10 Best Shallow Well Pumps in 2021

Why Do You Need A Shallow Pump?

The right shallow well jet pump should be able to draw water up a depth of 25 feet at least. And if you get the right shallow pump, some can draw water even further up!

These pumps can be used for multiple purposes. You can connect the pump to your house or even your garden. Shallow Well pumps are usually used in rural settings which is why they can be used on a farm for irrigation as well.

With today’s fast development and technology, even shallow pumps have changed the game. You can these units for any sort of plumbing as well! In addition, these units can also be used for drainage and sewage plumbing.

However, you shouldn’t be misled by the fact that these pumps might only function in shallow wells. Most of these pumps can draw water from a depth of less than 20-25 feet. You might want to consider a submersible well pump if the well is more than 25 feet.

But with the diverse product range of the best shallow well pumps we’ve described above, you can choose what suits you best!

For example, the Homdox 1.6HP is known as a professional water pump since it is multifaceted and has many uses.

You need a shallow well pump especially if you’re residing in a rural area. In such a scenario, frequently having to visit the water well to draw water via a bucket will only be time-consuming and tiring.

On top of this, you probably won’t even get the amount you need. So isn’t it better to get a pump for yourself that you can install once and forget about? After this, you’ll have a constant supply of fresh water whenever required.

10 Best Shallow Well Pumps Comparison

10 Best Shallow Well Pumps Review

1. Goulds Pumps J5S (Top Pick)

The Gould J5S is our top pick for a shallow well pump and that too for good reason! The J5S has a cast iron casing. You needn’t worry because this will ensure your shallow well pump lasts a long time.

The Goulds J5S performs and operates smoothly. All you need to do is install it and this shallow pump will take care of the rest.

A great shallow well pump requires maximum horsepower to operate efficiently. The J5S has a horsepower of 1.2, another reason why it features as our top pick.

Alongside this, this shallow pump system has a frequency of 60 Hz which makes this operate quietly and smoothly.

The flow rate of the J5S changes with the depth of the well. That’s why this shallow well pump has pumping levels that range between 5 to 25 feet.

The Gould shallow well jet pump comes with a well-built adapter attached to the casing. This eliminates the need of installing a separate one.

All you need to do is install this shallow well jet pump and it wouldn’t matter if you forget about it!

It can run constantly without any damage or noise!

Customer Rating – 4.6 out of 5 stars.

2. Acquaer SJC050 (Budget Pick)

The Acquaer SJC050 shallow well jet pump is our budgeted pick. With this, you get all the qualities and features of a shallow well jet pump.

This Well pump has a horsepower of 1/2. With this, these jet pumps can pump water up to 25 feet anywhere you want!

The Acquaer SJC050 has a water pressure between 30 to 50 pounds per square inch. This too comes with a pre-set setting so your pump can operate automatically.

At an average water pressure of 40 pounds per square, the SJC050 has a maximum flow rate of 710 gallons per hour.

Another great feature of the Acquaer shallow well jet pump is that it comes with dual voltage motors. You can either operate it on 115 volts or 230 volts.

With this model having a cast iron construction, you can be assured that it’ll last you a long time!

The Acquaer is a great shallow well jet pump that is both affordable and beneficial.

Customer Rating – 4.5 out of 5 stars.

3. XtremepowerUS 1.6 HP (High Power)

The XtremepowerUS is the best water booster pump. The Xtremepower is also our most powerful pump making it the high power pick.

This booster pumping jet can be used to push water to your house and farms for irrigation. It has 1.6 horsepower which results in a maximum flow rate of 1000 gallons per hour. With this high flow rate, this Well pump also promises a standard pressure of 72.5 PSI.

This shallow well jet pump has 5 times more pressure compared to any other pump to push water up buildings and slopes from any reservoir of water.

Compared to other jet pumps, this high-power booster pump can push water up to 150 feet without a decrease in the water pressure.

In addition, for your safety, it has a booster system and a pressure gauge so you can control and view the temperature when required.

These features make the XtremepowerUS the perfect shallow well pump for your home, cabin, or agricultural space.

However, it doesn’t promise pure drinking water. But if you’d like to attain drinking water at this pressure, a well water filter would work great!

Customer Rating – 4 out of 5 stars.

4. Flotec FP4012-10

The Flotec FP4012-10 is a shallow jet pump that is made with thermoplastic to ensure it’s lightweight.

Don’t worry about its durability since it is equipped with a dust-proof cover to ensure no insects or dust clings to the pump.

Since the Flotec is constructed from thermoplastic, it is lightweight too. This cover also prevents corrosion and sandy water too and only provides the cleanest water.

With a water pressure of 40 pounds per square inch, this jet well pump gives up to 10 gallons of water per minute.

This shallow well pump’s shaft is constructed of stainless steel with other durable parts to ensure that it lasts a long time!

Flotec’s stainless steel shallow well water pump also has a dual voltage motor to operate at 115 or 230 volts!

If you need a water supply from a well that is between 5 to 25 feet, the Flotec FP4012-10 is the perfect water pump for it!

Customer Rating – 4.5 out of 5 stars.

