When a well system is built right, you stop thinking about it—and that’s the point. I’ve spent 25+ years installing, diagnosing, and upgrading wells and pump systems for homes, farms, light commercial properties, and municipal outbuildings. The difference between a smooth, long-lived system and one that eats parts every season usually comes down to product selection and the quality of your supply source. That’s where we lean in. At Plumbing Supply And More (PSAM), my “Rick’s Picks” lineup is curated from what I’ve personally installed and serviced—gear that proves itself in iron-heavy water, sandy aquifers, and Northeast freeze-thaw cycles. And yes, we stock the pro-grade parts you won’t find on aisle 14.
Before we dive in, plumbing supply and more a quick promise: you’ll get real specs, model numbers, price ranges, and field-proven recommendations. And you’ll see why contractors and serious homeowners alike keep our number handy for technical guidance, same-day delivery, and the honest truth about what works.
Understanding the Well System: From Source to Tap
A well system is more than a pump and a tank. It’s a pressure-managed, water-quality-aware, code-compliant assembly designed to deliver consistent pressure and volume without cycling itself to death.
Here’s the basic flow:
- Well casing and drop assembly Submersible or jet pump Check valves (properly placed) Pressure tank with correctly set precharge Pressure switch and relief valve Filtration/treatment (as needed) Distribution to fixtures
Most residential settings use a 4" submersible pump (10–20 GPM) paired with a diaphragm pressure tank. Jet pumps still belong in shallow wells (<25 ft), but if you’re deeper or need stable performance, go submersible. I typically spec Franklin Electric 4" submersibles with their 1/2–1 HP motors (e.g., 2445089003 assemblies) or Grundfos SQ/SQE series for soft starts and low-amp draw. Constant pressure systems with variable frequency drives (VFDs), like the Goulds Aquavar SOLO2 or Franklin SubDrive, can transform performance—especially in larger homes with irrigation.</p>
Pro tip: A system that short cycles will fail early. If you see your pump toggling on and off in quick bursts, your tank sizing, precharge, or check valve placement is off. Call our technical team; we’ll walk you through a pressure profile and correct the problem, fast.
Picking the Right Pump: Submersible vs. Jet vs. Booster
The pump you choose depends on well depth, static water level, required GPM, and total dynamic head (TDH). If you’re unsure how to calculate TDH, we’ll do it with you—voltage, wire run, and impedance matter, too.
- Submersible Pumps: For most wells deeper than 25 ft. The Franklin 10G05-9 (10 GPM, 1/2 HP) paired with a Franklin 1/2 HP motor and a 1-1/4" drop pipe is a classic. Expect $800–$1,500 for pump/motor assemblies depending on HP and brand. Jet Pumps: Shallow well jets like Goulds J5 (1/2 HP) perform well up to 25 ft. Convertible jets (Goulds J10S) with deep well kits can work beyond that but lose efficiency. Price range: $450–$1,000 plus ejector kits. Booster/Constant Pressure: For city supply boost or irrigation. Grundfos Scala2 and Goulds Aquaboost are favorites when you want quiet and steady 60 PSI. Price range: $650–$1,500.
Installation timeframe varies: a straight submersible swap on a 150-ft well can be 3–5 hours with two techs and the right pull equipment. Jet pump setups are faster—often 2–3 hours if the suction line is in good shape.
Bold truth from the field: Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components that hold up in real-world well conditions. I’ve replaced too many bargain pumps that burned out from short cycling or sand scoring after 14 months. Buy once, install right, and you’ll forget your pump’s even there.
Pressure Tanks and Switches: The Longevity Secret
Short cycling kills pumps. A properly sized pressure tank and a correctly adjusted switch add years to your system. For most 3–4 bedroom homes, I recommend an 85-gallon (25-gallon draw) diaphragm tank like the Amtrol Well-X-Trol WX-250 or Flexcon Flex-Lite FL-85. Smaller ranch homes may do fine with a WX-203. Price range: $450–$1,100 depending on capacity and brand.
