If you live in a major city or its surrounding urban areas, then you are likely to have a safe, secure water supply from a utility company. If however, you live in remote areas far away from major supplies then you could have to get your water from a shallow well.
If this is the case, the traditional way to obtain water is using a bucket, which is neither convenient, enjoyable or efficient! This is where well pumps come in and in this case, shallow well pumps.
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Our experts have looked at the main shallow well pumps on the market and put together the top 10 that we think are worth buying. As always, check out the features, benefits and potential pitfalls of each before making a purchasing decision based on your water needs. Should you want to look for the best submersible well pump on the market right now then check out our other reviews, or read on to see how these pumps work.
1. Goulds J5S Shallow Well Jet Pump
We start off with one of our favourite shallow well pumps because it is both easy to install and incredibly efficient once set up.
Performance:
It has the option of changing the flow rate depending on the depth of the well and has a special pressure shut off point to stop it overheating and damaging the motor inside. It is important to note that it isn’t a deep well pump.
Design:
Its case is made from cast iron, making sure it lasts a long period of time and within, is a 60Hz motor that will be quiet enough not to bother you or the neighbours.
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2. WAYNE SWS50 Cast Iron Shallow Well Jet Pump
Next is the WAYNE SWS50, another cast iron unit that will last the test of time and protect the insides from the elements. Throw in a 3-year warranty and your investment will be produced for a good few years to come.
Performance:
This model delivers around 420 gallons of water per hour, enough for houses with 6-8 appliances attached to the system unless you are a very high usage household! It is another model that runs quietly and will soon be just another background noise.
Installation:
Nice and easy to install, with clear instructions definitely make this a favourite, but some reviews did note that the motor doesn’t last as long as expected.
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3. BURCAM 506547SS Stainless Steel Shallow Well Jet Pump System
There is one major feature that stands out with this shallow well pump and that is the fact that it’s casing is made of stainless steel.
Design:
This makes it more resistant to the elements and corrosion than cast-iron models and so adds to the lifespan of the device. The team at BURCAM have certainly put some thought into its design, making it one of the nicer looking pumps to have in your garden.
Performance:
Its quiet and effective motor will help lift water from down as far as 25 feet and offers both continuous and intermittent usage, making it a great choice for most households.
Installation:
Be wary of the instructions on this model, as they don’t quite offer as much guidance as some other models, but this isn’t the end of the world as it isn’t that difficult to install.
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4. Acquaer SJC075 Dual-Voltage Cast Iron Shallow Well Jet Pump
One of the most powerful shallow well pumps on our list now, with this unit offering an incredible flow rate of 900 gallons per hour. That is enough to supply even the most demanding households.
Design:
They have used cast-iron for durability as well as offer a two-year warranty, so your investment is safe for the next few years at least.
Flow Rate:
We were particularly impressed with the speed at which it will fill up the tank, only requiring up to a minute to do so and even if you don’t fill it up fully, the flow rate is so high that you don’t need to worry.
Noise:
Unfortunately, when you have something as powerful as this, you have to put up with it being a louder system than the others. If you have a high usage household or live in a remote location, this may not be an issue. Also worth noting is that you have to purchase a pressurised tank separately.
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5. ECO-FLO Products EFCWJ10 Deep Water Well Jet Pump
One of the budget entries on our list but certainly not lacking in terms of features is this shallow well pump from ECO-FLO. It will work up to 20 feet and has a flow rate of 20 gallons per minute, so it will provide more than enough water for medium-sized households.
Design:
A very quiet motor runs inside a secure black cast-iron case, offering protection from the elements, minimal noise and long working life.
Installation:
We love the fact that it is a simple unit that has been built well, so you don’t need to be an engineer to install this pump and once it’s set up, you’re unlikely to have to worry much about it.
Quality:
Where this model suffers compared to more expensive options is that it doesn’t have a pressure switch and some have commented on the quality of the casing, so make sure when you set it up, you check to make sure it’s all in good order.
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6. Red Lion PWJET50 Cast Iron Shallow Well Jet Pump
The Red Lion shallow well pump comes roaring onto our list and it is clear why!
Performance:
With a strong motor capable of pumping plenty of water from a depth of 25-feet, you will be able to easily supply large houses with enough fresh water.
Design:
It has been made by Red Lion to last the test of time, with a cast-iron construction and easily replaceable parts mean that if you do ever suffer from damage or faults, you can fix it easily.
Noise:
This is another pump that suffers from noise pollution, with some customers complaining it is too noisy for them, so make sure you don’t live very close to neighbours or don’t mind a bit of noise in return for a solid, efficient well pump.
