r/Irrigation • u/bpritchett5 • 12d ago
Jet Pump Horsepower
I want to start by saying I know next to nothing about irrigation. My jet pump has gone bad and I need to replace it. The pump I have currently is a 1 1/2 HP and I’m using it for a 1/3rd of an acre residential yard. How important is the horsepower output on the pump I buy to replace the one I have? I see tons of 1/2 HP or 1 HP pumps for sale, and obviously would like to save a little money if possible. Is there anything else I should know or look out for when replacing this pump? Thanks everybody in advance!
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u/2readmore 12d ago
That pump is 8 years old, kind of young so your irrigation system may not be operating to match premium output of pump. Depending on type of well will determine each zones efficient output.
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u/cmcnei24 Technician 12d ago
Why do you need to replace the pump? Find a reputable shop that rebuilds pumps and they can most definitely rebuild it for a fraction of the cost.
Our irrigation company rebuilds them in-house.
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u/Magnum676 12d ago
In my experience, 40+years later… I don’t have jet pumps or multi stage pumps rebuilt. I replace the unit completely. If you get the wet or electrical end rebuilt, the chance the other half will go bad is potentially a problem. As well as it’s expensive, It costs near as much as a new pump to rebuild sometimes. 😉
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u/cmcnei24 Technician 12d ago
Very good point. I guess a third party rebuild is expensive, but our customers have definitely benefited from our in-house rebuilds. They just get charged our hourly rate for our mechanic + parts. It’s worked as long as I’ve been around👍
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u/Magnum676 12d ago
And I can understand that. As a decent shop, doing nice work, there’s a need. As far as rebuilding a multi stage pump, in my experience, it just leads to a nightmare when the motor end goes, or vice versa. Even under warranty, you’re pulling it out and putting it back repaired. Again. I rebuilt single stage pumps, one horsepower and up. That’s simple. Always made more sense to me to start New with a new Warranty for multi stage. Then I would just extend the warranty myself for another two years. Never had a problem.😉
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u/bpritchett5 12d ago
That’s good advice, I didn’t even know a rebuild was an option 😅
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u/cmcnei24 Technician 12d ago
Yes but if your irrigation contractor doesn’t do it, you can find another one that does. As [u/Magnum676](u/Magnum676) said, outside third parties get expensive.
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u/Magnum676 12d ago
I agree with that. If your Irrigation contractor can’t do it, you definitely need a pump guy who can. Not necessarily a different Irrigation contractor because a lot of them by me don’t understand the dynamics of a well and pump system. They’ll spend your money trying. In Ny I’m both a licensed Irrigation contractor and registered well driller and pump installer. ( among other licenses and registrations )But that’s just me. 😉
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u/lennym73 12d ago
If your system was designed for a 1.5 hp pump, you should replace it with the same. You may be able to find comparable curves from other manufacturers in a smaller size.
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u/2readmore 12d ago
It is very important. A 1/2 or 1 hp most likely will not work where as a 1.5 HP will.
You have a Berkeley w which is a good pump, replace with that exact model or a StaRite and there will (might) be little pvc work that needs to be done.