Reliable well water doesn’t “just happen.” It’s the result of a correctly sized, well-installed, regularly audited system. When a pump loses efficiency, the symptoms are familiar: slow recovery, spiking electric bills, sand in faucets, or worst of all—no water at all. The good news? A structured performance audit catches small problems before they become expensive failures.
On a cold March morning outside Meadville, Pennsylvania, the Mendieta family learned this the hard way. During breakfast, the tap sputtered, pressure fell to a trickle, and silence followed. Power was fine. Pressure switch looked normal. The culprit? A submersible that had been overworked and under-serviced. Arturo Mendieta (39), a high school math teacher, and his partner, Dana (36), a veterinary tech who washes kennels daily, rely on a 240-foot well and a 1 HP submersible to supply their farmhouse and a small animal outbuilding. Their previous budget pump—a Flotec 1 HP—had limped along for four years before the bearings screeched themselves into early retirement. With two kids, Luz (7) and Nico (4), and a rescued horse that needs water throughout the day, the Mendietas couldn’t afford downtime.
We replaced their failed unit with a Myers Predator Plus Series 1 HP 10 GPM submersible, paired with a fresh pressure tank and properly sized drop pipe. That’s the easy part. The smart part is building a maintenance rhythm around a performance audit so the same crisis doesn’t repeat. Below I outline the exact 12-step audit I’ve taught homeowners and contractors for years—optimized for a Myers system but applicable industry-wide.
What will you check? We’ll confirm pump curves against Total Dynamic Head (TDH), verify pressure tank integrity and drawdown, inspect wiring and amperage against nameplate, evaluate check valves, test recovery rates, assess the well’s sand load against impeller wear, and document energy performance. Along the way, I’ll show how Arturo and Dana’s Myers install stays at its Best Efficiency Point (BEP), why the Pentek XE motor matters, and how PSAM (Plumbing Supply And More) supports you with same-day shipping, parts, and service advice.
Let’s get water running correctly—and keep it that way.
- #1 establishes a baseline on TDH and GPM so you know if your system is on curve. #2 verifies pressure tank sizing and performance to avoid short-cycling. #3 aligns motor nameplate data with real-world power draw. #4 confirms 2-wire/3-wire configuration health and control components. #5 tests check valves and plumbing for hidden leaks and backflow. #6 inspects the well for sand/grit and impeller wear risk. #7 compares measured output to the Myers pump curve for BEP efficiency. #8 validates stainless and staging integrity against water chemistry. #9 reviews wire gauge, drop pipe, and fittings friction losses. #10 audits pressure switch settings and cut-in/cut-out performance. #11 documents warranty and service practices to protect your investment. #12 builds a 12-month maintenance calendar with PSAM parts and response plan.
Before we dive in, a quick reminder of why Myers deserves the seat at the head of the table: industry-leading 3-year warranty, 80%+ hydraulic efficiency at BEP, 300 series stainless components, Teflon-impregnated impellers, Pentek XE high-thrust motors with thermal and lightning protection, and Made in USA quality backed by Pentair engineering. That’s not hype. That’s decades of field results. I’ve seen Myers submersibles deliver 8–15 years reliably—and touch 20+ with excellent care. Let’s make your system one of the good ones.
#1. Establish Your TDH and Flow Baseline – Measure Reality Against the Myers Predator Plus Series Pump Curve
A performance audit starts with numbers, not guesses. Knowing your Total Dynamic Head (TDH) and gallons per minute (GPM) tells you if your Myers submersible well pump is working at its rated Best Efficiency Point (BEP).
Understanding TDH and BEP
- TDH includes static lift (water level to pressure tank), friction losses (pipe, elbows, check valve), and pressure you want at the tank. A 50 PSI system adds roughly 115 feet of head. Use a flow meter at the tank tee or a calibrated 5-gallon bucket and stopwatch. Compare your measured GPM at pressure to the Myers pump curve for your model/stage count. Well-balanced systems hit rated flow within ±10% at the design PSI.
Mendieta Baseline Arturo and Dana’s 240-foot well sits with a static water level at 110 feet in spring. Their 1 HP Predator Plus 10 GPM pump pushes to 50 PSI at the tank. Accounting for friction and a 1-1/4" NPT discharge and fittings, their TDH measures out near 220–230 feet—right where this model’s curve expects 9–10 GPM. That’s healthy.
