Introduction: When the Water Stops, the Truth Matters
The shower went cold, the pressure fell to a whisper, and then the faucet just hissed. That’s how most well pump emergencies announce themselves—no warning, no gentle taper, just silence. As a homeowner depending on a private well, you don’t have luxury time. Laundry, dishes, showers, livestock—your entire routine hinges on a pump you rarely see and hope you never have to think about.
Two weeks ago I took a call from the Velazquez family—Luis (41), a high school ag teacher, and Mariela (39), a nurse—on seven acres outside Silverton, Oregon. Their 240-foot well had a budget 1 HP submersible installed four years back by the previous owner. That pump finally quit in the middle of a Saturday soccer carpool and left Luis and Mariela boiling water and hauling buckets from a neighbor. Their old Red Lion submersible cracked a housing after repeated pressure cycles, and the replacement motor drew high amperage from day one. Worse, their water has fine grit during late summer drawdown. A standard pump with soft impellers wasn’t going to make it.
If you’re in a similar spot—no water, low pressure, sand in the lines, or a pump that can’t keep up—this guide is for you. I’m Rick Callahan, technical advisor at Plumbing Supply And More (PSAM). I’ve spent decades sizing, installing, and troubleshooting well systems. I hear the same myths about Myers Pumps over and over, and those myths cost homeowners like the Velazquez family money and downtime.
Here’s exactly what we’ll cover:
- Stainless steel vs “good enough” metals (#1) Actual service life vs replacement cycles (#2) Motor technology and energy costs (#3) Deep well performance and staging reality (#4) Warranty fine print that actually protects you (#5) Sizing myths that burn out motors (#6) Install complexity and 2-wire vs 3-wire truth (#7) Sand, grit, and impeller wear (#8) Field serviceability vs dealer-only dependence (#9) Jet pump vs submersible confusion (#10)
I’ll debunk each myth with field-tested insight, show how Myers Pumps—especially the Predator Plus Series—solve real problems, and tie it back to what Luis and Mariela chose and why it’s already paying off.
#1. Myers Predator Plus Series Stainless Steel Construction – 300 Series Lead-Free Materials for 8-15 Year Lifespan in Rural Well Systems
A durable well pump isn’t the one that survives the first season; it’s the one that shrugs off mineral-rich water, sand flashes, and pressure cycles for a decade or more.
The Predator Plus Series uses 300 series stainless steel for the shell, discharge bowl, shaft, coupling, wear ring, and suction screen—every critical wet end component. Stainless alloys in this range resist chloride-induced corrosion and stand up to high-iron and slightly acidic conditions. Complementing that, Myers’ engineered composite impellers—with Teflon-impregnated staging—reduce friction and heat while shedding abrasive grit better than plain plastics. Paired with an internal check valve and threaded assembly, these pumps can be disassembled and serviced without specialized jigs.
Now, a quick comparison you’ll actually care about: unlike Goulds models that employ cast iron elements in certain configurations, which can pit and scale in aggressive water, Myers maintains stainless contact throughout the wet end. In longevity testing and my own pulled-well autopsies, stainless internals maintain tolerances longer, which means better efficiency and less shaft deflection over time—worth every single penny.
For the Velazquez family, that grit at late summer levels made material choice non-negotiable. We installed a Myers 1 HP Predator Plus submersible rated around 10 GPM with the stainless wet end. Since installation, their pressure has been steady, and the pump runs quieter under peak demand.
Why Stainless Steel Matters in Real Wells
When water chemistry shifts seasonally, corrosion resistant metals protect clearances. Stainless wear rings preserve efficiency by limiting recirculation. That means a more stable BEP (best efficiency point) and lower amperage draw at a given TDH. You get consistent performance with less fatigue on the motor and bearings.
Lead-Free Components for Household Safety
All wetted stainless components are lead-free and NSF certified, critical for families drawing directly from a private well to fixtures. Over time, lead-free stainless doesn’t leach or flake—keeping water quality consistent and reducing filter loading.
Threaded Assembly = Field Serviceable Savings
With a threaded assembly, technicians can swap a stage stack or replace a worn wear ring without scrapping the entire unit. That serviceability cuts costs and downtime, especially in rural areas where dealer trips are hours away.
Key takeaway: Stainless wet ends paired with composite staging buys you years—sometimes an extra five to seven—of reliable output. That’s real money back in your pocket.
