Shallow well high head ?

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PEW

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Currently our home well has a .5hp sw pump. When it is time to replace it I was thinking of going with a .5 sw high head pump to get a bit more pressure, and better performance at the higher pressures.

Any advice pro or con on this?
 

Valveman

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Higher head won’t get you more pressure if you are using more flow than the pump can produce. Many times it is the flow of the pump that needs to be increased to keep the pressure higher. But a standard ½ HP will give you 5 GPM at 50 PSI, while the high head ½ HP will give you 7.7 GPM at 50 PSI. Still won’t keep the pressure up to 50 if you are using more than 7.7 GPM. A ¾ HP will keep the pressure at 50 PSI while using as much as 12.5 GPM.
 

LLigetfa

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This should give you a good look at the pump chart for various depths with a 13 stage 1/2 hp pump...
I don't think looking at charts for submersible pumps does much for sizing a shallow well jet pump. The general rule of thumb is that a sub needs roughly half the HP of a jet pump for the same output.
 

LLigetfa

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Valveman was closest. Jet pumps don't build pressure, the jet assembly builds the pressure. Horsepower will give more flow.
You sure do like to split hairs. Of course a jet pump builds pressure. It uses this pressure to build volume.

Yes, HP will give more flow. I can build 100 PSI with a bicycle pump but I cannot provide enough volume to power a jack hammer with it. Pressure in and of itself, is not what the OP needs. The OP also doesn't need a full "War and Peace" explanation.

Rather than preoccupy yourself with who is more right, give the OP some advice he can use.
 

Ballvalve

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I don't think looking at charts for submersible pumps does much for sizing a shallow well jet pump. The general rule of thumb is that a sub needs roughly half the HP of a jet pump for the same output.

I missed the sw part. But I would tell him to get a submersible in there if he can.
 

PEW

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Thanks to you all for your the input. If my casing would handle a submersible, it would have been in there years ago.

In general, a half horse has been providing sufficient water. I was just looking for advice when it is time for replacement, is there much to be gained from a half horse High Head vs a standard half horse.
 
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