5 Best Submersible Well Pump Reviews [Buying Guide and Installation 2021]

Deep well pumps, you only think of these when something goes wrong. I'm not blaming you. These submersible pumps can last 10-15 years without you even noticing anything.

If you are prepping for the day when your current well pump goes out and looking for the best submersible well pump, you are at the right place. Looking around for an underground well pump can get really confusing.

The difference in price points, brand names, and features can make a big difference when it comes to submersible pumps. These pumps are not prone to the issue of cavitation because they don't need any priming.

And, because of that, top-rated submersible well pumps are gaining good market shares in both the domestic and industrial sectors.

Image

Name

Rating

Price

Hallmark Industries MA0343X-4 Deep Well Pump (Best Choice)

Red Lion 14942405 Submersible Deep Well Pump

Hallmark Industries MA0414X-7A Deep Well Submersible Pump

Hallmark Industries MA0414X-7 Deep Well Submersible Pump

SCHRAIBERPUMP 4" Deep Well Submersible Pump


Top 5 Best Submersible Well Pump Reviews

If your current pump is over ten years old, it could be on its last leg. This is where we come in. Here is a list of five of the best deep well submersible pumps out there.

1. Hallmark Industries MA0343X-4 - Best Submersible Deep Well Pump

The MA0343X-4 from Hallmark Industries is a very reliable deep well submersible pump designed for residential use. It's economical, energy-efficient, and very durable. The shell of this pump is made out of stainless steel, and the discharge is made out of cast iron.

It's a fully submersible pump that doesn't require any priming. The pump runs quiet and smooth. The pump comes packed with features that are needed for longer-lasting performance. The 1/2 HP motor has a built-in capacitor start and made using industrial grade heavy-duty components.

The motor also features a thermal protection switch. This ensures a longer lifespan and powerful start. While this pump is made for industrial use, you can also use it for residential use as well. This 4-stage, 115V pump has 150 Feet max head & 25 GPM max capacity. All these features make it the best deep well pump in this list.

With this pump, you won't be needing any external control box because it comes built in. In addition to that, it also comes with a built-in check valve. However, additional check valves are recommended. As for the performance, the intake screen, diffusers, and impellers are made using heavy-duty thermoplastic.

Pros

  • Stainless steel body and cast-iron discharge
  • Thermal protection switch
  • Built-in check valves and control box
  • Highly efficient, hermetically sealed motor

Cons

  • Decent pump, nothing to nitpick about

2. Red Lion 14942405 Submersible Deep Well Pump

With 12 GPM pumping capacity, the Red Lion 14942405 takes the 2nd place in our list. This is a powerful deep well pump that can move a lot of water while maintaining a steady 30 – 50 PSI of water pressure. With this pump installed, you will have more than enough water for your home.

From1- 1/2-HP to 3/4-HP, there are four different models available. All of them are constructed using quality components to ensure longevity. As for the pump itself, it is powered by industry-standard 2- or 3-wire franklin electric motor. To install this pump, you will need a 4″ well cabin.

To keep the pump running for years to come, this unit comes with some neat little features. To ensure shaft stability, the extra-large surface comes with hex rubber bearing. There are multiple flow channels that keep sand and other small particles from bearing surfaces.

Design-wise, this well pump is meant for residential use. Alongside its industry-standard motor, it also features a built-in suction screen and check valves. The 1-1/4″ npt discharge head is made from durable thermoplastic. Overall, this a decent quality pump and also one of the best water well pumps out there.

Pros

  • Affordable deep well pump
  • Extremely versatile
  • Built-in suction screen and check valve
  • Multiple flow channels

Cons

  • Can't be used with 115V system

3. Hallmark Industries MA0414X-7A - Best Deep Well Pump

The MA0414X-7A from Hallmark Industries is a powerful, industrial-grade deep well sump pump. It has a frequency of 60HZ, 1HP motor, and 33 GPM max pumping capacity with steady pressure. Basically, it has everything you need to ensure steady water flow.

That's not all. Just like the first pump in our list, this too features a 2-wire industry-standard pump with a built-in control box. This makes it ideal for home usage, as well. The prevent the motor from overheating; it comes with built-in thermal protection. This one is truly the best submersible pump for domestic use.

This 3.8" stainless-steel pump will fit in 4" or larger in diameter well casing. On a side note, this is a complete pump, meaning you get for a complete installation. Moreover, you won't need to purchase an external starter box because the control box comes built in.

It also comes with a built-in check valve. As for its protective features, the 2-wire pump comes with 3-wires, and the motor is UL approved. This high-quality motor is hermetically sealed and thermally protected. It has a thermal protection switch to prevent the motor from overheating.

