SUBMERSIBLE DEEP WELL PUMP INSTALLATION: COMPLETE PROCESS EXPLAINED
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Submersible Deep Well Pump Installation: A Real-World Walkthrough
If you’re drilling down into the idea of setting up your own water system, chances are you’ve come across the term deep well pump. And if your water table sits deep beneath the surface—say, dozens or even hundreds of feet down—then there’s a good chance you’re looking at a submersible deep well pump.
Installing one isn’t rocket science, but there’s definitely a method to it. Over the years, I’ve helped folks install everything from basic deep well water pumps
We’ll cover tools, pitfalls, tips, and some clarity around confusing terms like submersible well pumps, deep well submersible pumps, and yes, even submersible sewer pumps
So, What Exactly Is a Submersible Deep Well Pump?
Think of it like this: unlike a jet pump that pulls water up from above, a deep well pump
Here’s a quick breakdown of names you might run into:
- Deep well water pump
– General term for any pump pulling water from deep underground. - Submersible well pumps
– Designed to operate underwater. - Deep well submersible pump
– Built specifically for deep wells, usually 100 ft or more. - Submersible well water pump
– Typically refers to clean-water versions. - Vertical deep well pump
– Oriented vertically within the borehole. - Industrial submersible pump
– Tank-tough versions meant for continuous, heavy-duty jobs. - Submersible motor
– Powers the pump underwater; usually oil-cooled and hermetically sealed. - Submersible sewer pump
– Handles wastewater and solids; not safe or legal for drinking water systems.
Each serves its purpose. But for household or agricultural freshwater needs, we’re focusing on submersible well water pumps
Why Go With a Submersible Pump?
Honestly, unless you’re only dealing with shallow wells (under 25 feet), there aren’t many reasons notto use one. Here’s why people choose deep well submersible pumps:
- They’re quiet.
Because everything runs underwater, you barely hear a thing. - Energy-efficient.
Less effort is wasted pushing water compared to pulling it. - Compact setup.
No bulky hardware topside—just a well cap and maybe a pressure tank. - Built for depth.
These pumps thrive in wells 100–1000+ feet deep. - Low maintenance.
Once installed properly, they tend to last years with minimal fuss.
That said, installation takes care. Rushing it? Bad idea. Let’s break it down.
Gathering Your Gear
Before we get knee-deep—well, technically bottom-deep—you’ll want the right stuff:
- Your chosen deep well pump
unit (make sure it matches your estimated depth and flow needs) - Matching submersible motor
(sometimes sold separately) - Drop pipe (PVC or HDPE; thickness depends on depth and load)
- Electrical cable rated for submersion (check ampacity!)
- Well cap and sanitary seal
- Safety cable (don’t skip this!)
- Torque arrestor to center the pump
- Pitless adapter (lets you connect piping outside the well)
- Crimp connectors, heat shrink tubing
- Pipe wrench, tape measure, marker
- Voltage tester/multimeter
Got it all? Good. Now let’s size things up.
Step 1: Know Your Well Before Touching Anything
You wouldn’t buy shoes without knowing your size—same logic applies here.
Start by measuring:
- Static water level:
How far down is the water right now? - Total depth of the well:
From top to bottom. - Inside diameter:
Confirm your pump will physically fit. - Water quality:
Hard water or acidic? Might influence material choice.
These numbers decide:
- How long your pump needs to be
- What horsepower (1 hp well pump, 2 hp, etc.) suits your demand
- Whether you need a standard deep well water pump
or something sturdier like an industrial submersible pump
Example: A cabin needing 5 GPM might do fine with a 1 hp well pump. A farm irrigating crops could easily require a 3 hp well pump.
Step 2: Pick the Right Pump Without Guessing
Sizing a submersible well pumps
Things to match:
- Flow rate (GPM)
– Match daily/weekly usage patterns. - Total Dynamic Head (TDH)
– Vertical lift + friction losses in pipes. - Voltage compatibility
– Most homes use single-phase; bigger operations may need three-phase. - Well depth
– Ensure minimum submergence level is met to avoid motor burnout.
When shopping deep well pumps for sale, look at brand reputation, service support, and warranty. Cheap doesn’t mean value if it dies in two seasons.
