Understanding well and pump terminology helps you communicate effectively with professionals and make informed decisions about your water system.
Well Terms
Aquifer
Underground layer of water-bearing rock or sediment from which groundwater can be extracted.
Artesian Well
A well in which water rises above the top of the aquifer due to natural pressure. May flow without pumping (flowing artesian) or simply rise partway up the well.
Bored Well
A well created by boring (augering) rather than drilling. Typically shallower and larger diameter than drilled wells.
Casing
The pipe (usually PVC or steel) that lines the well hole, preventing collapse and protecting water quality.
Drilled Well
A well created using rotary or percussion drilling equipment. Can reach hundreds of feet deep.
Driven Point Well (Sand Point)
A shallow well created by driving a pointed screen into the ground. Limited to sandy soils and shallow water tables.
Dug Well
A hand-excavated well, typically lined with stone, brick, or concrete. Usually shallow and large diameter.
Frost Line
The maximum depth to which ground freezes in your area. Important for protecting water lines and equipment.
Static Water Level (SWL)
The depth from the surface to the water level when no pumping is occurring. This is the key measurement for pump sizing.
Well Depth
Total depth of the well from the surface to the bottom. Different from static water level.
Well Yield
The rate at which water flows into the well, measured in gallons per minute (GPM) or gallons per hour.
Pump Terms
Check Valve
A one-way valve that allows water to flow in one direction only, preventing backflow.
Cylinder
The component where pumping action occurs. Contains the piston and seals that move water upward.
Drop Pipe
The pipe that extends from the pump head down into the well, carrying water from the cylinder to the surface.
Dynamic Water Level
Water level in the well during pumping. Lower than static water level due to drawdown.
Foot Valve
A check valve at the bottom of the pump system that keeps water from draining back into the well.
Head
The vertical distance water must be lifted, plus any additional pressure requirements. Measured in feet.
Lift Rod
The rod inside the drop pipe that connects the handle mechanism to the cylinder piston.
Pitless Adapter
A fitting that allows water to exit the well casing below the frost line, connecting to underground piping.
Pressure Head
The additional head (resistance) created by pumping into a pressurized system. 1 PSI = 2.31 feet of head.
Prime
The water that must be present in a pump to begin pumping. Maintaining prime prevents air locks.
Pump Head
The assembly at the top of the well that houses the pumping mechanism and handle connection.
Suction Lift
The vertical distance from water surface to pump intake. Limited to approximately 25 feet at sea level.
Total Dynamic Head (TDH)
The total resistance the pump must overcome: static lift + pressure head + friction losses.
Simple Pump Specific Terms
100CA, 125CA, 200CA
Cylinder model designations. Numbers roughly indicate relative capacity. "CA" means Cylinder Assembly.
Boshart Well Cap
A specific type of machined aluminum well cap used with Simple Pump installations.
Lever Arm
The handle assembly that provides mechanical advantage for hand pumping.
Motor Cap
Alternative to hand pump lever, allows motorized operation of the Simple Pump.
Rod Gland
The assembly in the pump head through which the pump rod passes, containing seals to prevent water leakage.
Weep Hole
A small hole in the top drop pipe that allows water to drain back below the frost line, preventing freeze damage.
Measurements
Gallons Per Minute (GPM)
Flow rate measurement. A typical home uses 3-5 GPM during peak usage.
Gallons Per Stroke
The amount of water produced with each pump stroke. Varies by cylinder model.
PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch)
Pressure measurement. Typical home systems operate at 40-60 PSI.
Need Clarification?
If you encounter terms not listed here, contact our technical support:
Technical Support: 877-492-8711 ext. 6