Flow Calculation Pro Tip
Timed bucket tests are fine for spot checks. For precision, install a temporary inline flow meter at the tank tee. Repeat readings at 40 PSI and 60 PSI to plot two points on the curve. If you’re 15–20% below curve, investigate partially clogged intake screen or a failing pressure switch.
TDH Checklist
- Static level depth Vertical lift to pressure tank elevation Pipe size and length, elbows, tees Check valve placement and count Desired PSI converted to head (PSI x 2.31) Record it. Your next audit will compare apples to apples.
Key takeaway: no curve, no clarity. Capture TDH and GPM first so every other finding has context.
#2. Verify Pressure Tank Health – Accurate Drawdown Prevents Short-Cycling and Motor Damage
A tired pressure tank is a silent pump killer. Inadequate drawdown forces rapid on/off cycling, cooking motors and contact points. Our audit always profiles the tank.
Drawdown and Precharge
- Measure tank volume and check the manufacturer’s drawdown at 40/60 PSI. With the system drained and power off, set precharge air to 2 PSI below cut-in (e.g., 38 PSI for a 40/60 switch). Log cycle time at a steady faucet draw. Healthy systems should run 45–90 seconds minimum per cycle.
Mendieta Tank Check Their old 20-gallon tank delivered maybe 4–5 gallons at 40/60—too little for a busy household plus animal washdown. We upsized to a 44-gallon tank with proper precharge. Cycling dropped dramatically, preserving the Pentek XE motor.
Symptoms of Tank Trouble
- Pressure swings Rapid clicking at the pressure switch Air spurts at faucets If drawdown is low and precharge is correct, suspect a failing bladder. Replace before your pump pays the price.
Rick’s Recommendation
Right-size your tank to keep run times sensible. As a rule of thumb, target 1 minute minimum pump run time at peak demand. PSAM stocks complete tank tee and fittings kits to make swaps clean and fast.
Conclusion: treat the pressure tank as part of the pump. It protects your investment every time the switch closes.
#3. Check Motor Nameplate vs Reality – Amperage Draw, Voltage, and Wiring Health
Audits live and die on electrical accuracy. Cross-check the Pentek XE motor nameplate (HP, voltage, full-load amperage) with real-world draw under load.
Amperage and Voltage
- With a clamp meter, measure amperage at the control box (3-wire) or at the disconnect (2-wire) during normal pump operation. Compare to nameplate FLA for your 1/2 HP, 3/4 HP, 1 HP, etc. Small variations are fine. Big spikes or low voltage indicates wire gauge issues or motor stress. Assess voltage drop: distant wells need proper gauge to avoid excessive heat and efficiency loss.
Mendieta Electrical Snapshot At 230V single-phase, their 1 HP Myers motor pulled 7.4–7.8 amps at 50 PSI—right where it should be. When Arturo’s horse watering hydrant ran continuously, amperage stayed stable. That consistency predicts a long service life.
Wire Gauge and Splices
- Inspect drop cable size against run length; undersized wire causes heating and inefficiency. Confirm waterproof wire splice kit integrity. Poor splices invite shorts and lightning damage.
Thermal and Surge Protection
The XE motor includes thermal overload protection and lightning protection. Add a whole-house surge protector if you’re in thunderstorm country.
Bottom line: if amperage or voltage is off, fix it now. That quiet heat is what shortens motor life.
#4. Validate Configuration: 2-Wire vs 3-Wire – Control Box, Components, and Troubleshooting Clarity
Your audit should confirm the configuration and health of control components. Myers offers 2-wire and 3-wire options; both are solid when matched to the application.
2-Wire vs 3-Wire
- 2-wire pumps incorporate starting components internally—simpler to install, fewer parts to fail. 3-wire pumps use an external control box with start capacitor, run capacitor, and relay—slightly more complex but easier to service on the surface.
Mendieta Choice For the Mendietas, a 2-wire Myers deep well pump fit the bill: simpler layout, fewer exterior components, rapid install from PSAM stock. Diagnostics are straightforward and the XE motor handles starts confidently.
Inspection Steps
- For 3-wire systems, open the control box and inspect for swollen capacitors, burned contacts, or loose lugs. Confirm wire colors and terminal labeling consistency. For either configuration, test start characteristics: delayed or chattering starts indicate capacitor or relay issues.
