Conventional well System
The key components of a conventional well system consist of a jet or submersible well pump, a pressure tank, and a pressure switch.
Submersible Well Pump
A submersible well pump is located down the well, typically 20 feet off the bottom. It must be sized appropriately for the well, taking into consideration the yield of the well and the depth at which the water level is while being pumped. An oversized pump may have a short life, while an undersized pump may not supply enough water.
Pressure Switch
The pressure switch allows the well pump to turn on and off as the pressure tank is filled and drained. It turns on at a lower pressure and shuts off at a higher pressure. Without this, the pump would never shut off potentially causing catastrophic failure of numerous components.
Bladder Tank
The tank must be sized correctly to allow the pump adequate runtime to provide proper cooling to the motor. The pressure tank is comprised of approximately 70% air. This captive air is what allows the bladder to expand as the well pump fills the tank. When the tanks bladder is compromised, the air is exchanged with water. This results in shorter run times and shortens the life of the pump.