What are the standard HP sizes for pumps?

The standard HP sizes for water pumps are 1/2HP, 3/4HP, 1HP, 1.5HP,  2HP, 3HP and 5 HP.

What is HP (Horsepower) in Well Pumps?

Horsepower (HP) is a unit of power used to measure the rate at which work is done.In the context of pumps, HP refers to the power required to move a certain volume of water against a particular total dynamic head (can also be referred to as pressure) within a specified time frame. The higher the rating of horsepower, the greater power available to move water from deeper wells.

Factors Influencing Well Pump HP Size Selection:

If you’re replacing an older water pump, take a look at your old well paperwork for which HP of submersible well pump was installed. If you don’t know what HP of pump you need there are a couple factors to consider when choosing…

• Flow Rate Requirements: Make a water budget, add up all the appliances and spigots that would be running at the same time under a “worst case scenario”. Higher flow rate water budgets necessitate higher HP pumps. 
• Depth of Well: expect to use a higher HP well pump for deeper wells. For example, a 800 to 1000 ft deep well will need a 5HP well pump. A 50 foot well only requires the use of a 1/2HP to 3/4HP well pump. 
• System Efficiency: Select a pump with optimal energy usage and cost-effectiveness in mind. There’s no reason to oversize a well pump when you don’t need to, the motor will use more electricity and ultimately run up a higher bill.  

Choosing the Right HP Size:

Selecting the appropriate HP size for a well pump often requires consultation with a pump engineer - every day RPS technicians help rural well owners to plan out a water well system for residential and agricultural applications. Give us a call 855-560-5670. 

Larger HP Well Pumps

Higher HP sizes that you’ll find for larger farms and high volume irrigation include 7.5HP, 10HP, 15HP and 20HP.