What is a Jet Pump?

Believe it or not, Jet Pumps are not associated with the awful New York football team. They are referred to as such because they work similarly to a jet engine in the way they create large amounts of pressure.

Jet Pumps are mounted above ground and are non-submersible. They are typically used to draw water from a well through a suction pipe in order to provide potable water or domestic water pressure. Other common applications (though certainly not limited to) include light commercial or residential irrigation and supplying water for sprinkler systems. Jet Pumps are typically more popular in warmer climates or areas with high water tables.

Pump Products - Jet pump convertible
-Goulds Convertible Jet Pump

Jet pumps come in two variations: deep well and shallow well. The type of jet pump most suitable for your application will be dependent on the depth of your well. Shallow well jet pumps are used to transport water from wells as deep as 25 feet. Deep well jet pumps are generally used for depths up to about 200 feet. Deep well jet pumps can move larger volumes of water more quickly and over longer distances than shallow well pumps. Please note that altitude can affect the specific depth to which a pump can draw water from.

Deep Well Pumps can also be referred to as convertible jet pumps. This means that the pump can be used in either shallow or deep wells. In a shallow well setup, an ejector kit (or jet kit) is built in or attached to the pump. For deep wells, the kit is placed down in the well. This ejector kit helps force water up from the bottom of the well.

-Goulds Shallow Well Jet Pumps

If you already have a jet pump and you are looking to determine whether it is a deep well or shallow well pump, look at how many pipes are between the pump and the water source. One pipe indicates a shallow well pump while two pipes indicate a deep well pump.

It is important to keep in mind that jet pumps should never run dry. Running a pump dry may significantly and permanently damage the pump. These pumps need to be primed first before they are ready to draw water. In order to prime your jet pump, first make sure the electricity to your pump is off. Next remove the priming plug on the wet end of the pump (or the side opposite the motor). Then fill the priming vent with water until it reaches the top of the vent. The idea behind this is to remove all the air from the pump housing. After the pump is primed, your pump is ready to go and you can turn the electricity back on to the pump. If the pump does not pull water within five minutes you may need to re-prime the pump.

Pump Products application engineers are standing by to help you find the right pump, as well as to provide price quotes, stocking availability and shipping information. Call our toll free number 1-800-429-0800 to speak to an expert today.