Introduction
Cold shower. Dead silence at the faucet. The pressure gauge sits at zero while the laundry’s mid-cycle and the kids need breakfast. When a well system goes down, every minute without water feels like an hour—and the scramble to choose between a submersible well pump and a jet pump gets real, fast.
Meet the Kovariks. Aaron Kovarik (38), a licensed electrician, and his wife Marisela (36), an ER nurse, live on 12 acres outside Red Lodge, Montana with their two kids—Leo (8) and Suri (5). Their 185-foot well had been limping for weeks: spitting air, rapidly cycling, and chewing through electricity. At 6:40 a.m. On a Tuesday, the old submersible finally quit. A prior contractor installed a budget unit with minimal sand protection, and after just four years the motor seized. With a 12-hour shift ahead, Marisela needed water now; Aaron needed a confident answer on what to buy—and a pump he could trust for a decade or more.
This guide breaks down the real-world differences—performance, efficiency, durability, and installation—so you can pick the right system the first time. We’ll compare a submersible well pump (specifically Myers’ Predator Plus Series) to a jet pump, show you how to size by depth and flow, explain wire configurations, and detail installation best practices. We’ll also cover materials and motor design, warranty value, and total cost of ownership. Whether you’re a homeowner like the Kovariks, a contractor on a deadline, or an emergency buyer who needs water flowing by tomorrow, these 10 factors will get you from confusion to confident purchase—fast.
Before we dive in, know this: at Plumbing Supply And More (PSAM), our job is to get you the right pump, shipped fast, with field-tested guidance from someone who has installed and serviced thousands of systems. I’m Rick Callahan. Let’s get you water you can rely on.
#1. Start with Depth Reality — Submersible vs Jet for Your Well Profile
Reliable water begins with matching pump type to actual lifting requirements. In most residential wells deeper than 60-80 feet, a submersible well pump is the no-compromise solution for pressure, efficiency, and longevity. Jet pumps are excellent for shallow wells or cisterns, but once you’re past true shallow depths, friction loss and suction limits stack the deck against them.
The Predator Plus Series by Myers Pumps thrives in deep settings because it pushes water from below the waterline rather than pulling from above. That design eliminates priming hassles, dramatically improves efficiency at higher heads, and delivers smooth pressure without cavitation. Multi-stage hydraulics create high discharge pressure while keeping amperage in check.
For Aaron and Marisela, the 185-foot static depth made this an easy call. A jet pump wasn’t just inefficient—it was the wrong tool. A properly sized Myers submersible (we landed on a 1 HP, 10-13 nominal GPM configuration) restored reliable service with headroom for irrigation in summer.
Depth Bands and Best-Pick Logic
- Shallow source (25-50 feet): If drawdown stays shallow, a high-quality jet pump can work. Keep suction line flawless, foot valve tight, and expect modest pressure. Medium wells (60-150 feet): A submersible well pump wins for efficiency and steady pressure; jet pumps struggle to maintain prime and PSI under load. Deep wells (150-300 feet): Use a multi-stage Myers submersible with clean wiring and a proper pressure tank. Don’t fight physics—push water up, don’t pull.
Pro Tip: Drawdown Checks
Your water level when pumping (dynamic level) is what matters. When drawdown drops the water line well below 60 feet, plan submersible—every time. Get a sounder reading before you buy.
Key takeaway: Choose your pump by depth under pumping, not wishful thinking. A Myers submersible makes deep water delivery routine, not risky.
#2. Myers Predator Plus vs Jet Pumps — Efficiency and Pressure Without the Headaches
Efficiency is where the Predator Plus Series shines. By working underwater, there’s no suction lift penalty and virtually no risk of air leaks or vapor lock. Compared to even a great jet pump, a submersible running at its pump curve sweet spot will typically draw fewer amps for the same delivered PSI, and it’ll do it more quietly with less cycling.
Myers’ multi-stage hydraulics are tuned to maintain pressure across a wide range of flows. That’s how you take a shower while the dishwasher runs without pressure collapses. Because there’s no priming ritual and fewer exposed fittings, you cut out the most common jet pump failure points—air infiltration, foot valve drift, and suction-side leaks.