#2. Service Life Isn’t Random – 8-15 Years Is Achievable, 20-30 With Excellent Care and Myers Build Quality
Pump life doesn’t have to be a coin toss. Most premature failures trace to poor materials, wrong sizing, or nasty water chewing soft parts.
The Predator Plus Series is routinely seeing 8-15 years in average conditions. With correct sizing, proper pressure tank capacity, and clean electricals, I’ve seen Myers submersibles go 20-30 years. Why? High-grade nitrile rubber bearings, self-lubricating impellers, and balanced staging keep radial loads in check. The Pentek XE motor helps by running cooler under load thanks to efficient windings and thermal overload protection—cooler motors mean longer insulation life.
Contrast that with mid-tier brands using thermoplastic housings that fatigue from pressure spikes and heat. If your well surges with iron or grit, thermoplastics craze and crack. Stainless keeps shape and tolerance. For Luis and Mariela, we corrected a short-cycling issue by upsizing the pressure tank from 20 gallons to 44 gallons and resetting the pressure switch to 40/60. Fewer starts, happier motor, longer life.
Maintenance Habits That Multiply Pump Life
- Set a realistic cycle time: target 60-90 seconds per cycle minimum. Test your check valve annually for bleed-down. Flush the intake screen on sediment-prone wells during service pulls. Keep the pressure tank air charge set properly (2 PSI below cut-in).
Electrical Health = Motor Health
Loose lugs or undersized wire kill motors. Use the right gauge from panel to wellhead, confirm clean 230V single-phase power, and protect with whole-home surge protection. The XE’s lightning protection helps, but don’t tempt fate.
Seasonal Drawdown Planning
If your static level drops 20-40 feet late summer, verify your pump curve still clears required TDH with adequate GPM. Running on the steep side of the curve overheats the motor. Myers curves make it straightforward to check.
Key takeaway: A Myers well pump matched to your system and maintained twice a year is a long-haul solution, not a revolving expense.
#3. Motors Matter – Pentek XE High-Thrust Technology Delivers 80%+ Hydraulic Efficiency and Lower Bills
“Horsepower is horsepower” is a myth that drains wallets. The Pentek XE high-thrust motor paired to Myers wet ends translates input watts into usable water with less waste. On a typical 1 HP 230V single-phase install, expect lower amperage draw at your operating point and faster recovery to set pressure.
High-thrust design stabilizes the rotor under vertical loads created by multi-stage pump stacks. That’s less axial wear on thrust bearings and a cooler run temperature. Add thermal overload protection, windings designed for continuous duty, and an optimized coupling to the stainless shaft, and you get a motor that doesn’t flinch at elevated head pressure.
Here’s where the comparison earns your attention. Franklin Electric builds solid motors, no argument, but many of their packages lock you into proprietary control boxes and dealer-only service paths. Myers with the Pentek XE offers 2-wire and 3-wire flexibility without painting you into a proprietary corner. Field serviceability and open compatibility save time and money—worth every single penny.
When the Velazquez family asked about power costs, we ran the numbers. Their old unit was pulling 8.6 amps at 230V under load. The Myers 1 HP with the XE motor stabilized at 7.8 amps at the same pressure/flow. Over a year with their usage, that’s a measurable reduction on the bill.
Hydraulic Efficiency in Plain Terms
At or near BEP, the Predator Plus wet end achieves 80%+ hydraulic efficiency. That means fewer watts per gallon delivered to the house. Efficiency isn’t marketing—it’s quieter operation, cooler motors, and tangible savings.
Thermal and Lightning Protection Built In
Rural power can be a rollercoaster. Integrated thermal protection and lightning protection make the XE more tolerant of imperfect power—especially paired with surge protection at the panel.
Choosing 2-Wire vs 3-Wire With XE
- 2-wire: Simpler install, no external control box, fewer points of failure. 3-wire: External controls allow convenient capacitor and relay replacement topside.
Key takeaway: Myers plus Pentek XE delivers water at a lower electrical cost with fewer headaches. Over five years, that matters.
#4. Depth Isn’t a Guess – Myers Deep Well Performance, Staging, and Shut-Off Head to 490 Feet
Deep wells demand staged pressure you can count on. Myers deep well pump options in the Predator Plus Series cover 7–20+ GPM configurations with shut-off heads from 250 ft to 490 ft, depending on staging. Matching the pump curve to your well’s TDH—static level, drawdown, friction loss, and pressure set point—is the difference between steady showers and a motor cycling itself to death.
