Constant vs Traditional: Which Well Pump is Best?

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When it comes to traditional water pumps versus constant pressure systems, which one is better for your home? Both have their pros and cons, which is why it can be tough to decide. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what these two are, the benefits of both types of systems, and help you decide which one is right for you. 

What Is A Constant Pressure Well Pump?

Constant pressure pumps are a type of force pump that is used to transport water from an underground water source. These types of pumps maintain the same flow and constant pressure throughout their pumping cycle, which differentiates them from the typical diaphragm or joker-valve well pumps.

This technology has been widely used for over 40 years in the US and Canada. Many homeowners find this type of pump extremely useful because it can be installed in less than an hour and it does not require regular maintenance. It’s cheap too–which means more money in your pocket. Most importantly though, constant pressure well pumps provide you with clean drinking water all year round without any interruptions or fluctuations even when there is less water in the well.

Constant Pressure Well Pump Advantages

  • Maintains flow rate and pressure throughout its cycle, resulting in uninterrupted water supply
  • More energy efficient than other types of pumps due to its effect on minimizing friction between components, thus reducing power consumption
  • Reliable and durable even when installed in wells with low water levels; these pumps are capable of working under high discharge pressure up to 100 psi (pounds per square inch); most home owners prefer installing them at 40-60 psi
  • Scavenges air that is present inside the discharge line, thus preventing any problems like pump whining or vapor lock
  • Maintains constant temperature for tap water; this feature provides homeowners with soothing hot showers
  • Lowers running costs by up to 70%

Constant Pressure Well Pump Disadvantages

  • Can only be installed in wells that have at least 12 feet of water
  • The pump shuts down as soon as the supply line is clogged, leaving you without an adequate supply of water
  • Due to the unloading pressure relief system, some models cannot handle sand and grit easily; these pumps can permanently stop working if their filter housings get clogged. A filter should always be installed near the pump head and checked regularly for debris or dirt buildup

What Is A Traditional Pressure Well Pump?

Traditional pressure well pumps are the older types of water pumps. This technology has not changed since it was first introduced in the market. The components used inside these pumps (i.e., valves, cylinders, rod and plunger) do not have any unique features; they simply work by pressurizing or making your water source push out through its point of exit–typically your tap hole.

Conventional Water Pump Advantages

  • Can be installed at low cost (after deducting depth differences between “quick-fit” pipe sets mentioned above), with some models costing as low as $140
  • Operates at lower pressure levels, making it more suitable for submersible applications or to meet minimal system requirements
  • Requires less storage capacity
  • to operate, which can lead to lower system installation costs
  • Can be manually run in cases of emergency

Conventional Water Pump Disadvantages

  • Operates at high pressure levels, making it more likely to damage your plumbing fixtures or other appliances that are connected to the water supply system
  • Requires regular maintenance and replacement of components after heavy use–both costly procedures that can add up over time
  • Short lifespan; most models fail after 3-5 years even if they were frequently checked for debris buildup inside their filters. Some pumps can last longer than others but these are typically very expensive. Long-lasting pumps typically cost $500-$700 dollars each
  • Typically consumes more electricity than constant pressure well pumps due to their effect on increased friction between components
  • Requires more storage capacity for it to work properly. It also requires bigger tanks, which are not ideal for indoor installation

So, Which Water Pump is Best?

Both pressure well pumps have their own advantages and disadvantages. If you want a pump that is capable of lasting for years, getting constant pressure well pumps is the most cost-efficient way to go about it.

If you are budget conscious and your water source can support its design requirements, then conventional water pumps will do just fine. Just be sure to regularly check your pump and replace it with a newer model once it fails.

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