The shower went cold, the pressure gauge slid to zero, and the kitchen sink coughed out a gritty slurry. I’ve walked into that exact scene more times than I can count. In most cases, the culprit isn’t mysterious—sand infiltration chews up impellers, scours bearings, and silts intake screens until a good pump turns into scrap. If your well produces any grit at all, you cannot afford to run a pump that isn’t engineered for sand. That’s where the right Myers submersible well pump—built right and sized right—stops the bleeding.
Meet the Arguellos out of rural Mora County, New Mexico. Javier Arguello (39), a high school math teacher, and his wife, Lila (36), a home-based graphic designer, live on eight acres with their kids Tomas (9) and Inez (6). Their 280-foot well sits in a sandy alluvial zone. After a budget-brand 1 HP submersible failed in under three years, they replaced it with a mid-range competitor that lasted barely two more. Both pumps ate sand, ran hot, and lost pressure. Javier called me at PSAM when the second motor started tripping the breaker—classic symptom of worn stages and packed intake screen.
For families like the Arguellos, water isn’t optional. Laundry, livestock troughs, gardening, showers—the pump is the backbone of rural life. In this list, I’ll break down how a Myers Predator Plus Series submersible well pump prevents sand damage and keeps your system efficient for a decade or more. We’ll cover stainless steel construction, Teflon-impregnated staging, Pentek XE motors, correct sizing for TDH and GPM, installation best practices, filtration, monitoring, and more. If you’re a homeowner, contractor, or in emergency-buy mode, use this as your step-by-step playbook to stop sand from owning your pump.
Awards and achievements matter here: Myers is backed by Pentair engineering, delivers 80%+ hydraulic efficiency near BEP, carries an industry-leading 3-year warranty, and is Made in the USA with NSF/UL/CSA certifications. At PSAM, we stock what we recommend and ship same-day on in-stock models. I’m Rick Callahan, and my “Rick’s Picks” list only includes gear that holds up in the field. Myers does—plain and simple.
#1. Myers Predator Plus Series Stainless Steel Construction – 300 Series Lead-Free Materials Resist Sand Scour and Corrosion in Private Wells
Sand doesn’t just abrade impellers; it scours housings, weakens fasteners, and compromises seals. A pump’s metal matters. This is where the Myers Pumps Predator Plus Series earns its keep.
The Predator Plus shell, discharge bowl, shaft, coupling, wear ring, and suction screen are all 300 series stainless steel—true corrosion resistance with superior hardness to handle minor grit long-term. Unlike softer cast alloys, stainless resists pitting from mineral-rich water and the micro-etching that sand causes. Pair the all-stainless exterior with engineered composite impellers and a stainless wear ring and you reduce stage wobble as the pump ages, keeping efficiency high and vibration low. The threaded assembly design makes on-site field service possible without junking the entire unit, and that’s money back in your pocket over time.
Javier and Lila saw rewelded seams and rust blooming on their old pump’s discharge head. With Predator Plus, that failure mode disappears. Stainless integrity plus NSF certified construction gives them confidence to run irrigation and household supply without babying the system.
How stainless steel halts sand escalation
Stainless components hold tight tolerances under abrasion, which means less bypass around the impeller edges and less velocity turbulence. Fewer turbulent eddies equal less grit cycling in the bowl stack. Over years, that’s the difference between quiet runs and rattling bearings.
Corrosion resistance in mineral-heavy aquifers
Mineral-rich or slightly acidic water chews on mild steel and cast iron. Stainless—especially in the intake screen and discharge—stays clean, preventing flow constriction that accelerates sand ingestion during peaks.
Field-serviceable threaded assembly benefits
When wear does show up, Predator Plus lets a qualified tech replace a stage or wear ring without a full teardown. That serviceability keeps the pump in spec and limits efficiency loss from stage mismatch.
Takeaway: Stainless Predator Plus construction is your first line of defense against sand and corrosion—and it’s the foundation for long, quiet service.
#2. Teflon-Impregnated Staging – Self-Lubricating Impellers and Wear Surfaces That Outlast Grit and Silica
Once sand penetrates the intake, stage wear is the next battle. Predator Plus uses Teflon-impregnated staging and self-lubricating impellers to survive what typical pumps can’t.
