About RPS Water Pumps
Who is RPS Water Pumps?
RPS Water Pumps is a 100% American-owned company that designs and sells DIY-friendly water pump kits. The shop is based in Northern California. Visit our About Us page to learn more about our company.
What makes RPS Water Pumps kits different?
Our pumps and One-and-Done kits include all the parts and resources needed for DIY installation with no hidden costs. Manuals, diagrams, and videos guide users of all skill levels.
How do your pumps compare to other brands?
We build stainless steel submersible pumps designed to last, while cheaper brands often use plastic or weak motor tech that fails in a year or less.
Why are your pumps more affordable than other high-quality brands?
We cut out distributors and installers to eliminate markups and pass savings directly to customers.
Can I talk to a real person for help?
Yes, we offer direct access to experienced pump engineers by phone for installation help or troubleshooting. Call us toll-free at (855)-374-4406 or email us at help@ruralpowersystems.com.
What are your business hours?
We are open Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM PST.
Well Pump Basics
What is a well pump?
A well pump is a device used to move water from an underground well into a home, pressure tank, or storage system. It uses mechanical force, typically powered by electricity, to draw water from the aquifer and deliver it where it's needed for residential, agricultural, or industrial use.
How many gallons can a well pump move in a day?
A well pump’s daily output depends on its horsepower, flow rate, and how long it runs each day. Depending on the pump, setup, well depth, and other factors, it could move anywhere from 1,000 to over 100,000 gallons daily. Learn more by reading this article about well characteristics and how they affect production.
How does horsepower affect a well pump’s output?
Horsepower determines how much power the pump motor can use to push water from the well. Higher horsepower pumps can lift water from deeper wells and often support higher flow rates.
What does flow rate mean for a well pump?
Flow rate is the amount of water a pump can deliver in a given time period, usually measured in gallons per minute (GPM). A higher flow rate means more water can be delivered at a time, which is important when multiple fixtures or systems are running. Read more about how well drillers determine flow rates with precision.
How does runtime affect how much water a pump can move daily?
The longer a pump runs each day, the more water it can deliver overall. A pump running steadily at a consistent flow rate will move more gallons per day than one cycling on and off frequently.
How does the system setup affect a well pump’s output?
The type of pump, pipe size, and whether a pressure tank or storage tank is involved all influence how much water can be moved. A more efficient setup with fewer restrictions allows the pump to deliver higher volumes consistently.
How does well depth impact how much water a pump can move?
Deeper wells require more energy to lift water to the surface, which can reduce overall pumping efficiency. A deeper well often needs a higher horsepower pump to achieve the same daily output as a shallower well.
What other factors can affect how much water a pump moves per day?
Aquifer recharge rate, water level fluctuation, and local water table conditions all play a role. Seasonal changes, drought, and over-pumping in your area can also reduce available water for the pump to draw. Because of all these complexities, it’s best to stick with well pump experts such as those from RPS Water Pumps for all your well pump needs.
Well Pump Longevity
How many years should a submersible well pump last?
A well-built submersible pump typically lasts 10–20 years, sometimes up to 30 years, with good conditions. The actual lifespan depends on water usage and the well environment. Read our guide about submersible well pump longevity to learn more about these factors.
How does water usage affect a well pump’s lifespan?
The more frequently a pump cycles due to higher water usage, the faster its components may wear out. Reducing the number of on/off cycles can help extend its life.
How does the well environment affect the lifespan of a pump?
Wells with sand or high mineral content can cause buildup or abrasion that wears down pump parts. Cleaner water generally leads to a longer-lasting pump.
Can pressure tank specifications affect pump life?
Yes. If your pressure tank is too small, your pump may cycle too often and wear out prematurely. Using a larger tank helps reduce cycling and extend your pump's lifespan.
Shopping for Well Pumps
Does homeowners' insurance cover well pumps?
Homeowners' insurance may cover a well pump if a covered peril, such as lightning or fire, caused the damage. However, most policies do not cover pump failure due to age or normal wear, so it’s important to check your individual policy. Read more about this in detail in our well pump homeowners’ insurance guide.
Why is it so expensive to replace a well pump?
Full-service replacement prices often include labor, deep well retrieval, and parts markup, driving costs into the thousands. At RPS Water Pumps, we help you avoid these by offering DIY kits and expert support at transparent, factory-direct pricing. Read our guide about water pump replacement costs and learn how we bring them down.
How do I know what water pump to buy?
It depends on your application. Most wells use submersible pumps, while pressure pumps are ideal for storage tanks, irrigation, or on-demand use. We recommend speaking with a pump expert from RPS Water Pumps to ensure you're getting the right type and size for your needs.
Sizing Well Pumps
What well pump size do I need?
You’ll need to know your well depth, desired flow rate (GPM), and what you’re pumping into (pressure tank or storage tank). These factors determine the horsepower and pump end needed for your setup. Use the RPS Water Pumps Sizing Calculator or contact our well pump experts at (855)-374-4406 or help@ruralpowersystems.com for assistance in determining the best well pump for your situation.
What is the most common well pump size?
The most common size is a 1HP, 4” diameter submersible well pump, often delivering around 25 GPM and suitable for wells 300–400 feet deep. It fits standard 4” or 6” well casings and is used across residential, irrigation, and livestock applications. Learn more about common well pump sizing in our guide.
How do I choose the horsepower for my well pump?
You need to consider your well depth, desired flow rate (GPM), and your well’s refresh rate. A deeper well or higher GPM need will often require more horsepower to maintain the same lift and performance. Read our guide about well pump horsepower considerations to learn more.