5. Red Lion RJS-100-PREM

This Red lion shallow jet pump is a cast iron pump. This tells you that this Red lion pump is built to be durable and operative for years.

It comes with a horsepower of 1 making it eligible to draw water for large cabins, rural houses, as well as farms.

These well jet pumps have dual voltage motors to run at either 115 or 230 volts. To ensure your safety, the red lion superior pump is approved by the CSA.

It is equipped with a glass-filled thermoplastic impeller to guarantee a superior performance compared to other pumps and a greater water flow.

The RJS-100 features a maximum flow rate of 23 gallons of water per minute at a water pressure of 50 PSI. These pumps can work at a maximum depth of 25 feet.

Red Lion’s high-quality pumps are easy to connect to any power source, and in case of an overheat are equipped with an automatic shutoff feature.

The Red lion pumps are true shallow well jet pumps and can be relied on to get the job done!

Customer Rating – 4.2 out of 5 stars.

6. Wayne SWS50

The Wayne shallow well pump jet is one of the most reliable pumps on the market. Firstly, it is an extremely affordable well pump compared to other models.

The Wayne SWS50 is housed with a strong cast iron casing that makes sure its reliability and durability does not drop!

These cast iron pumps come with a water pressure switch that delivers between 30 to 50 PSI. These shallow well pumps have a dual voltage setting. You can use a 120-volt power supply or 230 volts!

With a horsepower of 0.50, this shallow well jet pump can pump up to 384 gallons of water per hour at a steady PSI. Additionally, this durable cast iron pump can lift water from 25 feet well.

Another great feature of the Wayne SWS50 is its ability to self-prime. This electric motor self primes when its housing is filled with water.

This electric deep well pump has a quiet operation and causes no noisy disturbances in your surroundings.

Get yourself the Wayne SWS50 to enjoy the benefits of an affordable shallow well pump which would be perfect for any rural home or farm!

Customer Rating – 4.3 out of 5 stars.

7. Red Lion PWJET50

We’ve included another Red Lion water pump since they’re one of the best shallow well pumps on the market.

This jet pump is built with a heavy-duty durable cast iron casing for maximum durability. The electric motor has a horsepower of 0.50 to draw water up 25 feet or less.

The motor houses a dual power supply capacity so that it can operate on 115 or 230 volts. In addition, the cast iron housing makes the motor resistant to rust and corrosion.

The pump comes with a factory pre-set of 30 to 50 PSI pressure switches. To guarantee a steady flow rate these jet pumps have a glass thermoplastic impeller which encourages efficiency and higher water flow.

The Red Lion shallow well pump is the perfect water pump for your homes, cabins, as well as farms! You get all the benefits of one of the best shallow well pumps at an affordable price!

Customer Rating – 4.3 out of 5 stars.

8. BurCam 506547SS

If you’re searching for a durable shallow well pump that you can invest in once and it’ll last you years, the BurCam 506547SS is just that.

It uses 3/4 horsepower and can pump water up through a maximum depth of 25 feet. The BurCam water pump has a stainless steel casing that prevents the accumulation of rust or corrosion. It also ensures that your machine will be long-lasting.

These pumps have a dual voltage power supply feature with a stainless steel pressure tank that can operate on up to 6.6 gallons of water.

BurCam’s shallow well jet pump features thermal and overload protection to prevent the atmospheric pressure from ruining the pump.

The BurCam water pump comes with a pre-set factory pressure switch of 30-50 PSI but can go up to a maximum pressure of 65 PSI.

It is built to prevent waterlogging through its bladder-styled pressure tank to ensure you enjoy clean water only!

The BurCam 506547SS guarantees to work with your plumbing system at home or your farm!

Customer Rating – 4.1 out of 5 stars.

9. Acquaer SJC075

If the Acquaer SJC050 didn’t satisfy you and you’re looking for something more powerful the Acquaer SJC075 is it!

With a 3/4 horsepower, the SJC075 water pumps up to 900 gallons of water per hour! With increased horsepower, the unit can push more water at steady pressures. This would be more useful for you if you have multiple water appliances attached.

This shallow well pump is constructed with iron so that it lasts you a long time. The durable iron casing also prevents the accumulation of corrosion and rust.

The extra horsepower makes it possible to fill your water tank in one minute only. This way you’ll never run out of freshwater.

Like its previous model, this too has a dual motor power supply which indicates you can operate it on two different power settings.

So if you want an extra powerful shallow well jet pump, the Acquaer SJC075 is the right budget option for your home or farm!

Customer Rating – 4.4 out of 5 stars.

10. Homdox 1.6HP

The Homdox  1.6HP is designed to be the ultimate booster pump for shallow well water. Its professional drainage system can transfer water from anywhere!

These electric booster pumps can transfer water from a well, pool, groundwater, and rain barrels.

With a horsepower of 1.6, the Homdox can push a maximum of 845 gallons of water per hour.

This water pump is constructed to have an iron handle and an aluminum casing. The combination of these elements is a corrosion-resistant cover that ensures the pump offers long-term use.

These pumps work at a steady pressure of up to 66 PSI pulling water up to a depth of 23 feet without hindrance in the flow rate.

