9 steps to proper installation of a

Submersible Water Pump

A correctly selected and installed submersible water pump in a properly
constructed water well can be trouble free for many years. Here is how to go
about installing a submersible water pump properly.

1. Inspect the well, looking for signs of external damage to casing,

check the depth and standing water level
Check the well total depth – the distance from the ground level to the bottom of
the well. Head – A vertical distance from the pump to the ground level where
water is discharged or into a pressure tank. GPM – the amount of water in GPM
the pump produces

2. Inspect the supplied components

Check the details on the submersible motor looking for power supply rating,
identify whether it is a 2-wire single phase, a 3-wire single phase and needs a
pump starter box or 3 phase configuration. Check that the submersible pump
drop cable suits the motor cable and motor and is correctly rated for
submersion in water. Check that the fittings match the outlet on the pump, the
rising main and the bore cap.

3. Fit motor to pump

Use supplied grease to lubricate and seal splined shaft on assembly. Tape poly
pipe or lay flat fitting with thread tape and screw into pump.

4. Splice drop cable to motor cable with supplied cable splice kit
When the drop cable must be spliced or connected to the motor leads, it is
necessary that the splice be water tight. The splice can be made with
commercially available potting or heat shrink splicing kits. Follow the kit
instructions carefully.

5. Lay pump assemble next to water well

Fit rising main to pump and roll out. Fit bore cap to the other end of rising main.

6. Roll out drop cable alongside rising main

Attach stainless steel safety cable to pump and roll out with rising main and
drop cable. Attach safety cable end to bore cap allowing for the rising main to
stretch. 

7. Attach the drop cable to the rising main with 4-6 turns of grey duct
tape every 4–6 meter (13.1–19.7 ft) apart
You can also use zip ties. Allow some slack for the rising main to stretch. You
can tape the full length of the cable splice to the rising main to protect it. Allow
a couple of meters extra drop cable to be doubled up and taped to the rising
main below the bore cap. This might be required if the cable splice or motor
need replacement at a later date.

8. Check that the fittings are tight, check the cables are secure and
slack to allow for stretch.
If the weight of the assembly is light enough to handle, gently lower the pump
end into the well with an assistant to hold the bore cap end. Feed the assembly
down the hole, pay particular attention to preventing damage to the electric
drop cable. The assembly should be suspended by the bore cap on top of the
casing.

9. If the weight of the assembly cannot be safely handled a roller made

from a car wheel may be used
Attach bore cap to vehicle with a sling and “D” shackle. Position roller over well.
Position vehicle to allow the pump to be lowered into well. Drive vehicle toward
well. Lower the last meter by hand if possible or allow the well cap to bump
over roller and into position on the casing.

Connect pump starter, pump controller and pump protection device to power
supply and test pump. Allow a few moments for the water to reach the surface.

On completion of the initial test proceed to connect the required pipe work to
the bore cap. Finally test pump operation and operation of pump protection
devices and controls.