Jet Pump
A jet pump is an above-ground water pump that draws water from a well, cistern, or storage tank and delivers it to a home under pressure. It uses an impeller plus a jet assembly (a nozzle and venturi) to create suction, so the motor never touches the water. Shallow-well versions lift water from around 25 feet or less, while deep-well versions use a second pipe and a downhole jet to pull from greater depths. Many homes pair one with a pressure tank and switch for steady flow.
💡 Key Takeaways
- ✓A jet pump is an above-ground water pump that draws water from a well, cistern, or storage tank and delivers it to a home under pressure. It uses an impeller plus a jet assembly (a nozzle and venturi) to create suction, so the motor never touches the water. Shallow-well versions lift water from around 25 feet or less, while deep-well versions use a second pipe and a downhole jet to pull from greater depths. Many homes pair one with a pressure tank and switch for steady flow.
- ✓A jet pump is self-priming and mounts above ground, unlike a submersible pump that sits down in the well.
- ✓It works with a pressure tank and pressure switch to keep water flowing without the motor cycling constantly.
- ✓Losing prime, short-cycling, or low pressure usually signals an air leak, a failing foot valve, or a waterlogged tank.
Jet Pump
/ˈdʒɛt pʌmp/
Definition
A jet pump is an above-ground water pump that draws water from a well, cistern, or storage tank and delivers it to a home under pressure. It uses an impeller plus a jet assembly (a nozzle and venturi) to create suction, so the motor never touches the water. Shallow-well versions lift water from around 25 feet or less, while deep-well versions use a second pipe and a downhole jet to pull from greater depths. Many homes pair one with a pressure tank and switch for steady flow.
What does a jet pump do in a home?
A jet pump pulls water from a well, cistern, or tank and pushes it into the home under pressure. Mounted above ground, it works with a pressure tank and switch to keep water flowing to faucets, appliances, and irrigation on demand.
Source: The Cooling Company
Quick Facts
Real-World Application
In a home on well water, the jet pump usually sits in a garage, basement, or pump house near the pressure tank. When you open a faucet and pressure drops, the switch starts the motor, the pump repressurizes the system, then shuts off. You may also see one boosting pressure for irrigation or drawing from a rainwater cistern.
Pro Tip
If the pump runs but water sputters or won't prime, check for an air leak on the suction side and confirm the foot valve is holding. Losing prime almost always points to a leak or a bad check valve.
“If the pump runs but water sputters or won't prime, check for an air leak on the suction side and confirm the foot valve is holding. Losing prime almost always points to a leak or a bad check valve.”
Important Things to Keep in Mind
- A jet pump is self-priming and mounts above ground, unlike a submersible pump that sits down in the well.
- It works with a pressure tank and pressure switch to keep water flowing without the motor cycling constantly.
- Losing prime, short-cycling, or low pressure usually signals an air leak, a failing foot valve, or a waterlogged tank.
Did You Know?
A jet pump has no moving parts underwater. The jet assembly uses fast-moving water through a venturi to create the suction that lifts more water, a trick borrowed from basic fluid physics.
FAQ
What's the difference between a jet pump and a submersible pump?
A jet pump sits above ground and pulls water up by suction. A submersible pump drops into the well and pushes water up. Submersibles handle deeper wells better; jet pumps are easier to service.
Why does my jet pump keep turning on and off?
Rapid on-off cycling usually means the pressure tank has lost its air charge (waterlogged) or the pressure switch is set wrong. A failing bladder or a leak in the system can also cause it.
Can a jet pump boost my home water pressure?
Yes. On well or tank-fed systems a jet pump raises pressure to a usable level. On city water, a dedicated booster pump is usually the better fit for weak municipal pressure.
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