Red Lion and other budget brands often cap out in practical staging before efficiency falls off a cliff. Myers keeps the curve honest. For 240-foot wells like the Velazquez case, a 1 HP, 10 GPM configuration hits the sweet spot: adequate head at 50–60 PSI while staying near BEP. That keeps amperage and heat in check.
Luis and Mariela’s pump runs into a 1-1/4" main with moderate friction losses, pitless adapter, and roughly 12 feet of lift to the pressure tank. We calculated TDH at around 280 feet including pressure. The chosen Myers curve put them right on the efficient part of the slope.
How to Calculate TDH Correctly
- Static water level + drawdown (ft) Vertical lift to pressure tank Pressure requirement (PSI x 2.31 = feet) Add friction loss in pipe and fittings
Get that number, then choose a pump whose curve intersects your target GPM rating squarely near the center.
Staging: Why More Isn’t Always Better
More stages raise head but can push a pump off BEP if oversized. Under-pumping is just as bad—long run times and slow recovery. Myers publishes curves that make this a ten-minute math exercise.
1/2 HP to 2 HP: Pick What Fits
- 1/2 HP: 60–120 ft wells, 7–10 GPM homes 3/4 HP–1 HP: 120–250 ft wells, 2–3 baths, irrigation zones 1.5–2 HP: 250–490 ft, larger homes, long pipe runs
Key takeaway: A Myers submersible well pump chosen from accurate TDH math will run cooler, last longer, and deliver the pressure you expect.
#5. Warranty Myth Busted – Myers’ Industry-Leading 3-Year Warranty Actually Protects Your Budget
Not all warranties are equal, and “limited” can mean “you’re on your own.” Myers’ industry-leading 3-year warranty on the Predator Plus Series outpaces the 12–18 month coverage common in the field. It’s clear, it’s enforceable, and backed by Pentair—serious R&D and supply chain muscle.
What’s covered? Manufacturing defects and performance issues under normal use. What’s not? Abuse, incorrect installation, and electrical miswiring. If you follow the installation manual, log your readings (amperage, pressure, drawdown), and size the system correctly, you’re protected. At PSAM, we help document installs and keep paperwork clean so claims go smoothly.
Compared with budget warranties that stop just as the real wear-in period ends, these 36 months give homeowners breathing room. Contractors appreciate it because it reduces callback risk on new construction.
For the Velazquez job, I registered the pump for them and noted model, serial, and install data. If anything hiccups in the first three years, they call me—I call PSAM—and it’s handled.
Pentair Ownership = Resources
Being part of Pentair means Myers has access to advanced testing, robust QA, and parts availability. That’s one reason these warranties stand behind the product.
UL/CSA/NSF Certifications
Third-party certifications matter when water quality and safety intersect. UL listed, CSA certified, and NSF certified components signal real standards compliance, not marketing copy.
Warranty + Field Serviceability
The threaded assembly design makes legitimate repairs practical. In-warranty or just out, repairability saves you from total replacements.
Key takeaway: Three years of protection, real parts support, and PSAM advocacy means fewer budget surprises.
#6. Sizing Isn’t “Bigger Is Safer” – Match GPM, TDH, and Staging or Pay Later
Oversizing a pump is one of the fastest ways to murder a motor. Too much pump on a shallow system drives the pump into the left side of the curve—high pressure, low flow, high heat. Undersizing burns out the motor on the right side—long run times and poor recovery. Correct sizing hits that BEP window where 80%+ hydraulic efficiency lives.
Start with honest demand. A typical home needs 7–12 GPM peak, maybe 14–16 with irrigation. Calculate TDH carefully. Then choose horsepower and staging that intersects your required flow in the middle of the curve. Myers makes this straightforward with well-published pump curves across 1/2 HP to 2 HP offerings.
In the Velazquez install, a 1 HP 10 GPM struck the balance for 40/60 pressure with two baths, laundry, and occasional garden irrigation. A 1.5 HP would’ve spiked pressure and short-cycled the tank. Not worth it.
Pressure Tank Right-Sizing
Use adequate drawdown. I recommend at least 1 gallon of drawdown per GPM of pump capacity to keep cycle times healthy. A 44-gallon tank often hits the sweet spot for 10 GPM pumps.
Pipe and Fitting Losses Count
Long runs of 1" or 3/4" pipe add real head. Keep main trunk lines at 1-1/4" where possible to reduce friction loss—especially with 200+ foot wells.