In the Kovarik’s case, the submersible choice delivered a measurable drop in monthly power use and rock-solid pressure. Aaron, being an electrician, appreciated the clean 230V run and the straightforward controls.
Why Jet Pumps Still Have a Place
- Short suction runs to a shallow well or cistern. When indoor access and freeze-control matter more than ultimate pressure. Quick replacements where reusing existing suction piping makes sense.
Efficiency by the Numbers
Properly sized Myers submersibles operating near BEP often save 10-20% in energy versus comparable jet systems fighting suction losses. Pair that with a balanced pressure tank and pressure switch, and cycling drops significantly.
Key takeaway: For most wells beyond shallow depths, Myers submersibles deliver efficiency, pressure, and peace of mind that jet pumps can’t match long-term.
#3. Stainless Matters — 300 Series Stainless Steel vs Corrosion and Fatigue
Harsh water eats soft metals and coatings for breakfast. That’s why Myers engineers wrap their submersibles in robust 300 series stainless steel—from shell to intake screen—to handle mineral-rich and mildly acidic conditions. Stainless resists pitting, doesn’t blister like plated components, and tolerates pressure cycling without cracking.
Materials aren’t marketing fluff; they’re service life. Stainless housings maintain pump alignment under thermal changes and resist micro-corrosion that eventually seizes fasteners. Pair that with precision-fit staging and your bearings, shafts, and seals last longer because the whole assembly stays true.
The Kovariks see plenty of seasonal melt and silt. Stainless construction keeps grit abrasion outside where it belongs and guards against the slow, invisible attack that kills cast and coated pumps from the inside out.
Stainless in Real Wells
- High mineral content: Stainless slows corrosion that chews cast iron in just a few seasons. Slight acidity: Stainless holds integrity; painted parts flake and expose bare metal. Freeze-thaw zones: Better tolerance to stress and pressure changes across seasons.
Rick’s Recommendation
If your water analysis shows iron, manganese, or low pH, stainless is non-negotiable. It’s not overkill; it’s standard protection for a decade-plus lifespan.
Key takeaway: Construction quality equals uptime. Myers’ stainless build isn’t cosmetic—it’s why the pump still looks and runs right ten winters from now.
#4. Motor Power Done Right — Pentek XE Motor, Smooth Starts, and Real Thrust
When a motor runs cooler and starts smoother, everything downstream lasts longer. Myers pairs its hydraulics with the Pentek XE motor, engineered for high-thrust loads and efficient operation across the duty cycle. That means better torque for tall columns of water, tighter control of amp draw, and less heat—your bearings and windings will thank you.
What does that look like day-to-day? Clean starts without dimming lights, steady pressure delivery at your target PSI, and less audible “laboring” when multiple fixtures are open. When your pump motor doesn’t overheat or chatter, you don’t cook insulation or stretch windings prematurely.
Aaron appreciated how quietly the new unit came online compared to their old submersible. The reduced inrush from the XE design made his 230V panel happier, and the well recovery didn’t spike their meter like before.
Efficiency and Protection
The Pentek XE platform is built for long-haul duty: optimized windings, robust thrust bearings, and thermal safeguards. Protection features guard against abuse when water levels fluctuate or a check valve sticks.
Right-Sizing the HP
A balanced system beats raw horsepower. A well-chosen 1 HP with the correct staging and flow will outperform an oversized motor fighting the wrong pump curve. Size to the well and the house, not ego.
Key takeaway: The right motor protects your investment. With Pentek XE under the hood, Myers delivers power with restraint—and that’s what makes systems live long.
#5. Sizing That Works — GPM Rating, Pump Curves, and Real Household Demand
Guessing at flow is how systems end up short-cycling or starving fixtures. Good design begins with matching your household demand to a GPM rating and staging that live near the best part of the pump curve. That’s where efficiency is highest and wear is lowest.
