How to Install a Submersible Well Pump - Ultimate Guide (2023)

Submersible water tanks are considered as the most ideal especially when used as a domestic pump option. This is mostly because they are silent and that they provide higher water pressures for households when compared to submersible pumps and piston. You need to understand how to install a submersible well pump and all challenges that you might encounter during the process.

First, most people consider Installing a submersible well pumps as being rather challenging and physically demanding. However, one could always argue that it is worth the head-work due to its effectiveness and long-lasting nature.

Step 1: Inspect The Well

Most people hardly inspect their wells before starting the installation process and this is usually a huge mistake that could cause problems later on. Ensure that you check the depth of your well and any signs of external damage first. When it comes to the depth you need to consider both the distance from the water level to the bottom of the well and the distance from the ground to the bottom of the well.

Remember that the pump needs to be submerged completely underwater. In some cases, you might need to increase the depth of your well before you could begin the installation of the water pump.

It is also vital that you fix whatever external damage your well might have before you start the process. You don’t need an expert when it comes to inspecting your well and you could always do it yourself. Ask family and friends to help you check the different depths.

Step 2: Inspect Your Supplied Components

At this point, you already have your submersible well pump and its components already acquired. It is important you check all the details about the submersible motor including the power supply rating. Identify whether your motor needs a 3 phase configuration or a starter box, and is a 2 or 3 wire single phase.

One of the vital components you will also need to inspect is the drop cable. Ensure that it suits the motor and the motor cable. It should also be correctly rated and suitable for submerging in water. Ensure that you also inspect the fittings since they need to match the bore cap, rising main and outlet.

Inspecting the supplied components will help you solve the mechanical problems quickly and effectively. It is important that you buy quality products to ensure your submersible well pump lasts a long time.

Step 3: Fit the Motor to The Pump

When fixing the motor to the pump, ensure that you use the supplied grease and nothing else. Take your time and the motor should easily be a perfect fit for the pump. The repeated twisting force caused by your motor is bound to twist the pipe fittings tighter and tighter over time.

This, in turn, will lead to the wrapping of the wires which will eventually break. This is a common problem that can be easily fixed using a torque arrestor. The torque arrestor is simply a rubber that is clamped to the on top of the pump to ensure it doesn’t swing and rotate. This will ensure your wires are protected from damage and you do not find yourself experiencing difficulties often.

When fixing the motor to the pump it is also important that you seal splined shaft right there during the assembly process. Lay flat fitting or poly pipe with tape when screwing into the pump for effectiveness.

Step 4: Connect Your Drop Cable to The Motor Cable

The drop cable needs to be connected or spliced to the motor, then you need to ensure that it is watertight. At this point, it is important to follow the instructions provided carefully. The splice is usually either made by heat shrinking the splicing kit or commercially. Since black polyethylene pipes are mostly used in water well systems, you need to know how to make them watertight.

Use a propane torch to heat the pipes to soften them before you clamp then down using screws. This will ensure your entire system is waterproof which is pretty important considering it is a submersible water pump. Stainless steel clamps are recommended and definitely worth the extra cash you use.

Step 5: Assemble The Pump Next to Your Well

This step is quite essential and most people make this simple mistake of not assembling the pump next to their water well. If you assemble the pump at a different location, then you run a great risk of not doing it properly or misplacing parts during transportation.

Ensure that the pump is fitted to the rising main. Then to your rising main’s other side properly fit the bore cap. Assemble the pump properly and keenly to ensure that your pump will last a long time.

Step 6: Roll Out Rising Main And Drop Cable Together

Attach safety cables to your pump and roll it out together with the drop cable and rising main. Please ensure the safety cable is made of stainless steel. It is also vital that you ensure the safety cable is attached to the bore cap end, therefore, diving stretching room to the rising main.

Step 7: Attach Your Drop Cable to Rising Main

During this stage ensure that you use at least 5 turns of grey tape to attach the drop cable to the rising main every 5 meters apart. You could always use zip tiles too. It is important that you give room for your rising main to extend and stretch.

Experts also advise that you tape the entire cable splice to your rising main to protect it. In my experience, you should also tape a couple of extra drop cable meters just below the bore cape.

These extra meters are essential should you find the need to replace the motor or cable splice at a future time. Ensure that you follow step number seven correctly and that you leave the extra meters of drop cable since it is essential.

Step 8: Check That Cables Are Secure And Fittings Are Tight

Now, if the weight is light and you feel that you can lower the assembly, do so gently. Start by lowering the pump end slowly into your well while an assistant holds the bore cap end to minimize any damages and ensure effectiveness. Your electric drop cable is important and you need to pay close attention to it while lowering your assembly.

Ensure that the drop cable is not damaged in any way and that it is properly secured. In the end, your assembly should be firmly suspended on top of the good casing by the bore cap. Lowering the pump might seem like an easy job but it requires you to be both patient and keen.

Simply dropping the assembly down the well without minding the drop cable or cable splice might lead to a lot of damage and malfunction of your entire pump system. You want the submersible water tank to serve you and your family for as long as possible, and a little patience might just do the trick.

Step 9: Use a Car Wheel to Make a Roller And Lower Your Assembly if The Weight is Heavy

You may not be able to safely lower your assembly especially if it is quite heavy. You will need to improvise if you want the job done correctly. The first step will be to attach the bore cap to the vehicle with a ?D’ shackle and sling.

Then you need to position the roller right over your well before position your vehicle thereby allowing for the pump to be safely lowered into your well.

Drive your vehicle slowly towards the well and ensure the third party keenly watches to ensure there are no damages. If possible, you should lower the last two meters or so by hand. Lowering your assembly into the well is the most important step and you should ensure it is done correctly.

Step 10: Connect to The Power Supply And Test

At this stage, you need to connect the pump protection, pump controller, and pump starter device to your power supply. Switch the current on and test your pump to see if it is working correctly.

It is vital that you allow a few minutes for the water to be able to reach the surface. Once you complete the test, then you can proceed to connect the bore cap and the necessary pipework.

You can now finally test the pump to see if everything is working properly. Test the pump control and pump protection device too to make sure they are all operational.

Installing a submersible water pump seems like a lot of work but it is certainly simple should you follow the ten-step tutorial on how to install a submersible water pump. All you need to do is exercise patience and assemble your pump with a lot of keenness.

Submersible water pumps are ideal for households and they generally last a long time when properly installed. You could also seek external help should you find difficulties in any areas during the installation process.