submersible well pump question

[hermitjohn]

Ok, I have a shallow dug well. But have found 110V cheapo 1/2hp submersible pumps mean lot less hassle than above ground shallow well pump, especially in cold weather..

Anyway time to buy another one. Happened to notice one said seven stage impeller and other four stage. Nearly same price. In real world does this make any noticable difference? In longevity? I assume theoretically the seven stage means easier starts for motor.

[Deleted]

When I worked for the city each stage meant more pressure. Much more efficient to push water than to pull it. First stage pulls water, the rest of them push

www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex719

But they have become more efficient too.

www.plantengineering.com/single-article/multi-stage-pumps-can-deliver-efficiency-gains/4623b966532d8cf9bba82d407aa82416.html


....James

[spacecase0]

my guess is that the higher number stages pump will have higher pressure, so it can pump from deeper.
the lower number of stages pump likely has higher flow rate, at less pressure, so it can't pump from as deep

so look at the specifications of each.
there should be graph of depth VS flow rate for each one.

so if it is a shallow well, I would expect the higher flow rate one would be running lots less time and therefor wearing out slower.

[hermitjohn]

But also matter how far it had to push the water once out of the well. Like up a gradual incline and considerable distance? Anyway if I can get four or five years out of it, I will be thrilled.

Honest these being cheapo pumps from China, guessing not lot rhyme nor reason into longevity. Some China stuff is adequate to even pretty good, least for light duty home use. Other stuff junk from getgo. I took apart little cast iron pump that failed, it was above ground shallow well pump. Looked heavy duty on outside, I got it opened and very el cheapo, all plastic inside. i think the heavy duty feel was intentional to fool people. Either that or it was originally copy of older heavy duty design and they just kept cheapening it to nth degree. Cause you sure didnt need that heavy casting with the cheapo plastic guts. A cheap plastic housing would been adequate.

[hermitjohn]

I got the pump, attached pipe and rope and dropped it into well. It hums, but no water. After lot messing found pump part is fine, the motor that is wonky. Momentarily plugging it in with pump out of well and motor will run. With pump submersed in well it just hums. I once started it dry and then lowered it below water level. Whee, I got nice shower.

Wondering if its shorting a bit when submersed or just having problem starting with the extra load on motor with water in the pump. This is 110V with no control box. So assume it has capacitor sealed in motor housing. Could be wonky capacitor. China quality control... Yea, if I had to bet on problem, say weak capacitor. Never messed with motor on submersible pump, but if its like other capacitor start motors....

I am waiting to hear back from seller, but guessing they are happy to replace it but they want me to pay shipping it back to them. And this bugger is heavy, guess cost me $40 to ship USPS retail. Nearly half what another pump would cost.

If it is down to me paying shipping, I may take it apart and have a look.

[spacecase0]

lately I have been wondering if buying any low quality item is worth it anymore.
I also have way to many new items that show up defective

[hermitjohn]

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. I ordered a made in USA pump with a Franklin motor. Playing luck of the draw on these no name Chinese pumps not worth it.

[spacecase0]

if I am looking for quality with pumps, I look at Grundfos first.
have seen many of them run for 30+ years in a well.

[hermitjohn]

On older American pumps it was the pump section that went and they lasted long time, like you say 20 to 30 years unless lightening takes them out. But world has changed and nothing is engineered like that anymore. Though there are plenty wanting $500-$600+. For that kind of money they would need to give me a 30 year 100% unconditional guarantee. Course then guarantee only good if the company still exists and hasnt used some trickery to legally get out of the warranties when selling itself to yet another company. Or they do still exist but now only sell 100% Chinese pumps and will only replace original with a Chinese.

One I bought was labeled STAR, but seen same model number sold under other brand names. Its brand new and has Franklin motor and is 115V with no control box. And it was little over $200 which is considerable discount than what I found this model elsewhere. Normally $350 to $400. I wonder if pump section of it does go out, how hard to put the Franklin motor onto the Chinese pump.... This pump has 10A 1/2hp motor and only claims 10gpm output, but somehow trust this claim more than the 5A 1/2hp Chinese stuff that claim 25gpm. They must use midget horses... and figure size of gallon much differently. Honest I dont need high output or high pressure. But do want longevity. Replacing pumps willy nilly not fun for an old man.