Teflon’s low coefficient of friction keeps impellers gliding smoothly even when micro-particles seep into the bowl stack. As grit tries to carve channels through thermoplastics, the impregnated surfaces resist groove formation. That preserves impeller geometry and maintains the pressure you paid for. The internal check valve prevents backspin that grinds particles through the stages each cycle. Combine that with a robust intake screen and you stop the “sand blender” effect that kills cheaper pumps.
When I pulled the Arguellos’ failed pump, the impeller edges were serrated—classic grit scour. With Predator Plus, we’ve seen staging last beyond 10 years in light-sand wells, especially when paired with the filtration strategies I outline below.
Why stage geometry matters under abrasion
Maintaining impeller edge profile keeps your GPM rating and pressure performance near the pump curve you selected. Deformed edges force the motor to run hotter, shortening lifespan.
Self-lubrication reduces friction heat
Less friction equals lower amperage draw and cooler operating temps. A cooler pump is an efficient pump—critical for sandy wells where minor friction becomes chronic heat.
Protecting the wear ring: the critical gap
The stainless wear ring and Teflon surfaces preserve the critical clearance that keeps efficiency high. When that gap opens due to wear, pressure tanks short cycle and motors suffer.
Takeaway: If sand is your enemy, Teflon-impregnated staging isn’t a luxury. It’s the difference between a 5-year headache and a decade-plus of reliable, quiet water.
#3. Pentek XE High-Thrust Motor Technology – 80%+ Hydraulic Efficiency at BEP and Real Sand-Tolerant Power
Power moves water; efficiency saves you money every month. The Predator Plus mates with the Pentek XE motor—a high-thrust, single-phase motor engineered for submersible duty with thermal overload protection and lightning protection.
High-thrust motors are critical for multi-stage pumps in deeper wells. They stabilize the vertical shaft and control axial loads from stacked impellers so grit doesn’t shove the rotor into bearings. Pair that thrust handling with 80%+ hydraulic efficiency near Best Efficiency Point (BEP) and you’re running cooler, straighter, and cheaper. The XE motor’s windings are built for continuous duty at 230V with clean startup torque, so you’re not beating the motor every time the pressure switch closes.
Javier’s former pump cooked itself on hot afternoons when irrigation overlapped showers. With the Pentek XE, his Myers system stays within amperage spec and holds target pressure even when the garden hose is wide open.
Thermal protections buy time and longevity
Overheat? The motor protects itself, reducing burnout risk from partial blockages at the intake screen. A sand event doesn’t automatically become a motor failure.
Thrust bearings designed for multi-stage load
Proper axial support means less wobble in the stage stack. Less wobble means fewer particles pulled into damaging spots—and less long-term shaft wear.
Lower amperage draw = saved dollars
A properly sized Myers unit with Pentek XE commonly trims 10-20% off energy costs versus out-of-curve setups. Efficiency isn’t a buzzword; it’s monthly savings on rural electric bills.
Takeaway: Pentek XE isn’t just powerful—it’s smart power that tolerates grit and protects itself when conditions get rough.
#4. Well Depth and GPM Sizing Requirements – Matching Horsepower to TDH Using Real Pump Curves and Sand-Safe Margins
Most sand failures start with sizing errors. Undersized horsepower runs hot and fast, eroding stages; oversized horsepower can surge and pull wells down too quickly, entraining sand. Smart sizing uses TDH (total dynamic head), friction losses, and a realistic GPM rating based on household needs.
For the Arguellos’ 280-foot well with a static water level around 118 feet and a target 10-12 GPM for a four-person household, we ran the curve for a 1 HP Predator Plus in the 10-13 GPM series. Factoring vertical lift, friction through 1-inch drop pipe, and a 50/70 PSI setting on the pressure tank, TDH landed in the sweet spot where the Myers curve holds 80% efficiency. The result: stable pressure with minimal cycling, no aggressive drawdown, and fewer sand-laden startups.
Calculate TDH properly
Add vertical lift (pumping level to pressure tank), pressure conversion (PSI to feet), and pipe friction. Use real data: water level, not well depth. Add a margin for seasonal fluctuations.
Select stages for BEP
Choose a model where your working point sits at or just right of BEP on the pump curve. That’s where Myers lives long and runs cool—with less turbulence that can redisperse sand.
Choose sensible flow rates
Typical homes need 7-12 GPM. Irrigation bumps that up. Don’t over-pump a sandy formation. A multi-stage pump delivering steady, moderate flow is safer than a high-flow surge machine.
Takeaway: Sizing is half the battle against sand. Use the curves, choose stages wisely, and keep your operating point in the sweet spot.
