You might be having difficulty choosing a pump for your home: should you purchase a surface (shallow well) or submersible pump? Sellers sometimes give recommendations without knowing the water depth. The goal of this material is to dispel your doubts and help you choose the right pump based on your needs. However, the correct choice depends on the water level and the height to which the water needs to be raised.
There is a significant difference between these two types of pumps. A surface pump is installed above ground, whereas a submersible pump is lowered into the water, well, or borehole. A surface pump lifts water through a pipe, so its efficiency is limited by a certain water intake depth. It is usually used for sources with a shallow water depth. In turn, a submersible pump is located directly in the water and pushes it upwards, making it more suitable for deep wells.
If the water source in your home is not very deep, a surface pump can be a good option. For example, if you need to drain water from a tank installed in the house, this may be the right choice. If the water level in the well or other source is approximately within 15–20 feet from the ground, a surface pump can handle the task. It is suitable for filling a domestic tank or for general household needs.
Because it is located above ground, a surface pump is easier to inspect and maintain; it does not need to be retrieved if it breaks down. Generally, its initial cost is lower, and it may be sufficient for shallow sources. Nevertheless, as the water depth increases, the usefulness of a surface pump decreases, so its selection is not recommended for deep wells.
If the water is in a deep well, a submersible pump is considered a more suitable solution. This pump is installed underwater. Instead of pulling water up, it pushes it upwards, allowing it to be more efficient when extracting water from deep sources. Such a pump is necessary if the water needs to be lifted to a significant height. Generally, the initial price of a submersible pump is higher than that of a surface pump.