Key details:
- Precharge should match switch cut-in (e.g., 38 PSI for a 40/60 switch). Use a brass tank tee kit with gauge, relief valve (75 PSI ASME), drain, and union. Webstone and Matco-Norca kits are reliable. Switches: Square D Pumptrol FSG2 (40/60) is the workhorse. For heavy iron, use a low-pressure cut-off model (FSG2J24) to protect against dry-run after filter clogs.
Pro tip: Mount the switch on a short brass nipple off the tank tee, not on a vibrating pump line. Less chatter, more accurate cut-in/cut-out. And if you’re using constant pressure drives, follow manufacturer piping volumes—too small a buffer tank and you’ll chase nuisance trips.
And about support: Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support—we’ll help you size drawdown and explain why your irrigation demand needs a different tank strategy than your domestic fixtures.
Drop Pipe, Wire, and Check Valves: Don’t Skimp Here
The drop assembly is where many systems fail. Use schedule-rated materials and secure, corrosion-resistant fittings.
- Drop Pipe: 160 PSI SIDR poly with double stainless cinch clamps is a field staple. For deep wells and higher heads, consider 200 PSI or 1" Sch 80 PVC with threaded couplings. In sandy or corrosive environments, thicker wall counts. Wire: 2-conductor with ground, submersible-rated (THW or equivalent). Use heat-shrink splices (3M Scotchlok or equivalent). Keep splices staggered and taped for abrasion resistance. Torque Arrestor and Safety Rope: Use a properly tensioned torque arrestor 3–5 ft above the pump. Polypropylene safety rope is serviceable; stainless cable is gold standard in deeper wells. Check Valves: One integral at the pump; add an inline spring check at the pitless adapter or within 25 ft above the pump, per manufacturer guidance. Too many checks cause water hammer and air entrapment.
Pro tip: Use a brass or stainless pitless adapter rated for your depth and flow—Baker and Merrill are field-proven names. And always flush the casing after setting the pump; it’s the fastest way to protect new impellers from initial grit.
Here’s where we stand out: While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise. We stock the right torque arrestors, 3M splice kits, and NSF fittings—the precise details big retailers gloss over.
Water Treatment for Well Systems: Iron, Hardness, and Sulfur
What’s worse than low pressure? Perfect pressure with rotten egg smell. I’ve solved countless “mystery” well problems that were really water chemistry issues. Test before you treat—iron, hardness, pH, manganese, sulfur, TDS, and bacteria.
- Iron and Manganese: Use an air-injection oxidizing filter like the Clack WS1 platform with Katalox Light for ferric iron. For ferrous iron, oxidation followed by filtration is key. Price: $1,400–$2,800 installed depending on tank size and control head. Hardness: A standard 48,000-grain softener with a Fleck 5600SXT or Clack WS1 valve does the job. $900–$1,800 depending on resin and valve. Sulfur (H2S): Consider air draw systems or catalytic carbon with periodic oxidation. If sulfur is heavy, add a peroxide or chlorine feed with retention tank and carbon polish. Sediment: 20-micron pleated sediment filters for serviceable cleaning. For fine silt, I’ll spec a 5-micron spun poly cartridge in a Big Blue housing.
Pro tip: Put filters after the pressure tank, not between the pump and tank. That keeps your switch accurate and reduces pump wear. And size your filter housings and media for actual GPM demand—undersizing “chokes” the system and causes false low-pressure symptoms.
When you need product selection that’s built for well water realities, When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More. We also regularly out-spec offerings from Menards and online-only sellers who don’t see what iron does to a cheap valve after six months.
Constant Pressure Systems: When to Use VFDs
A variable frequency drive (VFD) turns your pump motor to meet real-time demand, delivering steady pressure—think shower, irrigation zone, and dishwasher running without pressure dips. If you’ve got multi-story homes, body sprays, or irrigation with fluctuating zones, constant pressure pays for itself.
Field favorites:
- Franklin Electric SubDrive Connect 115/230V with Franklin 4" motor and 10–15 GPM pumps Goulds Aquavar Solo2 paired with 10GS or 18GS series pumps Grundfos SQE with CU301 controller for compact footprints
Expect $2,200–$4,500 for a complete constant pressure upgrade, installed. Make sure your grounding and surge protection are correct—add a Type 2 SPD at the panel and a lightning arrestor for rural sites. If your well is low yield, set minimum frequency limits and a pump protector (SymCom PumpSaver) to avoid dry-run.