#5. Intake Defense – Suction Screen, Internal Check Valve, and Cable Guard Placement to Minimize Sand Ingestion
Before sand reaches the staging, the intake must do its job. Myers equips Predator Plus with a robust stainless intake screen, an internal check valve, and provisions for a proper cable guard—each component plays a role in sand control.
A well-designed screen prevents larger grit from entering without choking off flow. The internal check valve stops reverse spin that grinds particles through stages on shutdown. Correct cable guard usage keeps the assembly centered, avoiding casing wall contact that can stir up settled sediment. I recommend setting the pump at least 10 feet above the well bottom and above known sediment layers when geology permits.
When Javier lowered his old pump within four feet of the bottom, sand intrusion skyrocketed. We reset the Myers unit 12 feet up, added a torque arrestor, and reoriented the cable guard. Grit complaints vanished.
Screen sizing and maintenance
Stainless screens resist collapse and corrosion, maintaining open area for clean intake. Annual visual checks during any pull prevent surprise clogging.
Check valve integrity
A leaky check valve creates water hammer and backflow—two surefire ways to churn sediment. Myers’ integrated valve holds, protecting stages.
Placement in the water column
Leave clearance above the bottom. If your static level swings seasonally, ensure you’re not sucking air or bottom silt in August.
Takeaway: Intake defense is simple engineering discipline—done right, it’s a quiet, sand-free life for your pump.
#6. Installation Best Practices – 2-Wire vs 3-Wire, Splice Quality, and Drop Pipe Choices That Protect Against Sand Damage
Even the best pump can’t survive a sloppy install. With Myers, you can choose 2-wire configuration or 3-wire configuration depending on depth, control needs, and contractor preference. For most residential setups under 350 feet, I favor modern 2-wire Myers models: fewer connections, simplified troubleshooting, and excellent reliability. If you want above-ground component control or legacy compatibility, 3-wire with a control box is available.
Use SCH 80 or quality poly for drop pipe sized to reduce friction loss. Crimped stainless fittings and double-clamped joints prevent micro-leaks that can entrain air and disturb sediment. A heat-shrink, resin-filled wire splice kit is non-negotiable—bad splices introduce resistance that overheats motors. Finally, set a proper pitless adapter and torque arrestor to keep the assembly stabilized.
We corrected the Arguellos’ previous twisted cable and improper splices. The Myers pulled 2-3 amps less after the fix, and sand in the filters dropped substantially.
2-wire simplicity done right
Fewer parts equals fewer failure points. With Myers’ robust motor controls built in, a clean 2-wire installation is a rock-solid choice for many homes.
Splice integrity protects your motor
Resistance heat from poor splices accelerates insulation breakdown and shorts. Use adhesive-lined heat-shrink rated for submersible duty. Period.
Drop pipe friction and stability
Smooth interior pipe plus correct diameter prevent velocity spikes—those spikes stir sediment. Stable supports keep the pump from knocking the casing.
Takeaway: Installation is your insurance policy. Do it once, do it right, and sand becomes manageable instead of mission-critical.
#7. Pressure Tank Strategy – Correct Sizing, Pressure Switch Settings, and Cycling Control to Limit Sand Stir-Up
Short-cycling can be a silent sand generator. Every rapid start pulls a fresh slug of water—and potentially grit—through the intake. A properly sized pressure tank, tuned pressure switch, and anti-short-cycle strategy keep the pump running smooth.
Aim for at least one-minute run time per cycle under normal household draw. For many homes, that means a 44- to 86-gallon tank. Set the switch at 40/60 or 50/70 based on comfort and available head; tune pre-charge to 2 PSI below cut-in. Install a high-quality check valve at the tank tee, and avoid multiple check valves in-line that can trap sand and create ghost cycling. With Myers’ efficiency, you’ll hold pressure without frequent kicks.
Javier’s prior system ran 30/50 with a tiny tank; showers caused 40-second cycles. We upgraded to a larger tank and 50/70 settings—cycles lengthened, flow steadied, and sand in the spin-down filter dropped.
Longer cycles, less turbulence
Longer, steadier runs reduce the turbulence spikes that dislodge sediment. The pump stays at stable amperage, the well column stays calm.
Switch accuracy matters
Cheap switches drift. A quality switch keeps cut-in/out where you set it, protecting your motor and limiting nuisance starts.
Tank placement and piping
Short, appropriately sized bursts from the pump to the tank lower friction losses and prevent velocity ramps that could re-suspend fine sand.