The Homdox 1.6HP is regarded as the ultimate shallow well jet pump to provide fresh water to any house, farm, or cabin!

The Homdox pump also features an automatic on and off switch to prevent the use of constant electricity.

In addition, it is lightweight and easy to carry around. This jet pump is easy to install and use and is highly portable!

Customer Rating – 4 out of 5 stars.

Is A Shallow Well Pump Good For You?

With time, pumps and especially shallow well pumps have tremendously developed. Depending on the company and model, you can now get yourself a shallow well pump at an affordable rate.

Gone are the days where you would hassle over a well to use a bucket and pull water. Shallow Well pumps stop your time from being wasted and save the extra hassle.

Shallow Well pumps are easy to install and are highly dependable. You don’t need to worry about other water appliances dampening the pressure.

If you had a water softener for well water or a water filter, the best pumps ensure that no matter the number of fixtures, the water pressure stays the same.

How To Pick A Shallow Well Pump?

Like anything, certain factors need to be considered before purchasing your desired unit.

Similarly, before you purchase a shallow well pump, there are certain factors to be considered. We’ve described them below.

Material

Granted, in hindsight, this seems insignificant to consider. But this is one of the most important factors to consider.

Most shallow well pumps are made from parts of metal and steel which are durable. But sometimes these units can be manufactured from thermoplastic polymer as well!

Most buyers lean towards units made from these materials since they’re cheaper but in the long run there might be some maintenance issues.

If you want your unit to last longer, it would be advised to buy pumps made of more durable materials.

Capacity

The capacity of a water pump refers to how much water your unit can draw and how much water it can pump.

Based on the depth of your well, you’ll be able to determine what its pumping levels are. If the well is 25 feet deep and your unit can draw that, it’s great.

However, if it doesn’t you’ll require a submersible pump.

Depending on daily use, the number of people consuming water, and the number of fixtures attached, your unit should be able to pump 8-12 gallons per minute.

Motor’s Noise

Most well pumps run constantly. They eliminate the need for a separate water supply and you’re using it 24/7.

So it’d be annoying if for every little thing you do, whether showering, cleaning, or washing, you would have to endure the loud sounds of your unit.

Loud Well pumps create a bigger problem than it may be apparent. So it’s better to lean towards a unit with a quiet operation. 

Pressure Switches and Gauges

Unlike older models that didn’t have any pressure switches, your Well pump should.

This is one less thing to keep worrying about and is also a great feature when safety is concerned.

It’s necessary to have a route to adjust pressure changes, and if your pump doesn’t come with one, you can buy them separately.

Thermal Protection

This is a vital part of your pump because it ensures durability and reliability. Well pumps extract water from deep within the ground and can be filled with dirt, sand, or rust.

There’s a possibility that your motor will overheat multiple times as well. To make sure your unit stays safe and protected, you should look for a water pump with overheating protection.

Corrosion and Dirt Protection

A water well pump will always be exposed. This leads to dirt, air, sand, rust, and as a consequence corrosion ruining your unit.

If not dealt with, these shorten the lifespan of the water pump and are a hassle to clean up!

You can either built some sort of shed to keep it protected or you can buy a pump that is equipped with the features to protect your unit from these contaminants.

Power Source

Mostly all shallow well water pumps run on electricity. You need to have a guaranteed option where you’ll plug it.

Most pumps have dual voltage power supplies. Both these power supplies are 120 or 230 volts.

However, if your unit only operates on one of these, make sure you have the proper power supply!

Otherwise, you’d have to switch around electric circuits or get adapters!

Warranty

Before you get yourself a well water pump and invest your money, you need assurance that your investment has insurance.

Most companies usually offer a single or 2-year warranty. But even then, make sure you know if the pump’s parts have separate warranties!

Shallow Well Pumps Vs Submersible Pumps

There is a difference between a shallow well pump and a submersible pump which most interested buyers confuse.

We’ve cleared it out below!

Shallow Well Pumps

Shallow Well pumps work great for wells that have a maximum depth of 25 feet or less.

These pumps are installed outside the well which makes them portable and easy to replace, maintain or change.

Shallow Well pumps are also known as jet pumps. This is because they use jetting technology to pump water up deep levels. This mechanism allows the water pressure and flow rate of your water supply to increase.

Submersible Pumps

Submersible pumps, on the other hand, are for extremely deep wells. If you well has a depth of 90 feet or more, a submersible pump would be better suited for you.

Unlike Shallow Well pumps, submersible pumps don’t use a jetting mechanism. Instead, submersible pumps work through impellers which use a centrifugal force to pump water.

These pumps are installed inside the well which makes them more durable and reliable. However, they’re a hassle if you need to maintain or replace them.

Overall, Shallow Well pumps work effectively if your well has a depth of 25 feet. But using a submersible pump for wells that are 25 feet or less is useless and a waste of money!

FAQ on Best Shallow Well Pumps

Conclusion

There you have it! With the correct shallow well pump, you can have access to fresh water in any rural setting. We hope our detailed review is helpful even though there are many factors to be considered before your final purchase. But hopefully, this guide has made it easier for you!