Pumps, pressure, and machines that outlived their makers
Cost to Drill a Water Well: Scope, Depth and Geology
Commercial guides put many standard residential well projects at roughly $5,000–$18,000 for planning, though scope is defined inconsistently.
By Walt Brenner · 22 August 2026 · 24 min readLatest
Normally Open Describes a Solenoid Valve's Power-Off State
It permits flow while de-energized and closes when its coil receives the correct power. "Normally" names the default state, not the position used most often.
PSI per Foot of Water Converts Vertical Head to Pressure
A vertical foot of fresh-water head yields about 0.433 PSI of static gauge pressure. Flowing systems require separate friction and outlet-pressure checks.
Boiler Feed Pump Calculation Links Flow and Head to Power
Near-boiling feedwater is about 4% less dense than cold water. Its actual density governs the conversion from drum pressure into pressure head.
How Long a Well Tank Lasts and What Changes It
Plan on roughly 10-15 years, but use age plus condition, not a birthday deadline. Water at the air valve is stronger failure evidence than age.
Variable Speed Pumps Keep Pressure Steadier Within Limits
A pressure tank normally remains in the system, even though the controller performs most pressure regulation during active demand.
Well Pump Runs but No Water: Jet vs. Submersible Checks
Switch it off, verify the outage affects the property, record pressure behavior already observed, then check accessible valves or restrictions.
More articles
What a Sump Pump Weep Hole Does and Where It Goes
When required, the opening generally goes above the pump connection and below the check valve, unless the manufacturer specifies another arrangement.
A Pump Cover Is an Oversized Layer Worn at the Gym
An ordinary loose hoodie or T-shirt can qualify without a special label, and it can stay on throughout the workout. The term also means a pump enclosure.
Diagnose the AC Before Adding a Hard Start Kit
Start assist cannot repair a weak capacitor, burned contactor, or poor supply, and it cannot fix an airflow restriction, refrigerant fault, or damaged compressor.
Motor Vibration Patterns Narrow Possible Causes
For ordinary electric motors, a bolt can feel tight after bottoming without applying clamping force. Speed, load, heat and coast-down behavior guide diagnosis.
Ejector Pump vs Sump Pump: What Each Handles
A basement may need one of these systems or both, but pump appearance and horsepower cannot determine which setup it actually requires.
A Sump Pump That Keeps Running: Causes by Water Level
A full or rising pit points to ineffective water removal: restricted discharge, weak pump output, excessive inflow, backflow or mechanical failure.
Submersible Irrigation Pumps Must Match Flow and Head
The pump must provide the active zone's GPM at the TDH that includes lift, friction, equipment losses, and required sprinkler pressure.
Which Water Well Pumps Need a Foot Valve?
Submersible pumps ordinarily use discharge-side check valves rather than a screened foot valve on a suction line. Confirm pump type before testing or buying.
How Much Septic Pumping Costs by Tank Size and Access
For an accessible 1,000-gallon residential tank, plan on $300–$500 for routine service. Compare written scopes for disposal, digging and travel.
Shallow Well Pump and Pressure Tank Sizing Is Site-Specific
Roughly 25 vertical feet from pump to water level is a screening guideline, not guaranteed capability. Sizing uses pump curves, usable drawdown and runtime.
Signs of a Well Drying Up vs. Equipment Trouble
Failure under heavy demand and improvement after rest suggest drawdown or low yield. Water-level measurements and system inspection are needed to confirm the cause.
Well Pump Maintenance: Observe, Then Act on Changes
Track normal pressure, flow and cycling. Investigate changes rather than adjust controls, and test annually for total coliform and E. coli.