Pros

  • Highly efficient, UL approved motor
  • 207 feet max head
  • Comes with starter box and check valve
  • Economical and energy-saving pump

Cons

  • Won't work with 110V connection

4. Hallmark Industries MA0414X-7 Submersible Well Pump

The only difference between the MA0414X-7 and the MA0414X-7A is the pump. The MA0414X-7 has a 110V pump while the 7A variant has a 220V pump. That's it. However, this one, without a doubt, is one of the best submersible well pumps on the market. It's also one of the most durable out there.

Thanks to its patented impeller, the MA0414X-7 can achieve a maximum flow rate of 33 GPM. In addition to that, it's also very long-lasting because of its heavy-duty stainless steel and cast-iron body. You can fit this pump in a 4-inch or larger diameter well casing.

However, you will see some mixed reviews about this product. The problem is not in the design. Rather I would say the problem is Hallmark's quality control. There are plenty of users out there that are using this pump for years. With that being said, there is a high chance that you will receive a good product.

Now, apart from this, the pump itself is quite nice. If you have a generator power system, this will do nicely since it's a 115V submersible pump. Also, make sure to get a separate check valve because the one that comes with this pump is made from plastic. And plastic check valves don't last very long.

Pros

  • 33 GPM flow rate
  • Stainless steel shell and cast-iron discharge
  • Built-in starter box
  • 207 feet max head

Cons

  • Doesn't come with a pressure switch

5. SCHRAIBERPUMP 4" Deep-Well Submersible Pump

From recycling pond water to filling up swimming pools and bladder tanks, this deep well submersible pump can cover every need in water supply. With 22 GPM of pumping capacity, this stainless-steel submersible can be used in farms, cities, and even in mountain areas.

Thanks to its low energy consumption and efficient performance, the SCHRAIBERPUMP submersible pump is mostly used in irrigation of any kind. This specific product is the new upgraded model that now features a new and improved axial load design.

This new axial load is capable of producing more GPM and pressure. This pump is designed to fit in a 4-inch well casing or larger. For a longer lifespan, the entire shell of this pump is made from stainless steel. As for the pump, this is a 2-wire+1 pump and comes with a built-in starter box.

It's 100% copper winding motor, and the thermal protection feature keeps the pump running continuously without overheating. It also comes with a built-in check valve. However, if you intend to use it in a pressure system, you will need to use an external check valve.

Pros

  • Good thickness and sheerness
  • Versatile and easy to install
  • Ideal pump for irrigation
  • 242 feet max head

Cons

  • Only usable in clearwater

What Is a Submersible Well Pump?

A submersible pump is a type of centrifugal pump that uses impellers specifically designed to throw water outwards. Submersible pumps designed for deep wells are connected to a pressure tank. A single pipe is connected to the pump, and water flows through it.

A jet pump also has the same function but not very effective at greater depths. This is where a deep well pump comes into play. A submersible well pump can easily handle depths of several hundred feet.

Rather than pushing the water upwards, these pumps lift the water by using multiple impellers.

How Does A Submersible Well Pump Work?

The impellers inside a submersible well pump feature a backward curve shape. Three or four of these impellers are connected to a single shaft. For a submersible pump to work, you need to completely submerge it into water.

Inside the pump, there is an induction motor that drives the shaft. Between the motor and the shaft, there are multiple holes known as the eyes of the pump. Water enters through the eyes and is pushed upwards due to the centrifugal force.

Because of this action, the water particles gain both pressure and kinetic energy. This outlet water then passes from impeller to impeller. For the water to move efficiently, a diffuser is used for this purpose.

The purpose of the diffuser is to diffuse the inlet water and also move it to the next impeller. To multiply the pressure gain, there are a series of impellers and diffusers.

At each stage, water gains more and more pressure and kinetic energy. This is the main reason why submersible well pumps can produce a huge amount of pressure head.

The water then flows through a check valve in the pump. All of these actions are possible, thanks to the induction motor. The power supply of this motor can either be a single-phase or three-phase, depending on the model you choose.

During operation, this induction motor produces a lot of heat. The motor is either oil-cooled or water-cooled and is perfectly capable of running for a long time. Instead of pulling the water, a submersible pump pushes water.

This reduces the chance of creating a negative pressure head inside the system. And that's how a submersible well pump works.

How To Choose The Best Submersible Well Pump?

Choosing the best well pump isn't that hard if you know what to look for. This short guide will help you filter out the best one for your home.

Reliability

Most of the submersible well pumps on the market are designed for longer-lasting performance. Since the pump is always cooled either via coolant or water, the motor can continuously pump out water.

However, pumps from reputable brands such as Hallmark and Red Lion will always outperform pumps from no-name brands. You don't want to end up with a pump that will start to malfunction after weeks of installation. That's why you should always stick to reputable well pump brands.