Step 3: Prep the Pump and Drop Pipe
Lay out your deep well submersible pump
- No cracks, dents, or loose fittings.
- Shaft spins freely (manual test).
- If motor is separate, bolt it to the pump body snugly.
- Assemble drop pipe in sections, gluing or threading as per type.
Use couplings rated for the pressure. For aggressive water (high iron, sulfur, etc.), consider stainless steel or special liners.
Pro tip: Mark the pipe at intervals (every 10 ft?) so you know exact depth during lowering.
Step 4: Lowering the Pump – Go Slow, Stay Safe
This part makes or breaks the job.
- Tie a safety cable
to the top of the assembly. It’s your lifeline if the pipe snaps. - Slide on a torque arrestor
about 5–10 feet above the pump. Keeps it centered, cuts vibration. - Use a winch or strong rope. Lower steadily—no dropping!
- Watch your depth marks. Stop when the pump sits below the lowest expected water level.
Rushing this step risks damaging the submersible motor
Step 5: Set Up the Discharge Line
Once the pump rests at the right depth:
- Bring the pipe up to the surface.
- Install a pitless adapter
on the well casing exterior. This lets you hook into your home’s plumbing without leaving an open hole in the well. - Lock it down tight. Tamper-proofing matters.
In vertical deep well pump
Step 6: Wiring – Handle With Care
Electricity + water = danger. If you’re not confident, call a licensed pro. Otherwise:
- Feed the power cable down alongside the drop pipe.
- Splice pump wires to cable using marine-grade twist connectors and heat shrink tubing.
- Double-check with a multimeter for solid continuity.
- Hook to a control box (for single-phase) or direct to breaker (three-phase).
Label everything. Future-you will thank present-you.
Note: Wiring a submersible well water pump
Step 7: Power On and Test
No priming needed—it’s already underwater. But do a soft start:
- Turn on power gradually.
- Listen closely. Grinding? Humming? Thumping? Those are red flags.
- Check flow at every tap.
- Monitor pressure gauge. Should stabilize quickly.
- Look for leaks at joints.
If output seems weak, recheck:
- Is the pump fully submerged?
- Are pipe sizes adequate?
- Any kinks or clogs?
Sometimes, a simple filter screen cleaning solves low flow.
Step 8: Seal the Wellhead Like a Pro
An unsealed well invites contaminants. Don’t cut corners here.
- Install a sanitary well cap.
- Caulk around the casing-to-cap joint.
- Ensure the pitless adapter remains accessible for future service.
This protects not just your deep well water pump, but your family’s health.
Keeping It Running Smooth
Even the best submersible well pumps
- Annual checkups: Inspect wiring, test pressure, listen for changes.
- Watch water quality. Sediment buildup kills performance.
- Don’t let the well run dry—it fries the submersible motor.
- For industrial submersible pump
users: schedule quarterly inspections.
Keep records. Dates, repairs, flow tests. Helps spot trends before they become failures
Watch Out for These Slip-Ups
From what I’ve seen, these mistakes cause the most headaches:
- Wrong pump size → short lifespan, poor flow.
- Too little submergence → overheating, cavitation.
- Shoddy electrical work → tripped breakers, fire risk.
- Skipping safety cable → lost pump, expensive fishing job.
- Using wrong pipe material → corrosion, collapse.
Follow the manual. Check local codes. And when in doubt, ask someone who’s done it before.
Quick Answers to Common Questions
Can I install a deep well pump myself?
Yes, if you’re handy with tools and wiring. For large or industrial submersible pump
How deep can these pumps go?
Most handle 100–1000 ft. Specialty models? Deeper.
Is a deep well pump the same as a sewer pump?
Nope. Submersible sewer pump
1 HP or 2 HP—which do I need?
Depends on lift and gallons per minute. Small home? Start with 1 hp well pump. Bigger demand? Try 2 hp well pump
Where’s the best place to find deep well pumps for sale?
Trusted dealers online or local suppliers. Compare specs, not just price.
Wrapping It Up
At the end of the day, installing a deep well pump
Whether you’re grabbing a basic submersible well water pump
Here at Virheos.com, we’ve spent years helping people navigate these choices. Got questions about brands, sizing, or troubleshooting? Reach out. We’ll steer you straight.
Happy pumping.