Takeaway: Calm water equals clean water. Proper tank strategy is a quiet way to defeat sand.
#8. Sand Filtration and Protection – Spin-Down Screens, Sediment Filters, and Point-of-Use Defense That Preserve Your Pump
Even a sand-tolerant pump appreciates backup. A staged filtration approach shields fixtures and keeps grit from recirculating. Start with a clear spin-down filter (100–200 mesh) after the tank tee to catch visible sediment; follow with a 5–20 micron sediment filter for fines. If iron is present, add iron-specific media downstream. Remember: filters belong after the pressure tank to avoid starving the pump.
For irrigation zones prone to grit, consider a spin-down branch before the manifold. Never install fine filtration before the pressure tank; starving a submersible can cause cavitation and more sand movement. Javier added a spin-down and 10-micron cartridge—his faucets stopped spitting grit, and his dishwasher thanked him.
Mesh selection for your formation
Coarser mesh (100) for wells with occasional grit, finer (200) for persistent fines. Cleanability matters—spin-down units are fast to purge.
Filter maintenance schedule
Set reminders. A clogged filter raises backpressure and tempts sand to settle in undesirable spots. See-through housings simplify checks.
Bypass loops for service
Plumb bypasses so you can maintain filters without shutting the house down. Simple unions make all the difference on a Saturday morning.
Takeaway: Smart filtration doesn’t fix a bad well, but it absolutely extends pump and fixture life while improving day-to-day water quality.
#9. Field-Serviceable Threaded Assembly – On-Site Repairs Without Full Replacement vs Franklin Electric Dealer-Only Constraints
Serviceability is a quiet superpower. The Predator Plus threaded assembly allows qualified contractors to replace stages, wear rings, or the internal check valve on-site. That’s real-world money saved and fewer days without water.
Now, let’s compare. Franklin Electric builds excellent equipment, but many of their submersible systems are paired with proprietary control boxes and supported by specialized dealer networks. That can mean longer wait times for parts or service, and less flexibility for independent contractors. Myers’ design embraces field service: standard threads, accessible sections, and widely available parts through PSAM. In sandy environments, the ability to replace a worn stage stack without scrapping the entire pump is a game-changer.
In practice, serviceability reduces total downtime and preserves the investment you’ve already made in stainless components. For Javier, knowing a worn stage could be replaced on a Monday afternoon—without ordering a whole new pump—was peace of mind.
- Technical edge: stainless construction and Teflon-impregnated staging resist wear; when wear happens, threads allow practical rebuilds. Application edge: independent contractors can service on-site; no proprietary gatekeeping. Value conclusion: lower lifetime costs, faster turnarounds, and genuine flexibility—worth every single penny.
Standardized parts availability
From wear rings to screens, PSAM stocks Myers components. That means your well is down for hours, not weeks.
Contractor-friendly maintenance
Any qualified tech can pull, replace, and reassemble. You’re not locked into a single dealer.
Lower ownership cost
Rebuilds and partial replacements extend life and limit large capital hits. That’s how you beat sand economically.
Takeaway: In sandy wells, rebuildability is insurance. Myers gives it to you without strings attached.
#10. Extended 3-Year Warranty – Industry-Leading Coverage That Actually Aligns With Sand-Resistant Engineering
You can tell a lot about a manufacturer by the warranty they’re willing to put in writing. Myers backs Predator Plus with an industry-leading 3-year warranty—a full 36 months.
Compared to 12–18 months from many brands, that’s confidence you can bank on. The warranty pairs with sand-resistant design: 300 series stainless steel, Teflon-impregnated staging, and the Pentek XE motor. When sand events happen, proper installation and maintenance keep you squarely within coverage. At PSAM, we document installs and help you navigate curve selection and settings, which keeps everything transparent.
Javier slept better knowing he wasn’t rolling the dice on another short-lived pump. Myers’ warranty gave him the runway to invest in filtration and a larger tank without worrying myers water pump about a sudden, unprotected failure.
What warranty doesn’t cover—and why that’s good
No warranty covers abuse or egregious mis-sizing. That’s a feature, not a bug—it pushes everyone to do it right, which yields the long life you want.
Documentation wins
Save your curve selection, install photos, and pressure settings. PSAM keeps records for customers; it speeds up any claim process.
Warranty meets real engineering
When design fights sand, warranty becomes a safety net, not a crutch. That’s the Myers approach.
