Choosing Well Pipe

When installing a submersible pump it is important to select pipe that has a pressure rating that matches or exceeds the working pressure that will exist in the well. 

Two factors are used to determine Working Pressure:

  • Number of feet from the top of the well to the pumping water level
    (One Foot of Water Depth = .433 PSI)
  • The setting of the tank pressure switch(in PSIG)


The following formula will provide the Working Pressure:
(Depth X .433) + (switch setting) = Working Pressure

For example, if the pumping level is 330 ft. and the Pressure Switch is set at 50 PSIG the formula will be: 

(330 X .433) + 50 = 192.9 PSI
A pipe with a rating of 200 PSI or greater is needed. Use of pipe with a lower pressure rating may result in pipe failure. 

Please Note: If the pumping level used to calculate pipe requirements for a well is substantially above the bottom and the pumping level drops due to drought or other conditions, the pressure rating of the pipe could be exceeded.

Choosing Well Pipe

Choosing Well Pipe

When installing a submersible pump it is important to select pipe that has a pressure rating that matches or exceeds the working pressure that will exist in the well. 

Two factors are used to determine Working Pressure:

  • Number of feet from the top of the well to the pumping water level
    (One Foot of Water Depth = .433 PSI)
  • The setting of the tank pressure switch(in PSIG)


The following formula will provide the Working Pressure:
(Depth X .433) + (switch setting) = Working Pressure

For example, if the pumping level is 330 ft. and the Pressure Switch is set at 50 PSIG the formula will be: 

(330 X .433) + 50 = 192.9 PSI
A pipe with a rating of 200 PSI or greater is needed. Use of pipe with a lower pressure rating may result in pipe failure. 

Please Note: If the pumping level used to calculate pipe requirements for a well is substantially above the bottom and the pumping level drops due to drought or other conditions, the pressure rating of the pipe could be exceeded.

Choosing Well Pipe