Power Consumption/Voltage

Whether it's a 1 hp submersible well pump or a 1/3 hp pump, you should always look at the voltage and power consumption. Amongst the different types of well pumps out there, some are designed to work with 115V connection, while some are only suitable for 230V connection.

Horsepower

The deeper your well system is, the harder the pump needs to work to push water. Each pump has its own HP rating. A typical submersible pump will be 1/2 HP, 1 HP, or 3/4 HP and more.

Having a higher horsepower will allow the pump to lift water faster without burning out or stressing the motor.

GPM/Flow Rate (Size)

The size of the pump will depend on the need of your house. The first thing you should check is how many water fixtures you have in your house. This will help you determine which pump will be best suited for your well.

Try to find out how many gallons of water is needed during peak hours and then select a model following this demand. There are two ways you can do this. You can either measure the size via the fixture count method or the peak demand method.

Efficiency

There is no doubt that a properly installed submersible pump will be very efficient. Thanks to how these pumps are constructed, you won't even hear any noise.

The series of impellers and diffusers inside the pump can efficiently lift water. With the correct model, you will also be saving a lot of costly electricity bills. There are some models that are designed to be used with solar power systems.

Max Head & Discharge Rate

A submersible well pump can be used for many purposes. From clean water to dirty water to oil, these pumps can transport all sorts of liquids. However, there is a limit to how much a pump can handle.

For very deep wells, you will need a submersible pump that has a very high discharge head. This is also knowns as the max head. The discharge rate is also important because both of these specs will let you know a pump's maximum capacity.

Well Depth & Casing

Different well systems have different depths and widths. Before you pick a pump, you should carefully consider these two factors. If you have a very deep well, you will need a powerful pump to lift water.

The pump you choose should also be able to fit inside the well. That's why the well casing diameter is also a crucial factor when it comes to choosing a quality residential well pump.

How To Install A Submersible Well Pump

Installing a submersible pump is a long process and takes a lot of time to do so. Let's get going then. The first thing you have to do is gather every bit of information you can about your well. Here are the steps of a proper submersible well pump installation.

  • Determine the well depth. You can find this in your well report, or you can measure it on your own. There are plenty of methods to measure well depth accurately. Use the method that you find easier.
  • After that, take note of the GPM rating of your well. This rating will indicate how many gallons of water your well can produce in a minute. Both the depth and GPM is important when you want to select a deep well submersible pump.
  • After you have selected a submersible well pump based on your well, it's time to collect all the necessary well supplies. Once you have selected all the well supplies, it's time to move into the preparation phase.
  • If the well is 300 feet or less in-depth, there is no need to hire a professional. However, deeper well will need an extra set of hands and preferably professional hands.
  • Now, the key element here is choosing the right type of pipe. You can either choose PVC threaded drop pipe or galvanized steel pipe. Ask a plumber to help you out if you are not familiar with cutting pipes and threads.
  • Once you are done with the pipework, you will need to choose a proper submersible pipe wire. Connect the wires to their corresponding places.
  • Make sure to choose a pump model that has a built-in control box. If not, you will need a buy one. Place all the parts in their right place and make sure your pressure tank is working.

Difference Between A Jet Pump And A Submersible Pump

While both of these pumps have similar characteristics and have their uses, there are certain features that make one better than the other. For example, a submersible well pump is self-primed, quieter, economic, energy saving, maintenance-free has a long-life span.

These pumps are also very efficient when you have a deep well. On the other hand, jet pumps are mostly used in areas where the table is high. Jet pumps are ideal for shallow wells and are placed near the well.

You don't completely submerge a jet pump, but you will need to do so for a submersible well pump. There is also a difference in how both of these pumps work.

Difference In Working Mechanism

Jet pumps and submersible pumps both use impellers and diffusers. However, a jet pump will vacuum water from a well, while a submersible unit will push water from the inside of a well.

Now, a question might come into your mind. Which one is better? If you have a shallow well, a jet pump is a good choice. However, this pump isn't self-primed like a submersible well pump.

Priming

You will need to prime it for the pump to work. Once it loses its prime, the pump won't work. On the other hand, a submersible model doesn't require any priming. This means, deep well pumps are maintenance-free.

Water Pressure

Another feature that makes submersible pumps better than jet pumps is pressure generating capability. A submersible pump is 30% faster when it comes to creating water pressure.

For this reason, a submersible model is quieter and more energy-saving because unlike jet pumps, submersible counterparts don't have to fight gravity to pump out water.

Maintenance

Finally, the thing that most homeowners love to see is a maintenance-free pump. The former uses an induction motor and a sealed pump. Since all the main components are sealed, this makes the pump virtually maintenance-free.

2 Wire Vs. 3 Wire Submersible Well Pump: Which One Do I need?

Both of these pumps, whether it's a 2-wire or 3-wire model, will work exactly in the same way. So why are there two versions then?