Takeaway: A serious warranty is the handshake you deserve. Myers delivers it—and we stand behind it at PSAM.
Detailed Comparison: Myers vs Goulds vs Red Lion in Sandy Wells
Material and staging are decisive in abrasive conditions. Myers Predator Plus uses full 300 series stainless steel for shell, discharge, shaft, and screen, coupled with Teflon-impregnated staging. Goulds offers strong products, but models with cast iron components can pit and corrode faster in mineral-rich or acidic water, widening clearances and accelerating stage wear. Red Lion’s thermoplastic housings keep initial cost low but are more prone to stress from pressure cycles and temperature swings, and the softer housing allows grit to score surfaces faster. On motors, Myers’ Pentek XE delivers high-thrust, efficient operation tuned for multi-stage loads common in deep wells.
In the field, installation and maintenance diverge. Myers’ field serviceable threaded body lets contractors replace wear parts without scrapping the entire pump—key for sandy aquifers. Goulds often performs well but replacement costs rise when corroded parts seize. Red Lion can be attractive for shallow, clean wells, but in sand, premature wear-out cycles are common. Energy-wise, Myers’ 80%+ hydraulic efficiency near BEP keeps utility bills down and reduces heat that exacerbates abrasion.
When you depend on a private well daily, durability, serviceability, and efficiency decide ownership cost. Myers’ stainless build, self-lubricating staging, and Pentek XE motor—backed by a 3-year warranty and PSAM support—are worth every single penny.
#11. 2-Wire Value and Control Simplicity – Save $200–$400 Upfront vs Grundfos 3-Wire Complexity Without Sacrificing Protection
For many homes, the cleanest path is a 2-wire well pump with integrated motor protection. Myers offers both 2- and 3-wire options, but the 2-wire Predator Plus models often deliver the best value: fewer external components, faster installs, and fewer failure points.
Contrast this with certain Grundfos packages that lean into 3-wire setups and more complex control systems. Those can be excellent for advanced applications but add upfront costs in control boxes and wiring complexity—often $200–$400 more on day one. In sandy wells, simpler installations reduce connection points where voltage drops or miswiring can stress motors. Predators’ built-in protections—like thermal overload protection—cover what most households need.
The Arguellos’ 2-wire setup trimmed install time and cost. Between the simplified wiring and clean pump curve fit, they got reliability without paying for complexity they didn’t need.
Fewer external parts, fewer headaches
Every extra control box adds connections and diagnostic steps. With Myers 2-wire, the pump/motor package carries the intelligence.
Motor protection still on board
Thermal and lightning protections are integrated where they matter—at the motor—keeping sand-related stress from escalating into burnout.
Contractor and DIY-friendly
Licensed pros love the speed; confident DIYers appreciate clarity. PSAM supports both with spec sheets and curve guidance.
Takeaway: In many residential wells, 2-wire simplicity wins on cost, reliability, and speed—especially in abrasive environments.
#12. Long-Term ROI – Myers vs Budget Brands (Everbilt/Flotec) in Sandy Aquifers Over 10 Years
Budget pumps have a place, but not in sandy wells. Everbilt and Flotec units often advertise attractive upfront pricing and decent flow rates. In the field, I see a different story: 3–5 years of service under grit, stage wear after a couple of seasons, and rising energy draw as impellers deform and clearances open. Three replacements in a decade costs more than one durable pump.
By contrast, a Myers Predator Plus routinely delivers 8–15 years, and with meticulous maintenance and good geology, I’ve seen 20–30 years. The Pentek XE motor, Teflon-impregnated staging, and stainless construction keep performance near the curve, so you don’t overpay the electric co-op. The 3-year warranty protects the early years, where budget brands often fall off and leave homeowners stranded.
Javier ran the math with me: two budget pumps plus one emergency install easily exceeded the cost of a single Myers system installed right, with filtration and a larger tank. For a rural family, that math is what matters.
- Performance: Myers holds BEP and protects stages; budget brands drift early. Maintenance: Budget pumps become frequent fliers; Myers becomes background noise. Value: Fewer replacements, lower energy, and resilient staging—worth every single penny.
Energy and replacement cost calculus
Over 10 years, energy savings plus skipped replacements pay back the delta quickly. In sandy wells, “cheap” becomes expensive fast.
Emergency liability
When budget pumps fail during harvest or a holiday, the premium for rush replacements eliminates any initial savings.
