES
• WELL FLOW RATE

Suggested citation for this web page

WATER PUMP CAPACITIES TYPES RATES GPM at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

Or see this

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to WATER SUPPLY, PUMPS TANKS WELLS

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