Two Main Types of Well Pumps

Most residential water pumps for houses in Canada fall into 2 main categories: submersible pumps and jet pumps. Each is specifically engineered for different well depths, water supply needs, and regional climate conditions.

Submersible Well Pumps

A submersible water well pump is installed deep underground, completely below the water level inside the well casing. Instead of pulling water from above, it uses a stack of spinning impellers to actively push the water upward through the drop pipe and into your home’s plumbing system. Because the entire pump and motor assembly are completely submerged, the unit operates almost silently and remains safely protected from freezing temperatures beneath the frost line.

ProsCons
Highly efficient, especially for deep wellsHigher purchase and installation cost
Quiet because it operates underwaterRepairs require pulling the pump out of the well
Protected from freezing below the frost lineSpecialized equipment is often needed for repairs
Provides strong, consistent water pressureSand and sediment can shorten pump life over time

Jet Pumps

A jet well pump is installed above ground, usually inside a home or pump house. It uses suction to draw water from the well and deliver it to the pressure tank. Since the motor stays above ground, jet pumps are easier to service than submersible pumps.There are two types of jet pumps:

  • Single-drop (shallow well) jet pumps are designed for wells up to 7.5 metres deep. They use a single suction pipe and must be primed during installation and any time the system loses pressure.
  • Double-drop (deep well) jet pumps are designed for wells up to 34 metres deep. They use two pipes and a jet injector inside the well, while the pump motor remains above ground for easier maintenance.
ProsCons
Lower upfront cost than a submersible well pumpCannot lift water efficiently from very deep wells
Easy to access for inspections and repairsUses more electricity as the depth increases
Above-ground motor is less exposed to sand and sedimentMotor noise is noticeable during operation
Ideal for shallow wells, cottages, and irrigation systemsCan lose its prime if air enters the suction line
Simple installation with readily accessible componentsPump and exposed plumbing require freeze protection

Components of Well Pumps & What They Do

Depending on the type of pump, it either pushes water from deep inside the well (submersible pump) or pulls it using suction from above ground (jet pumpnbsp;Here’s how the well pump assembly works:

  1. When you turn on a faucet or use any water in the house, water flows from the pressure tank to your plumbing system, and the pressure inside the tank starts to drop.
  2. When the pressure falls below about 40 psi, the pressure switch turns the pump on. The submersible pump deep in the well starts pushing water up through the pipe and into your home.

    In Canada, most homes use a pressure switch set to 40/60 PSI (275/415 kPa), which provides a comfortable 20 PSI working difference. Ensure that your tank size matches your household water needs and the pump’s capacity.

  3. As water enters the system, it passes through a check valve that prevents it from flowing back into the well. The pressure tank gradually fills, and the pressure rises back up.

    If the tank is too small or has lost its air charge, you might notice the system short-cycling, meaning the pump turns on and off too frequently. This can really shorten the life of your pump.

  4. Once it reaches around 60 psi, the pressure switch turns the pump off. The system stays pressurized until more water is used, and the cycle repeats.
ComponentSubmersible PumpJet Pump
PumpSits inside the well and pushes water up to your homeSits above ground and pulls water up from the well
Pressure TankStores water under pressure, so the pump doesn’t run every time you use water.Same function
Pressure SwitchTurns the pump on when pressure drops and off when it reaches the set levelSame function
Check ValveStops water from flowing back into the well after the pump shuts off.Same function
Control BoxHelps start and protect the pump motor on some submersible systems.Not used
Jet InjectorNot usedHelps the pump lift water from deeper wells using suction assistance
Water PipeCarries water from the pump up to the houseCarries water between the pump and the well using suction and return lines
Pressure GaugeShows system water pressureSame function

Two-Wire vs. Three-Wire Submersible Pumps

Submersible well pumps come in two main electrical configurations: two-wire and three-wire systems. Both move water the same way, but they differ in how the motor is started, controlled, and repaired.

Two-Wire Submersible Pumps

A two-wire pump has all the starting components built directly inside the motor, deep in the well. It connects directly to the pressure switch without requiring an external control box.

ProsCons
Lower installation costIf electrical components fail, the pump must be removed
Fewer parts above groundHarder to diagnose and repair

Three-Wire Submersible Pumps

A three-wire pump moves the starting components (like the capacitor and relay) into a separate well pump control box installed above ground, usually near the pressure tank. When the system calls for water, the box helps start the motor and then switches it to run mode.

ProsCons
Easier troubleshooting and repairsHigher upfront cost
Electrical parts last longerMore components to install and maintain

Which One Should You Choose? 

The choice usually comes down to budget versus serviceability:

  • Two-wire systems are simpler and more cost-effective upfront
  • Three-wire systems are easier and cheaper to repair long-term

For higher-horsepower systems, choose a three-wire setup because it offers better control and makes maintenance easier.