Check Your Pressure Switch Settings
A 30/50 setting reduces head compared to 40/60. Choose based on fixture performance and well capacity. Don’t set it high just because you can.
Key takeaway: Let the math choose your Myers pump, not guesswork. You’ll get longer life and better pressure.
#7. Installation Myth: Myers Is “Harder” to Install – 2-Wire Options Make It Easier and Cheaper
There’s a persistent myth that every quality well pump requires complex control boxes and specialized wiring. Not with Myers. You have both 2-wire configuration and 3-wire configuration options across the line. For many residential installs, a 2-wire Myers is cleaner: fewer connections, no external start components, faster troubleshooting, and about $200–$400 saved on control boxes.
When I’m helping a DIY-capable homeowner, I often specify 2-wire for wells under 300 feet. For contractors who prefer topside replaceable capacitors, a 3-wire makes sense. Either way, Myers supports both without locking you into proprietary controls.
Luis and Mariela opted for a 2-wire 1 HP. We ran new submersible cable with proper gauge for the drop length, installed a pitless adapter, torque arrestor, and safety rope, and used a quality wire splice kit. Clean, fast, reliable.
What’s in the Box and What You Need
- Pump with motor, integrated intake screen, and internal check valve You supply: drop pipe, cable, pitless adapter, torque arrestor, well cap, and fittings PSAM bundles complete install kits when you want one-stop
Electrical Considerations
Most residential Myers installs run 230V single-phase. Confirm breaker size and wire gauge per distance. Verify proper grounding and add a surge protector.
Startup and Commissioning
Purge air, check leak-free splices, set the pressure switch, and record amperage at cut-in and cut-out. Those numbers are your baseline for future troubleshooting.
Key takeaway: Myers gives you flexibility. Choose 2-wire for simplicity or 3-wire for service preference—either way, installation is straightforward.
#8. Sand and Grit Don’t Have to Kill Pumps – Teflon-Impregnated Staging Survives Abrasion
Sand and fine grit are silent killers. They act like lapping compound, wearing impellers and rings until efficiency drops, amperage rises, and motors overheat. Myers combats this with Teflon-impregnated staging and self-lubricating impellers that resist abrasion and limit heat buildup. The result is an internal environment that stays smooth and within tolerance longer.
Hallmark Industries pumps often rely on standard bearings and basic plastics that don’t hold up well in abrasive environments. In gritty water, I’ve seen those units lose clearances quickly, lose head pressure, and then draw higher amps just to maintain flow. By contrast, the Myers composite impellers ride smoother, keep their edge, and extend service life—worth every single penny.
The Velazquez well sees seasonal grit. That’s why I specified a Predator Plus with the composite stack and added a sediment spin-down filter on the house side to protect fixtures. After commissioning, we saw stable pressures and no surge noises that often hint at impeller wear.
Screens and Cable Guards Matter
A robust intake screen helps, but you also need a cable guard to prevent wire chafe and debris snagging near the intake. Clean rigging prevents localized turbulence and ingestion.
Set the Pump Above the Grit Zone
If your well produces sediment, set your pump 10–20 feet above the bottom. Don’t stir the silt bed with the motor’s turbulence.
Know Your Water Chemistry
Fine grit plus high iron accelerates wear. Consider periodic testing and maintenance pulls to inspect staging condition.
Key takeaway: With the right impeller tech, grit becomes a manageable nuisance, not a death sentence.
#9. Serviceability Isn’t Optional – Threaded Assembly Means On-Site Repairs Without Dealer Dependence
When a pump needs service, replacing the entire unit shouldn’t be your only option. Myers uses a field serviceable, threaded assembly design so qualified contractors can open, inspect, and replace internal components—impellers, wear rings, and screens—on site.
Here’s a candid comparison. Franklin Electric has strong equipment, but more of their ecosystem leans into proprietary control boxes and service networks. In remote areas, that can mean waiting on a specific dealer to show up, often with complete unit swaps instead of part-level repairs. Myers’ openness invites field repair and keeps you in control. For rural homeowners, that accessibility is worth every single penny.
For Luis and Mariela, that means if a stage shows wear in seven years, a tech can rebuild the wet end without replacing a perfectly good motor. Cheaper, faster, smarter.
Parts Availability Through PSAM
As a Myers pump distributor, PSAM carries common service parts—impellers, rings, screens, and seals. We ship same day on in-stock items, because water can’t wait.