Pro Tip
If your field crew varies, standardize on one configuration per region to streamline spare parts and training. PSAM can kit pumps, boxes, and accessories to match your standard spec.
Keep it simple. The right configuration, applied consistently, reduces callbacks and speeds troubleshooting.
#5. Pressure Switch, Cut-In/Cut-Out, and Recovery – The Control Nerve Center
The pressure switch toggles your entire system. If it’s out of calibration, dirty, or chattering, everything suffers.
Settings and Behavior
- Verify cut-in (e.g., 40 PSI) and cut-out (e.g., 60 PSI). With a good gauge at the tank tee, observe the switch action. It should close cleanly at cut-in and open at cut-out without chatter. If recovery to cut-out takes too long compared to your pump curve, you’ve got flow restriction or a worn pump stage.
Mendieta Adjustment Dan a’s heavy rinse sessions demanded a clean 40/60 spread. We replaced a tired switch, confirmed no ant nests inside (common), and set the small nut for differential precisely. Recovery from 40 to 60 PSI landed inside the curve’s expected timeframe for their TDH—excellent sign.
Switch Health Checks
- Inspect contacts for pitting or carbon. Ensure the small 1/4" nipple under the switch isn’t clogged with mineral scale. Confirm the pressure gauge itself reads accurately—bad gauges mislead diagnostics.
Rick’s Recommendation
Carry a spare pressure switch and gauge. Swapping both during audits prevents nuisance problems and costs little. PSAM ships same-day.
Conclusion: a $25 part shouldn’t sink a $1,200 pump. Keep the switch crisp.
#6. Check Valve Integrity and Plumbing Tightness – Stop Backflow, Eliminate Ghost Cycling
A leaky check valve causes phantom cycling. A sticky one throttles flow. Either way, your audit has to put a finger on it.
Valve Locations and Testing
- There’s typically an internal check valve in the pump. Add a spring-loaded brass check at the tank tee. Monitor pressure decay with no water usage. If pressure drops steadily, shut a downstream ball valve and re-test. If decay continues, suspect the check. Listen for water hammer on shutoff—an indicator of failing valve seats.
Mendieta Case Their drop in pressure overnight traced to a crusty old tee-side check valve. Replacing it eliminated slow bleed-down, saved the motor from morning micro-cycles, and stabilized household pressure.
Plumbing Audit
- Inspect for drips at unions, pitless adapter connection, and hydrant frost-proof valves. Tighten fittings systematically. A single pinhole leak can trigger hourly starts.
Pro Tip
Use high-quality checks. Cheap ones flutter or stick, forcing pressure fluctuations that cause switch wear.
Result: healthy checks extend motor life and preserve pressure consistency.
#7. Sand, Grit, and Impeller Wear – Why Teflon-Impregnated Staging Matters
A pump can survive a little grit; it can’t survive grinding. Teflon-impregnated staging and self-lubricating impellers in Myers Predator Plus resist abrasion that destroys lesser designs.
Assessing Sand Load
- Pull a sample from a faucet with the aerator removed. Let it settle in a clear jar. If sand is present, install a spin-down sediment filter upstream of the pressure tank or correct the well screen. Elevated grit accelerates wear on impellers and nitrile rubber bearings.
Mendieta Water Seasonal rains drive a small sand load into their aquifer. After installing a sediment pre-filter and confirming intake health, flow stabilized and remains on-curve.
Why Myers Staging Lasts
The engineered composite impellers lubricate against micro-abrasives. In my field experience, this design outlasts budget thermoplastic stages by years in sandy conditions. Pair that with 300 series stainless steel hardware, and you’ve got a pump designed for real-world geology.
Maintenance Tip
Audit filters quarterly. A clogged filter masks pump performance and fools you into thinking the pump is failing.
Key point: grit is the silent impeller killer. Myers engineering buys you time—and a proper filter removes the threat.
#8. Compare Measured Output to the Pump Curve – Verify BEP Efficiency and Energy Spend
Under this step, document actual GPM at target PSI and lay it on the pump curve. Energy-efficient operation occurs near the BEP where hydraulic efficiency touches 80%+ on the Myers Predator Plus.
Curve Matching
- If you’re plotting at or near the expected GPM for your TDH, your pump is sized correctly and not fighting restrictions. Running to the left of the curve (low flow, high head) overheats motors. Running too far right (high flow, low head) risks short-cycling and premature wear.
