From Water Softener Installs to Plumbing Repairs, Lehigh Acres, FL Relies on Aqua Care for Cleaner, Healthier Water

What’s the Difference Between House Pumps, Well Pumps & Booster Pumps?

House pumps, well pumps, and booster pumps are all types of water pumps used in both residential and commercial water systems. Yet, they serve different purposes and are used in different parts of the water delivery process.

• House pumps are typically thought of as any water pump system on the property that supports domestic water pressure. House pumps deliver water from a storage tank (not a well) or integrate with a filtration system, providing pressure for household fixtures. In homes not served by municipal water, a house pump may include or work alongside other components, such as pressure tanks, booster systems, and filtration. 
• Well pumps are specifically designed to extract water from underground wells for rural or off-grid areas where municipal water service isn’t available. There are two primary types of well pumps – submersible pumps, which are sealed units that push water to the surface, and jet pumps, which are above ground units that draw water up from below, like a vacuum.
• Booster pumps do not extract water, but rather increase the pressure of water that’s already in the plumbing system. These are useful in homes connected to low-pressure municipal water or in multi-story buildings where upper floors receive insufficient water pressure. A homeowner with weak shower pressure, for example, might install a booster pump to increase the pressure throughout the house.

To sum up, well pumps bring water into your home, booster pumps help improve pressure once the water is there, and house pumps may encompass either of these roles, depending on your setup. Whichever you need for your household, remember that proper sizing and installation are crucial to get the most from your pump and water equipment. An undersized pump can lead to pressure drops, while an oversized system may cycle too frequently and wear out prematurely.

Need some advice, insight, or technical help? We’re here for you. Reach out soon.

How Do Well Pumps Become Damaged?

Well pumps are built to last, usually going strong for about 8 to 15 years, depending on the model. That said, they are not immune to damage. 

These pumps operate under significant mechanical and hydraulic stress and are subject to a variety of environmental, electrical, and operational hazards. This is why staying informed on the most common causes of damage and knowing how to prevent it is so important – and can help prevent costly failures and service interruptions down the line. What are the most common issues?

1. The pump starts running dry.

One of the most common and harmful conditions is running the pump without water, often due to a dry well or excessive drawdown. This happens when the water level in the well drops below the pump’s intake point, and it can lead to overheating, motor damage, or pump burnout.

The solution? Install a low-water cutoff switch or pressure switch with a dry-run protection feature.

2. The pump experiences power surges and/or electrical issues.

Well pumps are powered by electric motors that are vulnerable to voltage fluctuations, lightning strikes, or faulty wiring. You may face tripped breakers, blown capacitors, or non-functioning control boxes, all of which can cause motors to become damaged or fail to start.

The solution? To protect your well pump from power surges and electrical issues, consider installing a surge protector or pump protection system.

3. Sand and sediment has built up and started causing issues.

Wells that produce excessive sand, grit, or silt can cause serious wear on pump components. Sand acts like sandpaper, wearing down impellers, bearings, and seals, and it can clog screens and reduce flow efficiency.

The solution? Take preventive action by installing a sand separator or sediment filter above the pump intake or in-line before water enters the pressure tank.

4. The pump is experiencing frequent start/stop cycles.

Rapid on/off cycling places strain on both the motor and pressure switch causing premature motor burnout, worn bearings, or switch failure. This is usually because the pressure tank is waterlogged or improperly sized, or perhaps there are faulty pressure switch settings.

The solution? Ensure the pressure tank has the correct air charge and is adequately sized for your pump.

5. There is too much rust or corrosion present.

Water with a low pH or high iron content can corrode the metal parts of a well pump over time, resulting in discolored water, reduced flow, or rust-colored staining on fixtures. It can also cause pitting on impellers, motor housing decay, or seal failure.

The solution? Invest in water testing followed by adding appropriate treatment systems like neutralizers or iron filters.

6. The pump was improperly sized or installed from the beginning.

If the pump is not correctly sized for the well depth or household demand, it can wear out prematurely. One that’s too small will be overworked, leading to overheating and early failure, while one that’s too large will experience short-cycles and wear components unnecessarily.

The solution? Have a qualified well contractor evaluate your system to determine the correct pump size based on well depth, flow rate, and household water needs. Then, replace or adjust the pump as needed to prevent future damage.

Whether the cause is something immediate like a lightning strike or gradual like sediment erosion, catching issues early is key to avoiding complete system failure. A professional well inspection every 1 – 2 years is a small cost compared to replacing a failed pump or repairing a dry well. Schedule your next overview with us today.

Lehigh Acres, FL Water Treatment & Purification Company: Locals Trust Us

Lehigh Acres isn’t as bustling as coastal towns in Southwest Florida, which means it offers a slower pace of life…and more space to breathe. Lehigh Acres Trailhead Park is always a favorite spot to visit, and Lehigh Greenway is part of the Florida Gulf Coast Trail, offering some great biking and walking paths through native vegetation and wetlands.

Other popular spots to visit for outdoor fun are Majestic Golf Club, a popular local 18-hole course that’s open to the public, and Veterans Park, a large community park with plenty to enjoy – like a splash pad, ball fields, skate park, picnic areas, and event spaces. 

Still have some daylight hours to use up and want to enjoy more of the sunshine? Check out Harns Marsh Preserve, Jim Fleming Ecological Park, or one of the area’s many canals or lakes, where it’s always easy to find a spot to fish, kayak, or just enjoy the water.

Lehigh Acres is truly a place where you can stretch out, grow roots, and enjoy easy access to nature – and it’s an area we’re proud to serve, ensuring locals get the best plumbing and water treatment services available.

From Water Treatment to Plumbing, We’re Here for You

From new water softener installations to emergency plumbing repairs, Aqua Care delivers dependable service with precision, honesty, and local expertise. We understand the unique water concerns in Lehigh Acres and are committed to helping you enjoy cleaner water and a better-functioning home. 

Contact us today to schedule service or request a free estimate.