Water well is a good and reliable source of water for most homes, especially the large residential and commercial farms. Well water is pumped out of the ground using a well pump, which relies on electric power to rotate its motor, which does the rest. When there is a power outage, the well pump will need some other source of energy to keep it running and supply you with water. That’s where a backup generator comes in as the problem-solver.
Where do I find the best generator for a well pump? You might ask! As you might have guessed, there’re several generators in the current market. Finding the right unit for your well pump can be a bit tricky. So, what do you do? All you have to do is follow this guide to the end. I have prepared a list of the top best models and also given you a short buying guide to help you buy the best. Let’s get started!
Top 6 Best Generators for Well Pumps in 2021
Not all generators are robust and reliable to run your well pump efficiently. I have gone forth and done thorough research on the best generator for well pump and came up with the list below. Every product here is worth your investment.
1. Honda EU3000iS Portable Super Quiet Inverter Generator
The 1st model is the Honda EU3000i Portable Inverter Generator. It’s a powerful model mostly used by the campers and RVers. It’s also a model that you might have come across before. As famous, it’s, this model does deliver reliable power. Even though its 2800-watt and the 120-volt ratings are quite low, it’s an ideal unit to run a smaller well pump.
Apart from using quiet inverter technology, the portable design employed here makes it ideal for mobile power needs. And the best part is, if you ever need more power for a bigger well pump, you can connect another EU3000i using a parallel kit almost to double the power. The exclusive eco-throttle system allows the generator to offer better fuel efficiency and reduce noise by reducing the electrical load.
Pros:
- Color-coded startup points
- Powerful GXR120 engine
- Easy to use and maintain
- User-friendly design
- Fuel shut off valve
- Super Quiet
Cons:
- Quite expensive
2. Champion Power Equipment 71531 Dual Fuel Generator
The next best generator for a well pump is this powerful Champion Dual Fuel Generator. It’s also a high power model ideal for running a well pump and other appliances at a go. The dual-fuel technology allows you to choice either liquid propane or unleaded gasoline. It also has a fuel selector, which makes it convenient and too safe to switch between the two fuels while the generator is running. It’s ideal for running at least a 2HP well pump together with other appliances.
Apart from the high power rating, the generator runs on a 439cc OHV engine, which allows it to provide reliable power. It does also come with a durable frame fitted with a portability kit for easy mobility. The Intelli-gauge employed here ensures you an easy way to monitor the volts, hertz, and the operating hours of the generator. There is also overload protection in case your appliances go over the required load.
Pros:
- Durable frame with portability kit
- Champion 439cc OHV Engine
- EPA/CARB approved
- Overload Protection
- Fuel selector switch
- Low Oil Sensor
- Intelli-gauge
Cons:
- High on the price
3. Westinghouse WGen7500DF Dual Fuel Generator
The next best generator for well pump is the powerful Westinghouse WGen7500DF dual fuel generator. It’s yet another portable model designed to give reliable power wherever needed. It runs on either gasoline or propane and works home transfer switch to provide enough power for home essentials and well pump in a power outage.
The generator is powered by a reliable and powerful 420cc Westinghouse engine fitted with the automatic low-oil shut down as a protective measure. I was impressed by the fact that it’s a plug and play generator, which means, if you do not want to connect it to your home line, you can join the well pump directly to it. It does come with an intuitive control panel equipped with all the necessary outlets.
Pros:
- Convenient Push-Button Electric Start
- EPA, CARB, and CSA Compliant
- Intuitive Control Panel
- Dual fuel Technology
- Digital Hour Meter
- Remote Key Fob
- Plug-and-Play
Cons:
- Quite Heavy
- Problem starting in lower temperatures
4. DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Here is another reliable generator from DuroMax, but this time a much more powerful model, the DuroMax XP12000EH generator. Why did I include it in this list? The model is ideal for those large homes that need more than one well pump to run at a go. It’s also suitable for the homes that need a generator to run as a home backup power unit and at the same time, running the well pump. It’s also a perfect generator for running commercial and deep well pumps.
It’s a dual fuel generator with a massive power output; it can run on either propane or gasoline. The generator is powered by an enormously powerful 457cc OHV engine that allows it to run all day without tiring. Another thing, this ‘beast’ uses the DuroMax MX2 exclusive technology to deliver either 120v or 240v power in one receptacle smartly. It’s a safe power provider for your well pump.
Pros:
- Rugged and durable construction
- DuroMax MX2 technology
- Powerful DuroMax engine
- User-friendly electric start
- EPA and CARB approved
- Noise-reducing muffler
- Dual fuel technology
Cons:
- Heavy
- A bit noisy
5. Briggs & Stratton 30664 Generator
Another great model in the list is the premium Briggs & Stratton 30664 Generator. It’s also a portable generator with a user-friendly design. The generator runs on a robust 2100 series 420cc OHV engine that allows it to provide 10000 surge watts and 8000 running watts. On top of that, fuel efficiency is also top. With its 7.5 fuel tank full, the generator can run for an impressive 9-hours non-stop with half load.