Pro tip: On retrofits, leave the old pressure tank in place as a buffer even with constant pressure. It smooths short-duration draws and extends drive life.
And yes, we support it: Compared to Ferguson, Grainger, and other national distributors, Plumbing Supply And More provides hands-on setup help, drive programming, and post-install troubleshooting—the kind of guidance that saves callbacks.
Electrical and Protection: Code-Compliant and Bulletproof
Wells marry water and electricity. Don’t take shortcuts. In our area, NEC requires proper overcurrent protection, grounding, and disconnects accessible at the well head or equipment location.
- Control Boxes: For 3-wire submersibles, use matched Franklin control boxes (e.g., 2823008110 for 1/2 HP 230V). Mount them in a dry, ventilated location. Protection: SymCom 233P PumpSaver, Siemens FirstSurge Type 2 SPDs, and a quality lightning arrestor at the well casing. Heat: In freeze-prone climates, heat trace exposed lines and insulate. We carry UL-listed heat cable kits sized for pitless risers and exposed hydrants.
Pro tip: Label the pressure switch settings, tank precharge, and last service date on the tank or nearby wall. Your future self—or your maintenance team—will thank you.
If you’re searching for a reliable partner and thinking “I need a plumbing supply near me that actually knows well systems,” that’s us. Our counter staff are former installers, not cashiers.
Installation Scenarios: What I’d Do in Real Jobs
- 180-ft Well, 12 GPM Recovery, 4-Bath Colonial with Irrigation: Franklin 10G07-9 with SubDrive constant pressure, 85-gallon WX-250 tank as buffer, Clack iron filter with Katalox Light, Big Blue 20-micron prefilter. Expect 6–8 hours install with two techs. Materials: ~$4,500–$7,500 depending on treatment. Shallow Farm Well with Sand: Goulds J10S convertible jet with deep well kit, 44-gallon tank, 5-micron sediment, spin-down Rusco filter upstream. Use 200 PSI poly suction with foot valve. Materials: ~$1,800–$3,200. Lake Home Booster: Grundfos Scala2 with 20-gallon tank, 5-micron carbon block for taste, UV disinfection if on surface source. Materials: ~$1,600–$3,200.
And if you’re coordinating multi-building property needs, ask about our contractor accounts, bulk pricing, and same-day delivery radius—serving contractors throughout our region with emergency run-outs when a pump dies on Friday at 4:30.
Where to Buy: Choosing the Right Supply Partner
There’s a reason pros ask for our part numbers. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components and keeps deep inventory: Franklin control boxes, Square D switches, Webstone tank tees, Clack treatment valves, and the fittings that make repairs go smoothly. We’re the nearest plumbing supply with real knowledge—not a checkout line.
You’ll see the difference walking our aisles:
- A real plumbing supply store with spec sheets and techs who know code A commercial plumbing supply counter that won’t hand you irrigation hose clamps for a 180-ft drop pipe A wholesale plumbing supply program with contractor pricing, credit terms, and will-call staging The ability to shop plumbing supply online with live inventory and call ahead to confirm pickup After-hours access options and a true 24 hour plumbing supply solution for partner accounts
We routinely outperform names like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Menards, and even online sellers like SupplyHouse.com when it comes to application-specific guidance. And we back it: While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise, with a quality guarantee on every product we recommend.
Finding the Right Parts: From Tank Tees to Relief Valves
When you’re in the middle of a job, you don’t want to bounce between three locations. Our plumbing supply house approach means we stock:
- Brass tank tee kits, gauges, 1/4-turn drains, vacuum reliefs NSF drop pipe, stainless clamps, pitless adapters, torque arrestors Pressure switches, control boxes, pump savers, SPDs Big Blue housings, sediment, carbon block, Katalox Light media Press, PEX, and solvent-weld fittings with the right thread sealants for potable systems
Pro tip: Use RectorSeal Tru-Blu with PTFE tape on threaded pitless connections; it seals without swelling and releases cleanly on service. For union gaskets at the tank tee, keep two spares in the control box—future you will be a fan.
