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Well Pump Resources

Well Pump System Components

Organized private-well system components including a pressure tank, controls and connected piping

A private-well water system depends on several components working together. The pump moves water, while pressure controls, storage components, piping and electrical equipment regulate how that water reaches the building.

These resources will explain the purpose of common well-system components, typical symptoms associated with them and why an accurate diagnosis should consider the complete system.

What Shapes This Topic

  • The pump is one component among many — controls, tank, switch and piping share the work
  • Some components live down the well, some at the well head, some inside the house
  • A failure in one component often shows up as symptoms somewhere else
  • Component age and compatibility matter when part of a system is replaced
  • Electrical components should be evaluated by professionals, not opened by owners

Private-well systems and property conditions vary — these resources are general information to help you prepare for professional service, not a diagnosis of your system.

Planned Component Guides

These guides are being developed for this section. Titles may be refined before publication.

How Does a Residential Well Pump System Work?A clear overview of how the parts of a private well system work together to deliver water to your home.Submersible Well Pumps Versus Jet PumpsA side-by-side explanation of the two main well pump types and how they differ in placement and operation.What Does a Well Pressure Tank Do?An explanation of how the pressure tank stores water and protects your pump from constant cycling.How Does a Well Pressure Switch Work?An explanation of the small switch that automatically starts and stops your well pump.What Is a Well Pump Control Box?An explanation of the control box that helps start certain submersible well pumps.What Does a Well Pump Capacitor Do?An explanation of the capacitor that helps a well pump motor start and run.What Is a Pitless Adapter?An explanation of the fitting that carries well water underground and below the frost line.Why Are Check Valves Used in Well Systems?An explanation of the one-way valves that keep water from flowing backward in a well system.What Are Drop Pipe and Pump Wire?An explanation of the pipe and wiring that connect a submersible pump to the surface.What Is the Purpose of a Well Cap or Seal?An explanation of the cap that protects the top of your well from contamination.What Does a Well-System Pressure Gauge Show?An explanation of the gauge that lets you read your well system's water pressure at a glance.Which Well Components Are Located Inside the House?A guide to which parts of a well system you will find indoors versus out at the wellhead.

Related Component Services

When reading turns into needing help, these pages cover the related services and how to request them:

Upper Cumberland Well Pump is an independent referral service that helps connect property owners with local water-well and pump-service providers. Upper Cumberland Well Pump does not directly perform regulated well drilling, pump installation, pump repair or water-treatment work unless expressly stated. Provider licensing, qualifications, insurance, availability, pricing, scheduling and service terms must be confirmed directly with the provider.

Need Help With a Well Pump Problem?

Send the property location, a description of the problem, any recent changes in pressure or water flow, the location of the well head and several clear photographs of the visible system components for an initial service review.