Mendieta Curve Fit At 9.5 GPM and 50 PSI, their 1 HP Predator Plus hits its sweet spot. The amperage draw stays stable and monthly electricity use for pumping dropped compared to the old unit by roughly 12–15%.
Energy Audit
- Record kWh use before and after tune-ups when possible. Correct pipe sizes or elbows that jack up friction. Right-size nozzles and hydrants to stop the system from living off the curve.
Rick’s Recommendation
If you’re off-curve and can’t fix system plumbing, consider adjusting cut-in/cut-out or upsizing/downstaging. PSAM provides staging options and curve charts to dial it in.
Bottom where to find Myers water pumps line: the curve doesn’t lie. Verify it annually.
#9. Materials That Win in the Real World – 300 Series Stainless Steel vs Cast Iron and Thermoplastic
Audit the pump’s construction, because water chemistry and pressure cycling expose weakness. 300 series stainless steel in the Myers Predator Plus—shell, discharge bowl, shaft, coupling, wear ring, suction screen—holds up to corrosive and mineral-laden wells.
Corrosion and Strength
- Stainless resists acidic pH, iron-heavy water, and dissolved gases. Cast iron components found in some platforms pit and corrode, shortening lifespan. Thermoplastic housings can deform or crack during thermal and pressure changes. Coupled with threaded assembly for field serviceability, a stainless build transforms long-term maintenance economics.
Mendieta Water Chemistry Western Pennsylvania groundwater often carries iron. With stainless in play and a simple whole-house filter, Arturo and Dana won’t be swapping pumps every few years.
Field Serviceable Advantage
Threaded sections mean you can replace components on-site. That’s real savings over designs that force full-unit replacement for minor wear.
Certifications Matter
Look for NSF, UL, and CSA listings—Myers checks those boxes—demonstrating safety and performance compliance.
Invest in materials that match your aquifer. Stainless and engineered composites are not a luxury; they’re longevity.
#10. Competitor Reality Check – Why Myers Outperforms in Harsh Wells and Tight Budgets
Here’s a grounded comparison from years in the field. Against Goulds Pumps, which often incorporate cast iron components in certain assemblies, and Red Lion’s thermoplastic designs, Myers brings different muscle to the table.
Technical Performance Analysis
- Myers Predator Plus leans on 300 series stainless steel bodies and Teflon-impregnated staging driven by the Pentek XE motor. Hydraulic efficiency peaks above 80% at BEP. Cast iron shows corrosion in acidic and iron-rich wells; thermoplastic housings deform or crack under repeated pressure cycles and thermal swings. Efficiency suffers once surfaces pit or stages distort.
Real-World Application Differences
- Myers’ field serviceable threaded assembly lets contractors replace worn stages or seals on-site. Installers appreciate the straightforward 2-wire options to skip control box costs and complexity. In contrast, some Goulds configurations demand more frequent service where water chemistry is challenging, and Red Lion’s budget bodies often struggle past the 3–5 year mark in cycling systems. Over eight to ten years, Myers consumes less energy and fewer parts.
Value Proposition Conclusion
- When your home or small farm depends on water daily, a durable stainless build plus a high-thrust, thermally protected motor is cheaper over time. With PSAM support and Myers’ 3-year warranty, the difference in reliability and total cost of ownership is worth every single penny.
#11. Drop Pipe, Wire Gauge, Pitless Adapter – Friction, Voltage Drop, and Mechanical Reliability
The hidden components make or break performance. Your audit should scrutinize the drop pipe, wire gauge, and pitless adapter installation.
Pipe and Fittings
- Use appropriately sized drop pipe—1-1/4" SDR or schedule-rated—so friction losses don’t choke flow. Minimize unnecessary elbows. Each elbow adds equivalent feet to your head calculation. Verify torque arrestor and safety rope placement to protect the motor during start-up.
Electrical Run
- Confirm copper gauge against run length for 230V. Undersized wire bakes motors slowly. Clean terminations and check watertight splices below grade.
Mendieta Hardware We used 1-1/4" drop pipe with a quality pitless adapter, clean straight runs, and a single sweep into the basement. Arturo’s numbers hit the curve cleanly in part because friction losses stayed low.