It’s a generator that will give enough, clean, and instant power to keep your well pump running during a power outage. It does also include the required outlets ideal for connecting a well pump directly fitted with breaker protection and rubber cover. Additionally, there is a fuel gauge and an hour meter, which helps in monitoring the gas level. For low-noise operation, the unit uses a super lo-tone muffler.
Pros:
- 2100 series OHV 420cc engine
- Circuit breaker protection
- Clean and instant power
- Fast, effortless starting
- Never go flat wheels
- Key electric start
- Remote choke
Cons:
- Cannot be shipped to the state of California
6. DuroMax XP4400E Gas Portable Generator
My last generator for you is the powerful DuroMax XP440E portable gas generator. The generator runs on a robust and reliable 196cc, 7HP engine, which allows it to provide enough 4400 surge watts and 3500 running watts. With a single tank, the generator can run for around 8-hours at half load. It’s a generator you can use to run a well pump up to 2HP.
Its portable design allows it to provide power even in the most remote areas. And thanks to its wheel kit and front handle, it’s easy to carry it around and store it. While you’re busy handling other tasks, you don’t have to keep monitoring the generator as it runs the well pump. It does come with a low-oil shut-off feature that protects the engine when the oil goes below the recommended level.
Pros:
- Convenient One-touch electric start
- A built-in spark arrestor on the muffler
- Wheel kit and front handle
- EPA and CARB approved
- Protects Surge-Arrest
Cons:
- Noisy mechanism
Best Generator for Well Pump Buying Guide:
As you might have noticed, the generators on my list have several similarities and also differences. A generator ideal for running a well pump needs to meet certain aspects and requirements. These factors will help you pick the right model to buy. Here they are:
Power Rating
Your well pump rating will tell you the amount of power you need from a generator. The value will let you size the generator properly. Mostly the well pumps come with horsepower rating and the voltage required. With this value, you will need to calculate the amount of generator power it requires.
With that said, you need to multiply the constant value 746 with the horsepower to get watts, and after that, you can use it to know how much wattage the pump needs. For instance, if you have a 1.5HP pump that needs to a 240-volts, do the following to get the wattage:
1HP = 746 watts
So, for a 1.5HP pump the wattage = 1.5 x 746 = 1119 running watts at 100% efficiency
That means you need a generator with double this power to start and run a 1.5HP well pump. If you need to connect other appliances or power tools to the same generator, then you have to add all the appliances’ power ratings and get a better capacity.
Generator Type
There are three major types of generators you can buy, an inverter generator, a convectional generator, or a standby generator. The first two types are portable generators with movable power, while the standby type is a fixed, non-mobile unit. The generator offers massive power used for a large home or industrial power backup.
If you don’t want to keep your water well pump connected to your home backup system, I would recommend you pick either an inverter generator or a convection generator. And if you live in an area where noise needs to be kept minimal, the best way is to use an inverter generator.
Construction Integrity
Generators are mechanical tools that vibrate a lot and are also substantial. The construction of a generator will determine how well it delivers power while also tell you how long it will last. If you need something heavy-duty and also long-lasting, you need to make sure the materials used in its construction are also heavy-duty and durable. The framing needs to be on point, and the vibration rubber pads put in place properly. The general casing should also be high-quality and use rust-free construction elements.
Fuel Type
Now that you know the wattage, generator type, and the construction quality, you need to consider the fuel type accessible to you. Some models run on oil and gas, others run on gasoline, other run on diesel while others run on dual fuel (gas or propane). The juice is the most accessible fuel. However, it does have a lower shelf life compared to propane. If you leave in remote areas, a dual fuel generator is the best choice for you.
Best Generators for Well Pump (FAQs)
Do I need a transfer switch to connect my well pump to the generator?
Yes and No. If you’re connecting the generator to your home power backup line where the well pump is also connected, then you will need a transfer switch. However, if you want to join the well pump directly to the generator, all you need is a power breaker to prevent over-surge; you don’t need a transfer switch here.
Can I refill the generator while it’s running?
No! And a big NO! You should never refill the generator while it’s running or when it’s still hot. Gasoline and liquid propane are highly flammable fuels that can go ablaze at any time. You need to shut down the generator and allow it to cool down, then refill.
GLOBO TOOLS OVERVIEW
It’s always my happiness to know that I have helped a buyer somewhere in finding the ideal model to buy. The guide I’ve provided here will help you find the best generator for well pump, and with it, you will be covered during the next blackout. Do not ignore anything; everything in this article is crucial in your buying process. Good Luck!
Related Info:
Nice post about best generator for well pump. I think your post very helpful for more people. Thanks for sharing the information.
I love to help people and I appreciate your comment and feedback.
We’re just buying a home in the country with a well and this article has helped us have choices and to know we need to research what we have for what we need. Appreciate your knowledge and keep up the Great sharing of ideas.
Thanks and I think that anyone that buys any one of these generators
Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and providing a sense of direction. I had no idea where to begin. It is greatly appreciated!