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7. Flotec FP4012-10 Shallow Well Pump Jet
The final model on our list is made from thermoplastic, as opposed to cast-iron or stainless steel, making it a lightweight, efficient unit that is resistant to both heat and corrosion. This extra thermal protection is a fantastic bonus.
Performance:
It will work with wells up to 25-feet deep and has a flow rate of up to 10 gallons per minute (10 GPM), meaning it is one of the more powerful units on our list and certainly one to consider. The manufacturers have added an extra cover to protect it from the environment, which is a nice touch.
Installation
Another on our well pump list that is easy to install and comes with clear instructions to guide you without the need for professional assistance.
Noise:
You will notice the noise levels with this model because the plastic doesn’t hide it in the same way as the metal alternatives.
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8. Goulds J10S Shallow Well Pump
Another well pump on our list from Goulds and its easy to see why when you look at the performance and features.
Performance:
With a maximum of 24.8 Gallons of water per minute (GPM), it will deliver an excellent amount of water when you need it and its 1HP motor does the job for any shallow wells with a water level up to 25 feet. For greater depths, you will want a deep well submersible pump.
Design:
It has been designed to last the test of time, thanks to its corrosion-resistant paint and FDA compliant materials. This means it shouldn’t suffer from rust or damage from the sun.
Installation:
You will be pleased to know that almost anyone will be able to install this well pump, with clear instructions, easy to use design and straight forward maintenance. This is a big plus as some well pumps are a hassle to maintain and replace parts.
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9. Wayne SWS100
An affordable robustly made well pump that will be perfectly suited for smaller properties or outbuildings, such as cabins or barns.
Performance:
With a 1HP motor and a flow rate of 10.8 gallons per minute (GPM), it isn’t as powerful as some of the other water pumps on our list but it is a fantastic option for those who require well water fed through to smaller properties or for specific tasks, such as livestock.
Features:
It comes with a self-priming system that improves the efficiency of the water pump, delivering an energy-efficient water flow even if you don’t use it for a long time. A highly affordable option as well for those on a budget.
Maintenance:
When you buy this water pump you will get a 3-year warranty for parts which means you can trust it to perform well for quite a long time to come. This is fantastic given its at the budget end of the market.
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10. Simmons 1160/PM500 No.2 Pitcher Pump
A slightly different style of well pump now and whilst it isn’t a submersible well pump, it differs to a normal shallow well water system.
Function:
Firstly, it is a hand pump for well water, so it doesn’t use any kind of electricity. This makes it perfect for those who live in remote areas or have concerns about the running costs of a normal well water pump. It will work with a high water table, to depths of 25 feet.
Design:
Made with a cast-iron case and reinforced bolts, it is one of the strongest, long-lasting well pump systems out there for anyone still using well water. It is frost proof as it drains any residual water from the pipes when not being used.
Installation:
This is one of the easiest to install and most cost-effective solutions thanks to its simple design. Overall an easy to use well water system.
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Summary
Thank you for reading our review of the best shallow well pumps on the market and we hope it has provided you with the answers you were looking for, in order to make a purchase. These systems are fantastic for those with water sources that are less than 25 feet deep and offer a continuous supply of water that a household can rely upon.
Why you would need one
With advances in technology, shallow well pumps actually offer many different uses for both domestic and commercial properties. Firstly, when it says shallow, it actually means it can pump water from around 20 feet down, making it far more useful than first thought.
Some of the domestic uses are bringing water from a shallow well into your kitchen, or connecting directly to the garden water supply, for hosepipes and sprinkler systems. For homes that are prone to flooding, they offer a good solution to drainage of floodwater and even sewage.
Many commercial consumers use modern shallow well pumps as they can be used on farms to water fields or bring water to commercial properties, such as construction sites.
Key purchasing considerations
Anyone considering purchasing a shallow well pump should consider the following characteristics, to ensure they choose one that fulfils their requirements:
Power source
The majority of shallow well pumps will use a standard outlet found in the majority of homes, but there are some that require a more powerful outlet. As a result, make sure you check what outlets your property has and the requirements of the pump you’re looking at.
Material
As with any range of products, you will find manufacturers use different materials, mainly to save money. The majority of pumps will be made from metal and steel, which offer durability and longevity.
However, some manufacturers choose to go for the cheaper option, a thermoplastic polymer. Whilst these will still do the job, we believe there is a greater chance of them breaking or going wrong, so saving money initially, may not always be the better investment.
Noise
If you require a shallow well pump for the home, then it’s likely you will be using it a lot, whether that’s for showers, taps, cooking water, drinking water, cleaning etc. If the pump you buy is loud and intrusive, then this is going to cause a lot of problems for you and your neighbours. Consider the reviews for each product and check noise levels before purchasing.