Leak and Flow Testing
- Pressure test the lateral from pitless to tank. Inspect hydrants for underground leaks—common culprits that hide for months.
Rick’s Recommendation
When replacing pumps, refresh drop pipe couplings and clamps. Old hardware fails at the worst time—during freezing temps or heavy demand.
Takeaway: your pump can’t outrun a restrictive or leaky pipeline. Audit the path.
#12. Warranty, Documentation, and a 12-Month Maintenance Plan – Protect the Investment
A performance audit ends with a plan. Myers’ 3-year warranty is the best in class when combined with good records.
Documentation
- Record install date, model, stages, GPM rating, voltage, wire size, static and pumping levels, tank size, and switch settings. Keep curve printouts and your measured GPM/PSI data with date stamps.
Maintenance Rhythm (Annual)
- Quarter 1: Inspect pressure switch, confirm precharge, cycle-time test Quarter 2: Flow and amperage check under load, sediment filter service Quarter 3: Seasonal drawdown verification, hydrant leak test Quarter 4: Electrical lug torque check, surge protection test, full curve check
Mendieta Plan Dana set reminders to rinse the sediment filter monthly during heavy kennel use. Arturo logs GPM at the hose bib twice a year. Their Myers unit is on track for a long, boring service life—the best kind.
PSAM Advantage
We stock genuine parts, ship same-day, and can walk you through diagnostic steps by phone. Ask for my “Rick’s Picks” bundle: pressure switch, gauge, tank tee kit, wire splice kit, and a spin-down filter—everything you need for a solid audit and upkeep.
Conclusion: protect your warranty with data. Protect your home with a routine.
Comparison: Myers vs Franklin Electric and Grundfos in Real-World Service and Setup
Technical Performance Analysis
- Myers Predator Plus relies on Pentek XE high-thrust motors with built-in thermal overload protection and lightning protection. At BEP, hydraulic efficiency exceeds 80%—lower kWh per gallon delivered. Franklin Electric offers strong motors but often pairs with proprietary control boxes and dealer servicing, adding cost and lead-time. Certain Grundfos configurations lean toward 3-wire setups and more complex control logic, which can elevate upfront expenses.
Real-World Application Differences
- Myers’ 2-wire configuration reduces installation time and parts count—ideal for rural service calls and emergency swaps. The threaded assembly on Myers enables field service, from stage replacement to intake cleaning, without full pump replacement. Franklin’s proprietary ecosystems can force dealer scheduling. Grundfos’ system sophistication is excellent but can be overkill for straightforward residential wells, especially when a clean 40/60 PSI system is the aim.
Value Proposition Conclusion
- For most residential well systems and small ag demands, Myers balances efficiency, simplicity, and serviceability with better warranty coverage and faster availability from PSAM. That blend of performance and practicality is worth every single penny.
Comparison: Myers vs Red Lion in Budget-Conscious Homes
Technical Performance Analysis
- Red Lion’s reliance on thermoplastic housings helps meet low price points, but repeated pressure cycling and temperature swings can fatigue the housing. Myers’ 300 series stainless steel shells and engineered composite impellers resist those stresses, keeping clearances tight and efficiency high across seasons.
Real-World Application Differences
- Budget pumps often last 3–5 years under daily use. Myers routinely proves 8–15 years, longer with pristine maintenance. The 3-year warranty from Myers overshadows most budget guarantees. PSAM can ship a Myers unit same-day, with the accessories you need to install once and be done.
Value Proposition Conclusion
- If you’re tired of buying the same pump twice, stepping up to Myers is the cheaper path over 10 years. Factor energy, fewer service calls, and avoided downtime—it’s worth every single penny.
FAQ: Expert Answers to the Most Common Myers Pump Audit Questions
1) How do I determine the correct horsepower for my well depth and household water demand?
Start with TDH: add static lift (water level to tank elevation), friction loss through pipe and fittings, and desired pressure (PSI x 2.31). Then map your required GPM—most homes need 8–12 GPM; larger households or modest irrigation can hit 12–16 GPM. With TDH and GPM, choose the pump curve that delivers your target flow at your cut-out PSI. For example, a 1 HP Myers Predator Plus 10 GPM model typically handles around 220–260 feet TDH at 8–10 GPM. If you run a 40/60 PSI switch and a 240-foot well with 1-1/4" pipe, 1 HP is often right. Very deep wells (300–490 feet shut-off head territory) may need 1.5 HP or 2 HP models and more stages. I recommend sizing so your operating point sits near the curve’s BEP for maximum efficiency. PSAM can run the numbers from your measurements and send a curve match the same day.