For a typical three-bath home with laundry, irrigation zones, and a kitchen running at peak times, 8-12 GPM covers most demands. If you have livestock watering or simultaneous multi-use, 12-16 GPM may be smarter. The point is to select a pump that delivers that flow at your dynamic depth plus friction losses, then set the pressure tank and switch to keep runtime efficient.
The Kovariks needed 10-12 GPM reliably. Using the well’s dynamic level and their plumbing layout, we selected a Myers Predator Plus staged to hold pressure at 50-60 PSI with room for the hose bibs.
How to Read a Pump Curve (Quickly)
- Find your dynamic head (measured water level while pumping). Add friction loss for drop pipe and fittings. Choose the curve that gives your target GPM at that total head near the center (BEP).
Pressure Tank Pairing
A properly sized pressure tank stretches run times and calms cycling. Aim for at least a minute of run time per cycle. Short bursts murder motors; longer, steadier cycles make systems last.
Key takeaway: Run your numbers or call PSAM. When you live on the curve’s sweet spot, your Myers performs quietly, efficiently, and for years.
#6. Wiring Simplified — 2-Wire Well Pump vs Control Box Complexity
Fewer parts mean fewer problems. A 2-wire well pump configuration (with internal start components) simplifies installs and reduces the number of field connections exposed to moisture and corrosion. You still get clean starts and reliable operation, but you skip a separate control box—less to mount, less to troubleshoot, and fewer failure points on the wall.
In deep wells or service-critical homes, 2-wire is often my go-to unless specific site conditions call for external control features. For the Kovariks, the fewer external components the better. Aaron appreciated the cleaner wiring and the tidy panel—especially in a utility room that already hosts HVAC and water treatment.
When to Use External Controls
External boxes can make sense for specialty starting methods or diagnostics. But for most residential systems, internalized starting wins on simplicity, cost, and long-term reliability.
Protection and Splices
Whether 2-wire or 3-wire, protect your splices with heat-shrink kits, secure the cable with a torque arrestor above the pump, and use a proper pitless adapter. Good wiring practice is cheap insurance.
Key takeaway: Unless your application needs complex controls, a 2-wire Myers keeps the system sleek, reliable, and homeowner-friendly.
#7. Durability in Dirty Water — Teflon-Impregnated Staging and Sand Resistance
A little grit in the aquifer doesn’t have to be a death sentence. Myers stages use Teflon-impregnated staging and engineered composites that are self-lubricating and abrasion resistant. Sand wears down soft metals and chews up standard bearings; these composites glide rather than grind, keeping clearances true far longer.
Why it matters: once clearances open up, efficiency plummets and heat climbs. That’s when motors fail and impellers shatter. Myers’ staging strategy keeps efficiency high in less-than-pristine wells, buying you years of service you won’t get from ordinary plastics or thin metal vanes.
The Kovarik well throws seasonal silt during spring runoff. With abrasion-tolerant staging, the Predator Plus shrugged off the grit that ended their last pump’s short life.
Grit Management Tips
- Install an intake screen designed for your pump’s flow. Consider a sediment trap or spin-down filter topside if you see visible fines. Avoid throttling flow excessively; low-flow grinding is harder on stages.
Why Composite Beats Cheap Plastic
Not all “plastic” myers deep well pump is equal. Engineered composites with Teflon fill minimize friction and resist scoring. That’s a world beyond budget-grade thermoplastics that gouge quickly.
Key takeaway: In sandy wells, materials are destiny. Myers stages are built to slide through grit and keep your pressure where you set it.
#8. Warranty and Support — 3-Year Warranty, Pentair Backing, and PSAM Speed
Coverage isn’t a footnote—it’s a cost-of-ownership lever. Myers backs the Predator Plus with a robust 3-year warranty, and as a Pentair brand, the R&D and quality control behind that promise are deep. Add PSAM’s same-day shipping on in-stock models and you’ve got fast recovery and long-term protection in one purchase.
What that means at the sink: when a rare issue hits, you’re not left arguing over a 12-month clock. And when your water is out, you don’t wait a week for parts to travel across three wholesalers. You get answers and inventory now.