Capacity and Flow Rate
Perhaps the most important consideration for any consumer is the capacity of the well you have and the flow rate of the shallow well pump you buy. Firstly, you need to understand the depth of the water to know whether you need a shallow or deep well pump or even a submersible one.
Secondly, shallow well pumps vary in how many gallons per minute (GPM) they produce and you must make sure this matches your household requirements. As a rule of thumb, count how many fixtures you have in your house and allow for 1 GPM per fixture. This will then let you map a number against the manufacturers claims for its products.
Heat and Dirt protection
You want to make sure the pump you choose has sufficient heat protection to minimise the chances of overheating and so last longer. Likewise, you want to make sure the pump you choose is as resistant to the outdoors as possible unless you intend on making a housing unit for it.
Warranty
A working shallow well pump is vital for your household, as, without it, you could be limited to the amount of clean and safe water you have. You don’t want it to break down and be without one or have to pay out a lot of money to fix, so make sure it comes with a sufficient warranty that covers both a long period of time and the parts you would expect.
Installation
Once you decide whether you need a deep well submersible pump or a shallow well pump, you then need to consider how easy they are to install. The vast majority of the systems on our lists are relatively easy to install thanks to the clear instructions and customer support that manufacturers provide.
Once you decide whether you need a deep well submersible pump or a shallow well pump, you then need to consider how easy they are to install. The vast majority of the systems on our lists are relatively easy to install thanks to the clear instructions and customer support that manufacturers provide.
The Pros
There are some fantastic pros of installing a shallow well pump and we’ve put together a list of the most important ones for you:
- They actually cover up to 25 feet, far more than you would expect and this means you don’t have to go for one of the more expensive submersible well pumps that are advertised.
- They are readily available and installation is relatively easy on most models.
- They now offer a great water flow rate, ranging up to 1000 gallons per hour despite being relatively compact systems.
- They will offer consistent water pressure, so you will always have a reliable source of water when compared to some other systems.
- You can even get manual hand pumps for those who don’t want jet pumps and want to control the water flow
- They are made with high-quality materials to last a long time and require minimal maintenance once installed.
- The most common water pumps are made of stainless steel or heavy duty cast iron.
Shallow Well Pump vs. Deep Well Submersible Pump
There can be a lot of confusion about the different type of pumps available and we wanted to explain the difference between two particular types, a shallow well pump and a submersible well pump.
Shallow well pump
These are for wells with a high water table, that has a depth of less than 25 feet deep. These types of water pumps do not submerge below the water line but sit outside of the water. These work by sucking the water up and through the system and nowadays, are highly efficient, well-made systems.
Often they will be made of stainless steel or cast iron and are developed to resist the elements. You can even get hand pump versions if you have a limited supply of electricity or only want the water to flow when you manually set it to.
Submersible well pump
Submersible well pumps are different in that they go under the water and are primarily designed for wells that go at least 90 feet down. A submersible well pump will use impellers to process the water and are very efficient units. Once more, the best submersible well pump to go for very much depends on your individual requirements.
It is important to note that for wells that are less than 25 feet, a submersible well pump is very costly and not worth buying as you would be wasting its performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve put together some of the most frequently asked questions and our answers, to help make the purchasing process for a well pump easier.
How long do well pumps last?
- This very much depends on the quality of the water pump you buy and how the manufacturers have designed it. They can vary for a year or two, up to 10+ years, with most manufacturers providing warranties for parts for a certain period of time.
Fortunately, improving technologies and manufacturing techniques mean that they will be a worthwhile long-term investment. This is particularly the case for ones made of stainless steel or cast-iron. Submersible pumps are slightly different and it’s important to think about the different parts and processes involved. For example, some will have a control box that needs to be maintained and protected from the elements.
What do I do when the pump loses pressure?
- If you notice your water flow dropping, then it could be that the water pressure has dropped. If this is the case, it is likely to be either the water pump isn’t strong enough for your needs, a faulty built-in check valve or perhaps you’ve reached capacity in your water tank.
Once you’ve assessed these, you may need to call the manufacturers customer service for more guidance.
Do I need a shallow or submersible well pump?
- This is relatively simple to decide and it’s all about the height of your water table. If the depth of the water is less than 25 feet, then you don’t need to buy a submersible well pump. If your well goes much deeper than this, then you need to consider ones of the various submersible well pumps on the market, which are specifically designed for deep wells.
No matter the type, whether a submersible water pump or a shallow water pump, always consider all features and factors before making a purchasing decision.
How do I check the foot valve?
- The easiest way to check whether the foot valve is faulty is to remove it and look for signs of rust or freezing, depending on the temperatures. These are the most common faults with both that and the built-in check valve and play an important part in how pumps work.
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