Documentation and Curves at Your Fingertips
Comprehensive online resources, installation manuals, and pump curve charts make diagnosis and part selection precise. No guesswork.
Contractor-Friendly Design
Standard 1-1/4" NPT discharge, accessible fasteners, and predictable stack layouts speed up service windows and reduce labor costs.
Key takeaway: A serviceable pump architecture isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s the backbone of low total ownership cost.
#10. Submersible vs Jet Pump – Myers Has Both, But Submersibles Win Most Modern Installs
Myth: a jet pump will do just fine for medium-depth wells. Reality: submersible well pump systems outperform jets on efficiency, noise, and longevity beyond shallow water applications.
Myers jet pump and convertible jet pump options are excellent for shallow well installs (25–50 feet) or unique retrofit constraints. But once you’re past 60–80 feet or need consistent pressure for multi-bath homes, a submersible puts the motor in the water column for natural cooling, quieter operation, and stronger head performance per HP. You’ll also reduce priming issues and suction leaks that plague aging jet systems.
The Velazquez well at 240 feet isn’t even a debate—submersible all day. If you’re at 45 feet with a good static level and prefer an indoor pump for easy access, a Myers shallow well pump or convertible jet can still be the right tool. Just choose a proper Click for more info pressure switch setting and protect from freeze.
When to Choose Jet
- Shallow wells with easy access Seasonal cabins where indoor mounting keeps things simple Retrofits where drop-pipe replacement isn’t practical yet
When to Choose Submersible
- Medium to very deep wells (60–500 feet) Homes needing 7–12+ GPM reliably Quiet operation and efficiency matter
Myers Has Both Covered
The point isn’t brand; it’s application. Myers builds reliable submersibles and jets. Pick the system matched to your depth and demand, and you’ll be happier long-term.
Key takeaway: Don’t let nostalgia or guesswork pick your pump type—let depth and demand do it, and Myers has the right choice either way.
Comparison Deep Dive #1: Myers vs Red Lion and Hallmark Industries (Materials, Abrasion, Longevity)
Technical performance: Myers’ 300 series stainless steel wet end with Teflon-impregnated staging sustains 80%+ hydraulic efficiency longer under abrasive conditions than thermoplastic housings common in Red Lion models. The Pentek XE motor runs cooler at equivalent loads, aided by thermal protection and high-thrust bearings. Hallmark Industries units often use baseline impeller materials and standard bearings that wear faster in grit, causing efficiency loss and elevated amperage.
Real-world differences: In installations with sand flashes or high iron, Red Lion housings can develop stress cracks after repeated pressure cycles. Hallmark’s standard bearings and impellers lose clearances, degrading head and recovery. Myers’ stainless architecture resists deformation, and the composite impellers maintain edge and balance, extending service intervals. Add field serviceable design, and you repair instead of replace. Over 8–15 years, that predictability means fewer dry spells and fewer Saturday emergency calls.
Value proposition: Considering energy savings, longer staging life, and fewer full replacements, the Myers/PSAM package pays for itself versus multiple budget-brand cycles. For homeowners who depend on their wells daily, that reliability is worth every single penny.
Comparison Deep Dive #2: Myers vs Franklin Electric (Controls, Service Access, Total Ownership)
Technical performance: Franklin Electric builds respected motors, but many packages lean on proprietary control boxes and dealer-centric ecosystems. Myers with Pentek XE provides robust motor performance without forcing specialized controls. Efficiency differences at BEP are comparable on paper, but Myers’ matched wet end and motor often deliver lower amperage draw at common residential heads due to optimized staging and stainless tolerances.
Real-world differences: In rural areas, waiting for a specific Franklin dealer to diagnose and swap components is common. Myers’ threaded assembly and open compatibility make field service practical for any qualified contractor. Parts availability through PSAM reduces downtime. Contractors appreciate not being locked into one service path; homeowners appreciate faster restores and lower labor. Over a decade, reduced dependency on dealer-only service and fewer complete swaps lower ownership costs materially.
Value proposition: If uninterrupted water matters, choose the gear you can maintain locally with published curves, available parts, and flexible controls. That’s Myers through PSAM—supported, serviceable, and worth every single penny.
FAQ: Field-Tested Answers to Your Most Pressing Questions
1) How do I determine the correct horsepower for my well depth and household water demand?