For the Kovariks, the warranty and availability sealed the deal. We overnighted their pump kit and had them flushing lines by the next afternoon.
Documentation Wins Claims
Keep your well log, installation notes (depth, wire size, voltage), and water tests. Warranty service flies when your paperwork is clean and your install meets spec.
PSAM’s Rick’s Picks
We bundle pumps with the right drop pipe, pitless, splice kits, torque arrestor, and tank fittings. Buy it once. Install it once. Move on with your life.
Key takeaway: Myers + Pentair + PSAM equals proven coverage and real shipment speed—exactly what you want when your house is without water.
#9. Field Serviceability and Real-World Comparisons — Why Myers Outlasts Others
Here’s where practical differences appear on the jobsite. Let’s talk direct comparisons that matter to homeowners and contractors.
First, materials and hydraulics: Myers employs stainless construction and precision staging that stay aligned and resist abrasive wear. Some competitors rely on more cast iron or lower-grade plastics that corrode or crack under pressure cycling. Add the Pentek XE motor for cooler, efficient running and you get a quieter system that doesn’t cook itself under routine loads.
Second, install and service: Myers systems are straightforward to wire and plumb, and their assemblies are built for field reliability. Contractors don’t need a proprietary dealership handshake to diagnose or service common elements. That matters in rural markets where local expertise—not corporate lock-in—keeps water running.
For the Kovarik project, the easy-to-read instructions, accessible support docs, and parts availability meant no time wasted.
Detailed Comparison: Myers vs Franklin Electric
- Technical: Myers’ stainless housings and robust staging pair with the Pentek XE motor for balanced efficiency. Some Franklin Electric submersibles lean on proprietary control approaches and dealer-centric parts channels, raising complexity. Application: Myers emphasizes broad field serviceability with accessible documentation; proprietary networks slow DIYers and independent contractors. Value: Over 8-15 years of expected service, fewer special-order parts and easier maintenance reduce downtime. For rural homes dependent on a single water source, that reliability is worth every single penny.
Detailed Comparison: Myers vs Goulds Pumps and Red Lion
- Technical: Myers’ 300 series stainless steel resists corrosion in challenging water. Some Goulds Pumps models use cast iron elements that can pit in acidic conditions, while Red Lion often uses thermoplastic housings that fatigue under hot/cold cycling. Application: Myers submersibles operate efficiently at real-world heads with tight staging; when plastic stages deform or iron corrodes, performance fades fast. Value: Over a decade, consistent pressure, lower energy use near the pump curve sweet spot, and superior materials translate to fewer replacements. If you’re tired of 3-5 year swaps, Myers is worth every single penny.
Key takeaway: In side-by-sides that measure service life and simplicity, Myers keeps your tap running—and your budget intact.
#10. Installation Best Practices — The Checklist That Protects Your Investment
Great equipment can’t outrun poor installation. Follow this checklist and your Myers will deliver the quiet, steady service you paid for.
Start with wire sizing, voltage verification, and a clean, waterproof splice. Confirm your drop pipe schedule and torque arrestor placement. Set the pitless adapter square and seal the well cap. Topside, pair the pump with a properly sized pressure tank and a calibrated pressure switch. Flush lines thoroughly before connecting fixtures or filtration.
That’s precisely how we handled the Kovarik job: measured dynamic level, set pump depth above the screen (not on the bottom), used heat-shrink splices, and tuned the pressure switch to 40/60 with a pre-charge matching 38 PSI.
Install Components That Matter
- Drop pipe and pitless: Don’t cheap out; leaks here are expensive. Splice kits and cable guards: Keep electricity dry and cable centered. Pressure tank selection: Too small equals short-cycling; oversized is better than undersized.
Startup and Flush
Purge air and fines fully. Check amperage draw against nameplate under flow. Log your data—depth, voltage, pressure settings, and date. That log is gold later.
Key takeaway: A meticulous install is the difference between a 5-year and a 15-year outcome. Do it right once with PSAM’s complete kits.
FAQ: Expert Answers from the PSAM Bench
How do I determine the correct horsepower for my well depth and household water demand?
