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People frequently wonder how long their water well pump will last after investing in digging a well and how often they should call for well pump services.

A few factors influence the timespan for which these pumps will last. A well water pump's life expectancy is 10 to 15 years, based on the type and quality.

In general, the optimism of a well's water pump is determined by numerous factors, as we will see below:

Water pump duty cycle

The duty cycle of a water pump has a significant impact on its lifespan. A duty cycle is the number of times the pump runs during the day. Some water pumps are only used a few times per day, whereas others are used frequently or continuously. Pumps that are used frequently will have a much more limited lifespan than those that are not used frequently. It is also critical that the pump capabilities correspond to the safe output rate for a well's water yield.

2-wire vs. 3-wire motor

The choice of a 2-wire or 3-wire motor affects the lifespan of the water pump. Let’s first look at the difference between the two.

A 3-wire motor necessitates the installation of a control box for the pump to function. That's not the case with a 2-wire water motor containing all the required beginning elements within the pump's motor.

The benefit of a 3-wire motor is that if the piston does not start, you can start troubleshooting from within the center console. If the problem is in the box, consider replacing it, and you're good to go.

To perform a test run, fix, or replace a component on a 2-wire motor, you must remove it from the ground. This seemingly inconsequential difference typically gives 3-wire motors approximately two years more life span than their 2-wire equivalents.

Quality and size of motors

The engine used by your well water pump also impacts how long it will last. For the same workload, a larger engine with one horsepower will generally supersede a smaller engine with 14 horsepower. The higher your engine's horsepower, the longer it will usually last. Higher quality bearings in an engine extend the life of a well water pump.

Also, a pump with an inbuilt constant pressure well system is considered more reliable than conventional pumps as it provides smooth performance.

Sediment of water

The amount of sediment in the water influences how long a water pump would last. Water silt is abrasive, causing your pump's bearings and mechanical components to wear down. If the water in your neighborhood is sediment-filled, you will need to replace the water pump quicker than in regions with less silt.

Sand and other abrasives significantly cause mechanical damage to the pump fixture itself (instead of the electric motor that powers the pump). Water impurities such as silt and other contaminants act as abrasive particles, causing the pump rollers and other active ingredients to wear out. We've seen pumps last less than two years caused by extreme sediment accumulation, while others can last up to 15 years or more when there's no sediment in the water.

Apart from the factors mentioned above, we’re sharing useful tips to increase the lifespan of your well pump services.

Changing your well water pump is a major headache not only if you don’t have access to clean water while you wait for the new pump, but upgrading can be costly too. Because of this, you want your pump to last as long as necessary. Following these steps can help ensure that your pump will last well over ten years before it needs to be replaced.

  • Include a torque arrestor

    All through its life, your pump will begin or end countless times. The startup torque twists the compressor and pipe every time it starts, harming the soundproofing around the cables. A torque arrestor is a device that tightens to the top of the pump where it reaches the pipe and prevents the installation from shifting. These devices cost $15 and add several years to the life of your water pump while attempting to avoid repairs.

  • Improve the check valve

    When the pump is turned off, the check valve restricts water from running back through the line. That water could harm the pump and cause pressure differences if the check valve was not present. Most pumps have built-in control valves, but they are made of cheap plastic prone to breaking quickly. We suggest changing the valve with a brass valve. They are only about $20 and will last for years without breaking down.

  • Set up a float switch

    Low water levels cause major issues for your well water pump. The engine may burn out rapidly if the pump keeps running without water. This entails either costly repairs or the installation of a brand-new water pump. Installing a float switch that can detect low levels of water and instantly shuts down the pump is the best defense against this problem. These are accessible for less than $100, but an expert should install them.

  • Make use of heat shrink tubing

    Your water pump will come with a few feet of cable to connect it to its source of power, But based on where your pump is located, you may also need to splice a few more feet of cord to power it. We suggest covering these segmented wires with shielded heat shrink pipework as part of your good preservation. This low-cost tubing shields your wires from the components and minimizes the likelihood of a short circuit.

Conclusion

Replacing a well water pump every once in a while can be a very exhausting and expensive affair. But to avoid it, you must ensure it lasts for as long as possible. So what can you do? Frequent maintenance is a must. These few tips can help ensure the longevity of your pump. Hiring a technician to inspect your well water pump once a year is the best tool to enhance its lifespan. This yearly maintenance appointment will help ensure everything is functioning properly and identify any troubles before they become serious.