Start with your demand: a typical home needs 7–12 GPM peak. Then calculate TDH—static level plus drawdown, vertical lift, friction losses, and pressure requirement (PSI x 2.31 = feet). With TDH known, pick a Myers pump curve where your target flow lands near the center—your BEP. For 100–150 ft wells with two baths, a 3/4 HP often fits. At 200–300 ft with irrigation, 1–1.5 HP becomes common. Very deep 300–500 ft installs https://www.plumbingsupplyandmore.com/convertible-shallow-well-jet-pumps-1-2-hp.html may need 1.5–2 HP. Example: at 240 ft well depth with 40/60 PSI and moderate pipe runs, a Myers 1 HP 10 GPM typically intersects near BEP, delivering solid pressure without overheating. Rick’s tip: size the pressure tank for at least 1 gallon of drawdown per GPM of pump capacity to prevent rapid cycling.
2) What GPM flow rate does a typical household need and how do multi-stage impellers affect pressure?
Most households do well at 7–10 GPM; larger homes or light irrigation may need 12–16 GPM. GPM isn’t the whole story—your available head at that flow matters. Multi-stage Myers impellers stack pressure, each stage adding head while maintaining efficient flow. That’s how a submersible well pump maintains 50–60 PSI at the taps even as the well draws down. For example, a Myers 10 GPM model with the right staging can produce a shut-off head of 350+ feet, comfortably maintaining 40/60 pressure at 200 ft TDH. Choose staging so your operating point hits the middle of the curve—steady pressure, lower amperage draw, longer motor life.
3) How does the Myers Predator Plus Series achieve 80% hydraulic efficiency compared to competitors?
Efficiency starts with the wet end: engineered composite impellers and wear rings with tight tolerances minimize recirculation. Teflon-impregnated staging reduces internal friction so more motor watts go to water movement. The Pentek XE motor complements that with cooler operation and robust thrust handling so stages stay aligned. On the curve, that synergy creates an 80%+ hydraulic efficiency zone near BEP. Real-world result: your 1 HP at 230V moves more gallons per kilowatt-hour. Over a year of showers, laundry, and irrigation, that difference shows up on your bill and keeps the motor running cooler—extending service life.
4) Why is 300 series stainless steel superior to cast iron for submersible well pumps?
Underwater, cast iron is vulnerable to pitting and scaling, especially with high iron or acidic water. Those surface defects increase hydraulic losses and can seize parts. 300 series stainless steel resists corrosion, preserves surface smoothness, and maintains clearances. In my pulls, stainless wet ends look serviceable years later; cast elements from aggressive wells often look like coral. Stainless also tolerates thermal expansion during pressure cycles without cracking. That’s why Myers specifying stainless for the shell, discharge bowl, shaft, coupling, wear ring, and suction screen matters—it’s about keeping the pump in-tolerance for 8–15 years, not 3–5.
5) How do Teflon-impregnated self-lubricating impellers resist sand and grit damage?
Grit acts like an abrasive slurry. Standard plastics scuff and lose edge, increasing recirculation and heat. Myers uses Teflon-impregnated staging with self-lubricating impellers to reduce friction where particles pass. Lower friction equals less heat and slower wear. The geometry keeps flow laminar across the blade, minimizing turbulence that grinds edges. This design preserves stage efficiency longer, keeps amperage draw steady, and prevents the cascading failure mode where worn impellers demand more torque, overheating the motor. For wells like the Velazquez site with seasonal grit, this tech is the difference between a quiet pump and one that wheezes after two summers.
6) What makes the Pentek XE high-thrust motor more efficient than standard well pump motors?
The Pentek XE uses optimized windings and a high-thrust bearing pack designed for multi-stage load. High-thrust handling keeps the rotor centered under axial force, reducing mechanical losses and heat. Pair that with thermal overload protection and lightning protection, and the motor stays within its thermal envelope under fluctuating voltage—common in rural feeds. Efficiency isn’t just electrical; mechanical alignment maintains wet-end tolerances, sustaining the 80%+ hydraulic efficiency zone longer. Measured at the panel, you’ll see slightly lower amps at your operating pressure compared to many standard motors—less wattage to deliver the same water.
7) Can I install a Myers submersible pump myself or do I need a licensed contractor?