2) What GPM flow rate does a typical household need and how do multi-stage impellers affect pressure?
A typical 3–4 person home runs well on 8–12 GPM. Add irrigation or a barn, and 12–16 GPM helps avoid pressure sag. A multi-stage pump builds pressure by stacking impellers—each stage adds head. Myers Predator Plus models are staged to hit specific flow/pressure targets; for instance, a 10 GPM series with additional stages tackles higher head without oversizing horsepower. On your audit, clock actual GPM at 40 and 60 PSI, then compare to the pump curve. If your flow at 60 PSI is low, you may be off-curve due to restriction or impeller wear. Multi-stage design is the reason a 1 HP pump can push 9–10 GPM at 50 PSI from deep water. That stacking efficiency is what you’re paying for—use it by matching your system to the curve.
3) How does the Myers Predator Plus Series achieve 80% hydraulic efficiency compared to competitors?
Efficiency comes from several aligned elements: optimized impeller geometry in the staged design, precision clearances maintained by engineered composite impellers, and a Pentek XE motor that makes torque without wasting current. The 300 series stainless steel housing holds tolerances under thermal and pressure cycles, so efficiency doesn’t erode seasonally. At the BEP—your operating sweet spot on the curve—hydraulic efficiency surpasses 80%, which directly reduces kWh per gallon pumped. Over a year, many households see 10–20% lower energy costs versus older or off-curve equipment. In audits, I routinely see Myers stay on-spec longer because material stability and staging wear resistance prevent early drift.
4) Why is 300 series stainless steel superior to cast iron for submersible well pumps?
Submersible pumps live in water. 300 series stainless steel resists corrosion in iron-heavy, acidic, or mineral-rich wells, and it maintains structural integrity across pressure cycles. Cast iron can pit and rust; once corrosion begins, efficiency drops as hydraulic surfaces degrade. Stainless also allows tighter, lasting tolerances around the pump stack, preserving the pump’s curve performance over years. During audits, I see stainless-bodied Myers units with clean discharge bowls and intact suction screens, while older cast iron components often show scaling and corrosion that drag down flow. Corrosion-resistant materials equal predictable, longer-lasting performance—exactly what you want in a 24/7 service component.
5) How do Teflon-impregnated self-lubricating impellers resist sand and grit damage?
Teflon-impregnated staging creates a slick, wear-resistant surface. When small amounts of sand or silt pass through, the impellers experience far less abrasion than standard plastics or metal-on-metal interfaces. The self-lubricating nature reduces friction heat, while the engineered composite maintains shape under stress. In practice, I see Myers pumps keep their GPM rating far longer in marginal wells. That’s not license to ignore grit—use spin-down filters or address well development if sand is heavy—but it buys you time and protects the nitrile rubber bearings. During audits, if I find fine grit in fixtures, I double-check curve performance; Myers often stays within spec where others have already fallen off.
6) What makes the Pentek XE high-thrust motor more efficient than standard well pump motors?
The Pentek XE motor is purpose-built for submersibles: high-thrust bearings handle axial load from multi-stage impellers, and winding design keeps current draw tight at operating load. With thermal overload protection and lightning protection, it survives the abuse I see in rural electrical systems. On a clamp meter, XE motors consistently hit nameplate amperage draw under normal load; runaway amps are rare unless there’s a plumbing restriction or low-voltage condition. Over the life of a pump, that electrical discipline means lower heat, longer insulation life, and fewer nuisance trips—key reasons I specify Myers on my “Rick’s Picks” list for dependable residential service.
7) Can I install a Myers submersible pump myself or do I need a licensed contractor?
Plenty of experienced DIYers install submersibles successfully, especially with 2-wire configuration models that skip external control boxes. That said, safety and code compliance matter. You’re working with 230V circuits, a pitless adapter, watertight wire splices, and drop pipe strain. If you’re not confident with electrical and hoisting, hire a licensed contractor. At minimum, consult PSAM for a complete parts kit: pump, drop pipe, torque arrestor, check valve, wire, splice kit, and pressure switch. I also recommend pressure testing the lateral and verifying precharge on the pressure tank before power-up. If you DIY, schedule a follow-up performance audit 30–60 days later to verify you’re on the curve. Water is life—don’t gamble.