If you have already read our reviews, you will see that some submersible well pumps are a 2-wire model, and some are a 3-wire model. The only difference between the two is the location of the relay and the start capacitor.

There are some other minor differences like wire access, how many wires go out to the pump, etc.

Start Capacitor & Relay

On a 3-wire submersible pump, you will find a control box inside. The relay and start capacitor are housed in a basement or inside a similar compartment. On the other hand, a 2-wire submersible pump, the start capacitor, and the relay are situated inside the pump and not in the basement.

Wires

As for the wires, a 3-wire pump will have 4 wires coming out of it while a 2-wire pump has 3 wires.

Advantage Of A 3-Wire Pump

If anything happens to the start capacitor, you only need to replace the control box. However, in most cases, if the capacitor gets damaged, there is a high chance that the motor will get damaged too.

Advantage Of A 2-Wire Pump

Compared to a 2-wire pump, a 2-wire pump is more reliable and robust. Another advantage is that the wires are cheap. However, the only disadvantage and possibly the biggest one is that if anything happens to the capacitor, you will have to replace the submersible pump.

Changing Pump Type

You cannot use a 3-wire pump on a 2-wire setup, but the opposite is possible because you won't have to run any extra wires. On the flip side, if you have a 2-wire system pump and want to replace it, you will need an additional control box and new wires.

Submersible Well Pump Maintenance: Easy & Quick Tips

As I've said before, submersible well pumps are virtually maintenance-free, and it's 100% true. You won't have to check the valves, motors, impellers, or wires frequently.

However, there are some things that you can do to prolong the lifespan of these deep well pumps. Most of it involves cleaning. It's very beneficial to clean the pump once in a while. Here are the steps to follow if you want to maintain a steady flow.

  • Make sure the motor is turned off and unplug all the electrical cables. This will allow you to safely remove the pump without the danger of an electric shock.
  • Now, you have to manually remove the pump. For this process, you will need an extra helping hand.
  • Locate the water inlet. It will usually be covered in dirt and mud because it acts as a screen to filter debris and dirt from getting inside the pump.
  • Water inlets can easily get clogged and hamper and water flow. Once you find the inlet, start cleaning it gently.
  • This is all the cleaning work you will need to perform. Once you have cleaned the filter, it's time to put the pump back in.
  • Now, start re-submerging the submersible pump slowly and back to where it was. You will need a companion to do so.
  • Finally, check if the pump is working. And that's all there is to it.

FAQ About Deep Well Pumps

1. What Size Submersible Well Pump Do I Need?

If you already had a submersible pump, go with the same size if you were having a good performance with that. However, for a new well system, you will have to calculate how many water fixtures you have in your home.

For every water fixture in your home, you will need to add one GPM. Typically, a pump with 8-12 GPM should suffice.

2. How Do I Know If My Submersible Pump Is A 2-Wire Or A 3-Wire?

If the pump has three hot leads, then it's a 3-wire pump. However, technically speaking, a 3-wire pump has 4 wires if you count the ground wire. Another easy way to determine the pump type is to look at the specification.

A 3-wire pump has a single-phase motor and requires a starter box along with a starter capacitor. On the other hand, a 2-wire pump has them built-in.

3. How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Submersible Well Pump?

The typical cost range to replace or install a well pump starts from 900$ and goes all the way up to 2500$. However, a lot of factors can either increase or decrease the cost. For example, your location matters, your pump type, well depth, wiring, cost of hiring a plumber, and all that.

Here is a link where you can quickly estimate the cost of replacing or installing a submersible well pump

4. How To Check The Amps On A Well Pump?

You can easily check the amps on a well pump by troubleshooting the motor with an ohmmeter. Here is a short video on this topic.

5. How To Winterize A Submersible Well Pump?

Winter seasons and submersible well pumps don't get along very well. The only way to winterize your pump is to disconnect the unit from electricity. In most cases, this winterization method is enough to protect your pump.

However, if your place stays above 32 degrees Fahrenheit, then you won't have to winterize your pump system.

Conclusion

Homes that are located in mountainous landscape or in a dry area requires a powerful submersible sump pump to provide water. And this is the only you can assure 24/7 water flow.

If you want to get the most reliable system, this guide on the best submersible well pump should help you find the right pump for your well system. If you are in a hurry, go with the Hallmark Industries MA0343X-4. This submersible pump won't let you down.

About the Author Juan Williams

Leave a Comment:

Rebecca Gardner says April 12, 2021

It was helpful when you mentioned that submersible well pumps should be disconnected from electricity during the winter. My daughter and her husband are interested in having a water well drilled for their small farm-style house this summer. This info should help them avoid common issues with the pump for their new water well.

Reply
Add Your Reply