Start with depth under pumping (dynamic level), not just static depth. Calculate total head by adding vertical lift plus friction losses from drop pipe and fittings. Then choose a pump whose pump curve delivers your target flow (often 8-12 GPM for a three-bath home) at that head. Horsepower follows flow and head—many homes land on 3/4 to 1 HP. Oversizing horsepower without matching staging wastes energy and can shorten motor life. Undersizing leads to low pressure and excessive cycling. Example: the Kovarik well at 185 feet required a 1 HP Myers Predator Plus tuned to hold 10-12 GPM at 50-60 PSI. Rick’s recommendation: call PSAM with your well log; we’ll select the exact curve and staging so your pump lives near BEP, not on the ragged edge.
What GPM flow rate does a typical household need and how do multi-stage impellers affect pressure?
Most single-family homes operate well at 8-12 GPM. Add irrigation or myers 1 2 hp well pump livestock, and you may need 12-16 GPM with staged scheduling. Multi-stage hydraulics stack pressure by adding impellers in series—each stage adds head. That means a properly staged Myers submersible can maintain 50-60 PSI while multiple fixtures run, without voltage spikes or cavitation risks seen in suction-bound systems. For example, a 10-stage Predator Plus can push 10 GPM at moderate heads efficiently; a 15-stage version handles taller columns without overstressing the motor. The right staging gives you consistent pressure at your faucets, not just impressive specs on paper.
How does the Myers Predator Plus Series achieve 80% hydraulic efficiency compared to competitors?
Efficiency is the outcome of tight internal tolerances, smooth flow paths, and staging designed for real-world heads. The Predator Plus leverages engineered stage geometry and precision fits that minimize recirculation losses. Paired with the Pentek XE motor, electrical efficiency complements hydraulic efficiency, so amp draw stays lean under load. Many budget pumps drift off their curve quickly as clearances wear; Myers’ robust staging and 300 series stainless steel chassis preserve alignment and geometry, keeping you near BEP longer. In the field, that looks like 10-20% energy savings and cooler running during long cycles—exactly what you want during summer irrigation.
Why is 300 series stainless steel superior to cast iron for submersible well pumps?
Submersibles live in mineral-rich, oxygen-limited environments where corrosion sneaks up. 300 series stainless steel resists pitting and maintains structural integrity under constant immersion and pressure cycling. Cast iron, while strong, can corrode in low-pH or high-iron water, and once coatings fail, decay accelerates. Stainless also handles thermal changes better, keeping shafts and wear rings aligned. That alignment preserves clearances and efficiency. In practice, stainless construction helps Myers submersibles survive abrasive seasons and chemical swings that would pit or swell cast components—one reason I spec Myers for wells with variable quality water.
How do Teflon-impregnated self-lubricating impellers resist sand and grit damage?
The Teflon fill lowers friction at the wear interfaces, so micro-contacts glide rather than dig. When small fines pass through, the self-lubricating surface resists scoring and heat buildup, two culprits that quickly open clearances. Engineered composites maintain shape under load and temperature better than bargain plastics that warp, crack, or shed material into the flow path. Result: stages stay tight, efficiency stays high, and motors don’t labor. If your water spits seasonal fines like the Kovariks’ well, these materials buy you seasons—sometimes years—before performance drops.
What makes the Pentek XE high-thrust motor more efficient than standard well pump motors?
The Pentek XE motor couples improved winding design with high-quality thrust bearings to manage axial loads from multi-stage pumps. That means less mechanical drag and cooler operation at design amps. Thermal safeguards protect against abnormal conditions like low water or locked rotors. Compared to generic motors, the XE runs with steadier current under load, translating to lower heat, longer insulation life, and fewer nuisance trips. In the field, you’ll hear the difference—smooth starts, steady hum, no laboring under multi-fixture demand.
Can I install a Myers submersible pump myself or do I need a licensed contractor?