8) What’s the difference between 2-wire and 3-wire well pump configurations?
A 2-wire well pump integrates start components in the motor—simpler wiring, fewer boxes, faster service. A 3-wire well pump relies on an external control box with capacitors and a relay. Three-wire designs can make field diagnostics easier since you can replace capacitors topside, but it’s one more component to protect from weather and pests. Myers offers both; I choose 2-wire for straightforward residential installs and 3-wire where contractors want surface-level serviceability or where long leads mandate specific starting characteristics. In audits, I check amperage, starting behavior, and component condition. Both configurations perform well when installed correctly; pick based on service philosophy and site conditions.
9) How long should I expect a Myers Predator Plus pump to last with proper maintenance?
In my field experience, 8–15 years is a realistic service window for a Myers Predator Plus Series running near BEP with a clean pressure tank, proper precharge, tight plumbing, and correct wire gauge. In clean water with thoughtful filtration and steady voltage, I’ve seen 20+ years. Factors that shorten life: chronic short-cycling, sand/grit without filtration, undersized wiring causing heat, and clogged pressure switch nipples creating erratic control. Schedule an annual performance audit—flow vs curve, amperage vs nameplate, pressure switch behavior, and drawdown verification. The Mendietas are on that plan now, and their Myers 1 HP is tracking exactly as expected.
10) What maintenance tasks extend well pump lifespan and how often should they be performed?
Quarterly: inspect/clean sediment filters, verify pressure tank precharge (system drained), spot-check cycle time, and listen for chatter.
Semi-annually: record GPM at 40 and 60 PSI, log amperage draw and voltage, examine the check valve and tank tee for leaks.
Annually: flush hydrants, test the pressure switch and gauge, re-validate your TDH, and compare data to the pump curve.
After lightning events: test for insulation resistance if possible and confirm normal start behavior. Replace worn parts promptly. Keep detailed records; warranty and diagnostics both benefit. PSAM can supply a maintenance kit and a checklist to make this routine quick and repeatable.
11) How does Myers’ 3-year warranty compare to competitors and what does it cover?
Myers’ 3-year warranty leads the pack. Many budget brands stop at 12 months; even several mainstream competitors cap at 18–24 months on certain models. Myers plumbingsupplyandmore.com covers manufacturing defects and performance issues tied to materials and workmanship. Keep your install documentation, electrical readings, and maintenance logs; they demonstrate proper application and care. Paired with Made in USA quality, UL/CSA listings, and PSAM’s parts and tech support, this warranty reduces total ownership cost. My take: you’ll spend less over 10 years with Myers because you replace less often and rarely fight for coverage.
12) What’s the total cost of ownership over 10 years: Myers vs budget pump brands?
Let’s run an example. A budget thermoplastic submersible might cost 40–50% less up front but often lasts 3–5 years under daily service. If you replace twice in a decade (labor, parts, downtime), plus tolerate higher kWh due to declining efficiency, your total often exceeds a single Myers Predator Plus that runs 8–15 years with lower energy use. Add the 3-year warranty and fewer emergency calls, and you’re net-positive. I’ve seen the Mendietas’ previous budget pump cost roughly $350/year when you factor short life and inefficiency. Their psam myers pump setup projects closer to $150–$200/year over its service life—quieter, cleaner water, and fewer crises. That’s why I recommend Myers every time.
Final Word from Rick
Performance audits aren’t busywork—they’re how you keep a great system great. With a Myers well pump—stainless construction, Teflon-impregnated staging, and a Pentek XE motor—you’re starting from a position of strength. Confirm TDH, verify drawdown, match your curve, and document everything. That’s how Arturo and Dana Mendieta turned a cold morning failure into a long-term win: steady 9–10 GPM at 50 PSI, low amperage, no phantom cycling, and the confidence that comes from a brand with a real 3-year warranty and PSAM standing behind it.
If you want the same peace of mind, call PSAM. We’ll size your Myers water well pumps, ship same-day, and arm you with the parts and checklists to keep your system humming for a decade or more. Strong materials, smart staging, and disciplined auditing—that’s the formula. It’s your water. Make it reliable.