If you’re comfortable with electric, plumbing, and safe well practices, a competent DIYer can install a 2-wire well pump with PSAM’s guidance and a full install kit. You’ll need a pitless adapter, drop pipe, correct-gauge cable, wire splice kit, torque arrestor, and safety rope. Always kill power, follow lockout/tagout, and disinfect as you work. That said, I recommend licensed contractors for wells deeper than 150 feet, complex 3-wire systems, or tricky retrievals. Contractors bring hoists, test equipment, and experience to avoid stuck pumps and electrical gremlins. Either way, PSAM supports you with parts, diagrams, and phone support.
8) What’s the difference between 2-wire and 3-wire well pump configurations?
A 2-wire configuration houses start components in the motor can—simplifying installation with fewer connections and no external control box. It’s clean and cost-effective for many residential wells. A 3-wire configuration uses an external control box with start capacitor and relay, allowing simple topside swaps if those components age. Performance at the tap is comparable when sized properly. Myers provides both. For the Velazquez home, the 2-wire 1 HP cut install time and cost without sacrificing reliability. If you like the idea of replacing a capacitor without pulling the pump, choose 3-wire.
9) How long should I expect a Myers Predator Plus pump to last with proper maintenance?
In typical residential service, expect 8–15 years. With correct sizing, a healthy pressure tank, surge protection, and clean electricals, I’ve seen Myers units hit 20–30 years. Maintenance means: check tank air charge annually, verify pressure switch calibration, inspect the well cap and conduit for water intrusion, and record operating amps at least once a year. If your water is gritty, plan periodic inspections and maintain set depth above the silt zone. Keep your install data—TDH, model/serial numbers, baseline amps—so changes are obvious and fixable before damage sets in.
10) What maintenance tasks extend well pump lifespan and how often should they be performed?
- Semiannual: Test pressure tank air charge (2 PSI below cut-in), listen for short cycling, and confirm pressure switch settings. Annual: Record amperage draw at cut-in/cut-out, inspect the well cap and conduit, confirm no check valve bleed-down. Every 3–5 years: Pull and inspect if you have sand issues; clean the intake screen and verify staging integrity. Electrical: Tighten lugs, verify neutral and ground bonding, and maintain a whole-house surge protector. Keep records. Trending data tells you when a pump starts drifting off curve before it strands you.
11) How does Myers’ 3-year warranty compare to competitors and what does it cover?
Myers offers an industry-leading 3-year warranty, while many competitors run 12–18 months. Coverage includes manufacturing defects and performance failures under normal use. It doesn’t cover incorrect installs, miswiring, or abuse. With PSAM, we help register the product, document install conditions, and streamline any claim. The backing of Pentair ensures parts support and fair adjudication. For homeowners, that extra 18–24 months over budget brands often catches early-life faults that would otherwise be on you. Fewer surprises, longer peace of mind.
12) What’s the total cost of ownership over 10 years: Myers vs budget pump brands?
A budget pump might save $300–$600 upfront, but if it lasts 3–5 years, you’re buying two or three over a decade—plus extra labor, downtime, and higher power costs from lower efficiency. Myers, with 80%+ hydraulic efficiency, stainless steel internals, and Teflon-impregnated staging, typically runs 8–15 years with one install. Add the 3-year warranty cushion and field serviceability, and your 10-year cost tilts in Myers’ favor. For the Velazquez family, the energy savings and fewer replacement cycles are projected to outpace the purchase premium by year five—after that, it’s pure savings.
Conclusion: Reliable Water Isn’t a Luxury—It’s the Point
When your well is the lifeline of your home, myths waste money and time. Myers Pumps—especially the Predator Plus Series—clear those myths with stainless steel construction, Pentek XE motor efficiency, Teflon-impregnated abrasion resistance, and a real 3-year warranty. Add in field serviceable design, 2-wire and 3-wire flexibility, and curves that make sizing honest, and you’ve got a pump that delivers for the long haul.
Luis and Mariela Velazquez didn’t need a sales pitch; they needed water that stays on. Their Myers 1 HP submersible brought the house back online with quieter operation, lower amps, and the confidence that grit season won’t end the party early. That’s what I want for every homeowner who calls PSAM in a panic.
If you’re sizing a new system, replacing a failed unit, or just tired of cycling through disposable pumps, call us at Plumbing Supply And More. I’ll help you choose the right Myers water well pump—from myers submersible well pump and myers deep well pump to the occasional myers jet pump—and ship it fast. Trusted guidance, professional-grade gear, and pumps that are, frankly, worth every single penny.