The Best 7 Shallow Well Pumps

Shallow well pumps are machines designed to help deliver the groundwater to the plumbing system of our home or business, it is ideal for use in rural areas and places that don’t have common plumming.
Its different from submersible pumps because these are mounted above the well, and they work by drawing the water up through suction.
The shallow well pump is ideally designed to pump water from a shallow well, meaning wells that are 25 feet or less deep.
The best shallow well jet pumps make it possible for every household, industrial plant, or commercial enterprise to get a reliable supply of water all through the year.

They say water is life and indeed it is.
A world without water is unfathomable and hence the sentimental importance attached to well pumps.
This type of pump offers a huge advantage over other pumps, It can be adapted to wells that give different yields, it’s possible to offset the pump from the well.
They are cheaper and they need little or no maintenance.
Groundwater is a very viable and accessible source of water, it’s very used for human consumption and agricultural uses, except in times of drought.
Groundwater tends to be a dependable water source, thanks to the natural water table, or the saturation levels of the subterranean rock and soil layers.
Groundwater also resists pollution better than surface sources such as streams, lakes, or even man-made reservoirs.
Also, Wells that have a small diameter will find these pumps to be the best for drawing their water.

The most common pump for a shallow well is a jet pump.
A shallow well pump, sometimes referred to as a jet pump, is an electrically powered impeller system wherein a propeller-shaped unit draws water up and through the watertight shaft leading from the aquifer to the property’s plumbing system, it works on wells or reservoirs.
It works by creating a vacuum above the water.
Because suction is involved, atmospheric pressure is what’s doing the work.
Once the vacuum is there, the weight of the air, or atmospheric pressure, pushes the water up. Consequently, the height that you can lift the water with a shallow well jet pump relates to the weight of the air.
While air pressure varies with elevation, it’s common to limit the depth of a jet-pump-operated shallow well to about 25 ft.
Jet pumps are mounted above the well, either in the home or in a well house.
These pumps are made of three components: an electric motor, a jet assembly, and an impeller.
Once the water has begun to flow up and past the impeller the natural properties of a vacuum keep the water flowing as needed.
In most temperate regions of North America, groundwater is one of the most reliable sources of potable water, and it accumulates in underground aquifers that are usually close enough to the earth’s surface to be tapped with relative ease by digging an extraction well.
Individual properties can sink and establish their working wells, tapping into their local groundwater aquifers as either the primary or backup source of water for their home, farm, or another property type.

For use in homes and businesses in rural areas, one of these tough and long-lasting shallow well pumps will make efficient work of drawing up groundwater and delivering it to your property’s plumbing system.
Our selection includes various durable options with easy-to-access components and powerful motors.

7. Flotec FP4012

Boasting a 10 gallon-per-minute flow capacity at 40 PSI, the Flotec FP4012 is powerful enough to handle the water demands of most rural homes. A dependable cover protects the internal electrical components from dust, dirt, and insects, though it’s a bit on the noisy side.

• Insulated motor windings
• Stainless steel shaft
• Not the clearest of instructions

6. Wayne SWS100

The highly efficient Wayne SWS100 is powered by a square flange motor housed in a durable cast-iron volute with an integrated priming port. It’s assembled in the United States, and its parts are backed by a generous three-year warranty.

• Available in 2 horsepower levels
• Simple setup process
• Threads are somewhat coarse

5. Superior 94505

The Superior 94505 features a premounted and adjustable pressure switch, a glass-filled thermoplastic diffuser and impeller, and a cast-iron seal plate. This versatile choice is compatible with both 115- and 230-volt power supplies.

• Thermal overload protection
• Installation is straightforward
• Doesn’t have a check valve

4. Red Lion RJS-100

Good for any homes or businesses off the beaten track, the Red Lion RJS-100 is a cinch to hook up, thanks to its convenient voltage selector. It’s capable of producing up to 50 PSI of water pressure and pumping from depths of down to 25 feet.

• Automatic shutoff capability
• Rust-resistant cast-iron casing
• Can get noisier over time

3. Burcam 506547SS

The stainless steel Burcam 506547SS is designed for either intermittent or continuous use and, in either case, its motor runs at a safe temperature, thanks to the integrated cooling fan. It comes from a company that’s been manufacturing in this category since 1978.
It is built with a stainless steel body to resist corrosion.
It’s made for the long haul, with an internal cooling fan that keeps the motor running at a safe temperature, as well as a full-time run capacitor.
It comes from a Canadian company that has been manufacturing water system products for more than 40 years. Leaving the list in this update, due to availability concerns, is the Meditool Booster Pump.

• High-performance impeller
• Synthetic bladder eliminates sweat
• Arrives factory assembled

2. Goulds BF03S

Capable of continuous operation, the compact Goulds BF03S features a dependable start capacitor and the ability to self-adjust. Its handy rear pull-out design makes it easy to clean and service, without your pipes having to be disturbed.

• No separate tank required
• Corrosion-resistant coating
• Strong mechanical seal

1. Pentair SNE-L

The self-priming Pentair SNE-L features a precision-molded, reinforced polypropylene diffuser, along with a drain port for easy winterizing. Its well-insulated design protects against moisture and contaminants, to ensure a long motor life.
It is built with a cast iron housing and features a drain port to make for an easy job of winterizing.
It sets out to prime faster and handles more air, with a multi-port, polypropylene diffuser that’s precision-molded and reinforced. It’s insulated well to help ward off excessive moisture and contaminants. This, along with permanently lubricated ball bearings, makes this a solution that’s built to last for years on end. And, its rigorous factory testing ensures everything is up to par.

• Permanently lubricated ball bearings
• Close-grained cast-iron body
• Subjected to rigorous testing

To choose a well pump, the first and foremost decision factor you should consider is the volume of water your property needs.
For a single-family residence, most lower-priced pumps will suffice. For a property needing water for the home and for an irrigation system that will serve gardens or even fields of edibles, more water must be extracted.
After you should consider the power source to which your shallow well pump will connect.
Most units can work with the standard 120-volt electrical outlets found in most American homes; some shallow well pumps can also be adjusted to connect with the unique power supply arrangements of a property, such as in homes powered by solar panels, generators, or other setups.
At last, you should consider the elements of the area in which your pump will run. If dust and debris are common around your property, make sure to find a unit with a dust shield. If the pump is likely to see heavy use, consider a unit with thermal overload protection.

Shallow well pumps range in price from around two hundred on the lower end to around four hundred for more powerful models; so all units are relatively affordable, especially given the critical function they perform.
Installing the well on your property is a process best left to professionals, and it is likely you will need to complete a permitting process prior to the commencement of its construction.
You will need to do the digging, well casing, screens, pumps, and purchase all the other materials and equipment factored in.
That’s why it’s important to hire someone that knows what they are doing.

You should maintain your property’s well in good working order to make sure it lasts longer.
If your well uses a well screen, make sure to periodically inspect and clean it so you ensure continual consistency in water flow volume. Also, check any grouted areas from time to time, as cracks can waste water and compromise well function.
Try to keep organic materials, ranging from mulch to compost to leaves, away from the well as much as possible, as they increase the potential for debris in the system. This is also true for hazardous materials like paint or fuel. Watch for any changes in water appearance, taste, or smell, as these and other signs may indicate a potentially dangerous issue.
While the initial well installation is limited by setbacks, such as a 10-foot distance from electric lines, a 50-foot distance from gravesites, and a 75-foot setback from septic pits, also remember where your well is when you install other elements such as these. Just as you can’t safely sink a well right next to a gas line, you can’t later run a gas line right next to your well.