If you’re typing “ plumbing supply store near me” or “ plumbing shop near me,” steer to the folks who troubleshoot on the counter. That’s our lane. We’re the closest plumbing supply that acts like a partner, not just a register.
Navigating the Supply Landscape: Entities You’ll See (And Why They Matter)
When contractors ask me where to source, I tell them to prioritize depth of selection and brains behind the counter. That’s what separates a real plumbing supply company from a convenience outlet.
We’re your:
- general plumbing supply and plumbing and supply hub for well systems, filtration, and hydronics contractor plumbing supply source with same-day delivery and bulk discounts plumbing supplies direct option when you need shipment to site local plumbing supply with code familiarity and inspector relationships wholesale plumbing supply company for multi-unit properties and facility teams internet plumbing supply convenience without sacrificing real-world expertise Resource for plumbing parts, plumbing spares near me, and specific items like relief valves, snubbers, and union kits Go-to for heating plumbing supply near me, plumbing and heating supply, and crossover hydronic needs Answer for budget-sensitive jobs with curated, reliable discount plumbing supplies and economy plumbing supply options that don’t cut corners Higher-end builds? We handle decorative plumbing supply and bathroom plumbing supplies—and yes, we keep it separate from well system lines to avoid cross-contamination of materials If you’re comparing supplyhouse plumbing offerings online, call us. We match value, beat misinformation, and often beat timelines.
Bottom line: Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support, same-day solutions, and a quality guarantee that keeps your systems running.
FAQ: Well and Pump Essentials, Answered by a Master Plumber
- What size pressure tank do I need for a 40/60 PSI setup? For a typical 10 GPM pump in a 3–4 bath home, I like an 85-gallon tank (around 25 gallons drawdown). If you have irrigation or a big whirlpool tub, step up. Sizing reduces cycling and extends pump life. We’ll run the drawdown math with you if you bring GPM and duty cycle. Do I need a constant pressure system? If you have noticeable pressure swings or multiple simultaneous uses (showers + irrigation), yes. VFDs like Franklin SubDrive smooth everything out. If you’re a small ranch with modest demand, a conventional tank works fine when sized right. How do I stop short cycling? Check precharge (must be 2 PSI below cut-in), verify tank diaphragm isn’t ruptured, confirm your pressure switch is clean and properly set, and inspect for hidden leaks or a failed check valve. We stock Square D switches, gauges, and tank tees to fix this same-day. What’s the best filter for iron? If it’s ferric iron, a Katalox Light backwashing filter on a Clack WS1 head is excellent. For ferrous iron (clear water), pre-oxidize with air draw or chemical feed, then filter. We’ll test water at our counter or recommend a local lab—bring a fresh sample. Why does my well pump trip the breaker? Could be a failing start capacitor (3-wire), locked rotor from debris, voltage drop on a long wire run, or a waterlogged tank creating rapid cycling. Bring us your motor plate info; we’ll size wire, check controls, and get you the right breaker and SPD. How far do you deliver? We provide same-day delivery within our regional radius for contractor accounts and can arrange emergency runs. Call ahead to confirm timing—we prioritize no-water situations and critical path jobs.
A Better Supply Partner for Wells and Pumps
If you’re serious about building or maintaining a reliable well system, you need more than a cart and a receipt—you need expertise, inventory depth, and a partner who answers the phone when the water stops. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components, and we back them with real tech support. While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise. And when you hit a snag in the field, Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support that saves hours and callbacks.
Visit our showroom to see the quality difference. Check our current inventory online or call ahead. Ask about our contractor discount program and same-day delivery. Our experts can walk you through the installation process, verify code compliance in our area, and help you select the exact pump curve and tank size for your application.
If you’re searching for the best plumbing supply, plumbing wholesale near me, or a plumbing supply house near me that actually understands wells and pumps, you’ve found it. Whether you’re a property manager coordinating multiple buildings, a serious DIY homeowner, or a contractor keeping tight schedules, Plumbing Supply And More is the reliable, knowledgeable, and value-driven partner you’ve been looking for.