Skilled DIYers with electrical and plumbing experience can install a Myers, especially a 2-wire well pump configuration. You’ll need to handle safe lifting, waterproof splicing, drop pipe assembly, and pressure tank/pressure switch setup. If you’re unsure about code compliance, wire sizing, or pitless installation, hire a pro. At PSAM, we provide parts lists and phone support, and we can ship complete kits. Remember: correct pre-charge on the pressure tank, verified voltage at load, and clean, heat-shrinked splices are mandatory. A clean install equals a long-lived pump.
What’s the difference between 2-wire and 3-wire well pump configurations?
A 2-wire system contains internal start components—fewer external parts, simpler wiring, and less wall-mounted hardware. A 3-wire system uses an external control box for start/run components, offering certain diagnostic or service advantages but adding parts and potential failure points. For most homes, I prefer 2-wire Myers for simplicity and reliability. If your setup requires specialized controls or you like the idea of swapping a start capacitor without pulling the pump, a 3-wire can make sense. Performance-wise, both can deliver excellent results when sized correctly.
How long should I expect a Myers Predator Plus pump to last with proper maintenance?
With quality power, proper sizing, and clean installation, expect 8-15 years on average. I’ve seen well-cared-for Myers units run past 20 years in stable wells. Lifespan depends on water quality (sand, iron, pH), electrical quality (voltage stability), and operating practices (no rapid short cycling). Keep your pressure tank properly charged, protect splices, and replace worn check valves. If you notice changes—more cycling, reduced pressure—troubleshoot early. A little attention avoids motor abuse that shortens life.
What maintenance tasks extend well pump lifespan and how often should they be performed?
- Annually: Verify pressure tank pre-charge (with power off and tank empty), inspect pressure switch contacts, check for leaks at the tank tee and pitless, and confirm amperage under flow against nameplate. Every 3-5 years: Test water chemistry (pH, hardness, iron/manganese), inspect filtration, and evaluate voltage quality at the panel. As needed: Replace failing check valves and address short cycling immediately. Rapid cycles roast motors. These simple steps keep your Myers on-curve and cool-running.
How does Myers’ 3-year warranty compare to competitors and what does it cover?
Many competitors offer 12-18 months. Myers’ 3-year warranty sets a higher bar, covering manufacturing defects and performance issues within normal use. It pairs with Pentair’s support network and PSAM’s logistics to get you running again quickly. Keep your install within spec—voltage, depth, and tank setup—and document it. From a risk standpoint, three years of coverage significantly reduces your exposure during the highest-probability failure window, and that improves total cost of ownership.
What’s the total cost of ownership over 10 years: Myers vs budget pump brands?
Budget pumps can cost half as much up front—but many last 3-5 years and run hotter and louder. Factor two replacements, service calls, and higher energy draw from drifting off the pump curve, and the “cheap” option gets expensive. Myers, built in stainless with abrasion-tolerant staging and the Pentek XE motor, typically runs cooler, stays efficient, and is backed by a longer warranty. Over a decade, you’ll often spend less with Myers while enjoying fewer emergencies and steadier pressure. My experience says the quiet decade is the cheapest decade.
Conclusion
When your house depends on a private well, choosing between a jet pump and a submersible isn’t academic—it’s survival. For shallow sources or cistern pulls, a well-installed jet pump can serve. But the moment your dynamic water level dips past shallow limits, a Myers submersible well pump—especially the Predator Plus Series—delivers the pressure, efficiency, and longevity that make water stress disappear. Stainless construction, Pentek XE motor performance, abrasion-tolerant staging, and a standout 3-year warranty add up to lower lifetime costs and more reliable mornings.
For Aaron and Marisela Kovarik, that meant showers back on, dishes done, kids cleaned up, and a system that won’t hijack their weekends. If you’re ready to replace frustration with confidence, PSAM has the Myers you need—spec’d right, shipped fast, and supported by people who’ve turned wrenches in wet pits on cold nights. That’s the difference you feel at the faucet.
Need a sump backup too? We stock the dependable Myers lineup, including the homeowner-favorite Myers sump pump models for dry basements and calm storms.
Call PSAM. Let’s get your water right the first time.