Borehole pumps play a vital role in the agricultural sector. We use pumps in irrigation systems, and find them in a wide range of applications. They are most commonly used for agriculture and crop irrigation.
When released from the subsurface reservoir, centrifugal force propels water directly onto fields or in homes. The time a well pump runs continuously depends on a range of factors.
What 2 Borehole Pumps are We Most Familiar With
We mostly use 2 types of pumps for boreholes. These are jet pumps and submersible pumps. Pumps should not run longer for 1 or 2 minutes. The reason is this could cause motor damage.
Can Borehole Pumps Run Non-Stop?
Your borehole pump should last you several years. All depending, your borehole pump should run continuously for a couple of hours daily. This, however, will depend on many factors. These are the size of the borehole, the capacity of the pump, and demand. It also depends on how well-maintained the pump is.
Find out about the exact duration of your borehole from your professional pump suppliers. We are a professional team well-versed in which pump is best for your specific needs.
Your borehole pump will work best if it has a regular maintenance plan in place. This will ensure the longevity of your pump.
How Long Can My Ordinary Pump Run For? What Can I Expect?
Starter borehole pumps can run for up to 24 hours. However, your everyday borehole pump will run between 6 & 8 hours. It is not good for your borehole pump to run continuously. If you run electrical pumps continuously, your utility bill will skyrocket.
What is a Pressure Pump?
A pressure pump is a pump with an electrical switch. The switch turns the pump motor off when the system pressure reaches a pre-set point. When your pressure pump is running and a tap on the system is open, water flows out of the tap. The reverse occurs when the tap is closed.
This is because water pressure increases and air pressure decreases. When the air pressure diminishes, the pump switches on again, forcing more water back into the system.
How Does a Borehole Pump Work?
A borehole pump works by drawing water from an underground well or borehole. It then transfers the water into a pressurised water system.
Typically, the pump is underground at the bottom of a well or a borehole and powered by electricity. It has a motor that drives an impeller, increasing the water pressure and pushing it to the surface.
The pipe system, which we refer to as a rising main, transports the water from the pump to the surface. They either store or use the water once it reaches the surface.
The water flow increases as it is under pressure caused by the pump. This ensures delivery of water to the surface. This occurs during both high and low demand periods.
Ground Jet Pump – Above Ground
We install jet well pumps above ground to bring water to the surface. They have an electric motor and a suction line.
Submersible Pumps – Below the Surface
We install submersible well pumps below the ground surface. This works with pressurised water to bring it to the surface. They then store water in a tank above the ground.
Continuous Use of a Well Pump. Does this Cause Burn Out?
Well pumps left to run for extended periods will overheat and burn out. Frequent or increased pre-priming needs checking by professionals.
Contact our team of professional pump specialists to check out your foot valve soonest. This will avoid damage.
Does it Take Long for a Pump to Cool?
When users turn off the pump, the motor will still run at a high temperature. It takes a minute for the motor to cool off. This is at a point where users can restart the motor without incurring damage.
It is advisable to work at a minimum of one-minute intervals off and a minute on. Turning the motor on for 2 minutes, then off for 2 minutes is advisable to ensure pump longevity.
Is There a Reason My Well Pump Won’t Shut Down?
Your well will switch off when it reaches a certain pressure point. When your well system has a leak, the water pressure decreases. The pump will not switch off as it won’t attain the programmed pressure. It will simply carry on operating.
Is There a Chance of Burn Out if the Pump Continues to Run?
Failure and overheating will occur if you leave the pump to run continuously. If you need to prime your pump often, you probably need to have your foot valve checked.
How to Detect Problems Within Your Well. Is the Water Safe?
- When the pressure drops, these might be telltale signs your pump is malfunctioning. Water rich in iron could clog your pump. The solution is to remove the iron from the water.
- Taps that blow air along with water are serious indications that your well might begin to run dry. Your pipes joining your pump to the water system could have a crack.
- Sand and grit in the water? Wells could, over time, experience silt in the well (silting in). Sand and grit could cause a deterioration in the pump’s function. The problem would then need immediate attention to prevent pump deterioration.
- Any changes in the water quality need addressing. Stop drinking the water and have it analysed by experts if you notice a change in the smell, taste or colour in the water.
- Switching on and off often could mean serious problems in your water well. A broken check valve could be the underlying cause of this issue.
- If your electricity bill is exorbitant, this could be a sign that your water pump is working overtime.
- You should always investigate sounds in the water system. Especially if they are unusual or alarming.
With Proper Care Your Well Pump Should Last Years
For more on borehole pumps, contact our experts today! Find out everything you need to know about maintaining and preserving your borehole pump. Whether your pump is a submersible pump or an above-ground pump, it needs care.
Save money in the long-term by keeping your pump in good condition. Our team of experts are here to assist. Call us today and find out everything about pumps and how to maintain them.
Do you still have questions? Give our AQS Liquid Transfer team a call on +27 12 548 7204 or fill out our enquiry form, our friendly team will get back to you with first-hand expertise on how to select a borehole pump for your needs.