What are the standard horsepower sizes for well pumps?
Standard horsepower sizes include 1/2HP, 3/4HP, 1HP, 1.5HP, 2HP, 3HP, and 5HP for common residential and light agricultural wells. Larger pumps, such as 7.5HP to 20HP models, are typically used in high-demand farm or irrigation setups. Learn more about this in our well pump standard horsepower guide.
How do I measure the diameter of my well casing?
Measure the inside diameter using a tape measure across the inside of the casing, or wrap a string around the outside to find the circumference and divide by 3.14. Knowing your casing diameter helps ensure your pump will fit and allows you to select the right well seal or cap. Learn how to properly measure by reading our guide on measuring well casing diameters.
What pressure tank size do I need?
It depends on your water usage, household demand, and how often you want your pump to cycle. Check out our guide on pressure tank sizing for a helpful breakdown and sample calculations.
What well pump size do I need for a 2-story house?
You’ll need a pump that can push water into a pressure tank set to at least 50–60 PSI for consistent second-floor pressure. The exact size depends on your well depth and peak water usage, typically around 14 GPM for a household using multiple fixtures at once. Use the RPS Water Pumps Sizing Calculator or talk to one of our engineers at 855-374-1162 or help@ruralpowersystems.com to help determine the best setup for your household.
Will a bigger well pump increase water pressure?
Not always. While a higher horsepower pump may boost flow rate (GPM), it doesn't guarantee more pressure (PSI). Read our full guide to understand how pump sizing, flow, and pressure really work.
Is it better to oversize or undersize a well pump?
Oversizing slightly is usually safer than undersizing, as it helps avoid weak flow or pump burnout from insufficient power. However, it's important not to exceed your well’s production rate to avoid running the pump dry. Read about this topic in detail in our guide about oversized and undersized well pumps.
Wiring Well Pumps
How do you match a well pump to a motor?
Each pump end is designed to pair with a motor of a specific horsepower rating, which is often noted in the model number. Mismatching horsepower can cause poor performance or pump failure, so always match the pump end with a motor of the correct HP. Learn more about matching well pumps and motors in our guide.
What size breaker do I need for my water pump?
Breaker size depends on the pump’s horsepower. For example, a 1HP 220V submersible pump typically requires a 25-amp breaker and 10-gauge wire. Always consult an electrician to confirm the correct sizing for your specific setup, and read our well pump breaker size guide to get you started.
How do I wire a 220V pressure switch for a well pump?
To wire a 220V pressure switch, connect power supply wires to terminals L1 and L2, and connect pump wires from the starter box to T1 and T2, and then ground both sides. Always turn off the power first and test connections with a voltage tester before use. Read our beginner-friendly pressure switch wiring instructions for a safe and efficient wiring process.
Installing Well Pumps
What tools do I need for a well pump installation?
With our easy-to-assemble well pump kits, DIY installations are more accessible than ever. Basic tools include a wire stripper/crimper, screwdrivers, electrical tape, Teflon tape, two adjustable wrenches, and a heat gun or lighter for heat-shrink sleeves. You’ll also need a multimeter for testing and basic safety checks.
How many hours does it take to replace a well pump?
Most DIY submersible well pump installations can be completed in about 3 hours, especially when using poly pipe and following a step-by-step guide from RPS Water Pumps. This estimate includes wiring, plumbing, and lowering the pump, and excludes breaks or support calls. Follow our 7-step submersible well pump installation guide for a quick and smooth installation.
How far from the bottom of a well should the pump be?
We recommend placing the submersible pump at least 10 feet off the bottom to avoid sediment and debris. If possible, 20 feet is even better, unless limited by well depth or water level. Read our guide on pump placement to position the pump inside your well safely.
How do I install a well pump using poly pipe?
Connect the pump to black poly pipe, wire splices, and a safety rope, then lower the assembly into the well and seal the casing with either a well seal or pitless adapter. Finally, wire the pump to the control box and, if using a pressure tank, install a pressure switch between the starter box and the breaker. Read our DIY-friendly guide on well pump installation using poly pipe to save money from hiring a contractor.
Maintaining and Troubleshooting Well Pumps
What burns out a well pump?
Common causes include frequent cycling, running dry due to low water levels, backflow pressure, and poor-quality pump materials. Learn more about these causes in detail in our well pump burnout guide.
How do I find out the horsepower of my well pump?
You can check the label on the motor or control box, or refer to your original well paperwork or contractor records. Read our guide on determining well pump horsepower to learn how to do this properly.
How can I tell if my water pump is 120V or 220V?
Check the control box or breaker. 120V pumps typically use a single-pole breaker and have three wires, while 220V pumps use a double-pole breaker and have four wires. See our full guide on determining water pump voltage to learn how to do this safely.
Warranty and Returns
Is there a product warranty?
Yes. RPS Water Pumps offers a 2-year warranty covering material and workmanship defects. We’ll repair or replace qualifying items at no cost to you. Read our Warranty and Return Information for your peace of mind.
What does the warranty cover?
It covers defects in materials or manufacturing for 24 months from the purchase date, as long as installation and usage follow the official RPS Water Pumps instructions.
What is your return policy?
You can return unused products within 30 days of purchase for a full refund. Between 31 and 60 days, you may be eligible for store credit instead.
What is the Water Assurance Guarantee?
If your system was sized by an RPS Water Pumps engineer and installed correctly, we guarantee it will deliver water to your setup. This applies when installation and system details meet our specifications.