Resale and reliability
A home with a proven Myers system and documented service is an asset. Buyers notice, inspectors note it, and problems don’t scare lenders.
Takeaway: Over a decade, Myers simply costs less to own—and you actually enjoy your water the entire time.
FAQ: Myers Submersible Well Pump and Sand Damage
How do I determine the correct horsepower for my well depth and household water demand?
Start with your well’s pumping water level, not total depth. Convert desired pressure to feet (2.31 feet per PSI), add vertical lift, and include friction loss for your drop pipe and fittings. That sum is your TDH. Next, estimate demand: most homes do well at 7–12 GPM; add more for irrigation. Pick a Myers submersible well pump whose pump curve places your working point near BEP. For example, at 280 feet with a 50/70 PSI switch (about 162 feet of pressure head) and moderate friction, a 1 HP Predator Plus in the 10–13 GPM series often fits. Running near BEP keeps amps and heat down, which keeps sand from accelerating wear. If you’re on the fence, call PSAM—I’ll run the curve with your actual numbers and help you choose stages and HP that meet demand without pulling the well down into sand.
What GPM flow rate does a typical household need and how do multi-stage impellers affect pressure?
A household of four typically needs 7–12 GPM for comfortable concurrent use—showers, laundry, and a faucet or two. If you irrigate, consider separate zones to keep the demand in that range. Multi-stage pumps like the Myers Predator Plus stack impellers to increase pressure (head) at a given flow. More stages = more head, not necessarily more flow. That’s helpful in deeper wells or higher pressure switch settings (e.g., 50/70). The key is choosing a model where your demand intersects the curve near the best efficiency point. That’s where the pump delivers steady pressure without surging, which reduces sediment disturbance. For a 150–300 ft well, a 3/4 to 1 HP Predator Plus at 10 GPM is a common sweet spot. If you need 15–20 GPM for irrigation, stage and pipe accordingly to avoid velocity spikes that stir up sand.
How does the Myers Predator Plus Series achieve 80% hydraulic efficiency compared to competitors?
Efficiency isn’t luck—it’s geometry, materials, and motor pairing. Predator Plus uses engineered composite impellers with tight-tolerance Teflon-impregnated staging, keeping clearances optimized under load. The Pentek XE motor provides high thrust capacity, maintaining shaft stability so impellers run true. That stable stack reduces turbulence and recirculation, which directly improves efficiency. Combine that with 300 series stainless steel wear components that don’t pit or deform, and the pump holds its factory curve longer. At BEP, you’ll see 80%+ hydraulic efficiency, which translates to lower amperage draw and cooler operation. In sandy wells, that cooler, smoother run is everything—less heat, less wear, more years of service. Competitors that use lower-grade housings or allow wear to open clearances can’t hold those efficiencies over time.
Why is 300 series stainless steel superior to cast iron for submersible well pumps?
Below grade, chemistry counts. 300 series stainless steel resists corrosion in mineral-rich or slightly acidic water. It maintains smooth surfaces that resist biofilm and sediment adhesion, keeping the intake screen and discharge open. Cast iron components—common on some competitor models—can pit and rust, especially around fasteners and seams. Corrosion opens tolerances and creates turbulence that recirculates grit through the stage stack. The result is faster impeller edge wear, elevated motor amps, and premature failure. With stainless, your wear points—especially the wear ring area—remain stable, protecting the stage geometry. That stability is critical in sandy aquifers, where even a small increase in turbulence creates a “sand blender” effect. In short, stainless keeps your pump performing at spec and protects your investment for the long haul.
How do Teflon-impregnated self-lubricating impellers resist sand and grit damage?
Teflon’s low-friction surface reduces drag between impeller edges and bowl surfaces, even when fine grit intrudes. Myers’ Teflon-impregnated staging resists groove formation that grit typically carves into standard thermoplastics. Grooves increase recirculation and cut pressure; with impregnated staging, the surface stays smooth longer, preserving impeller edge profile and GPM rating. That means your pump maintains pressure without spiking amps to compensate. Self-lubrication reduces heat generation during short-run starts—where many pumps see the worst abrasion due to stop/start turbulence. Pair this with an internal check valve that prevents reverse spin at shutoff, and you minimize grit’s chance to sandpaper the stack from both directions. For sandy wells, this combination is a major reason Myers outlasts standard-bearings and non-impregnated stages common in mid- and budget-tier pumps.
What makes the Pentek XE high-thrust motor more efficient than standard well pump motors?
The Pentek XE motor is engineered for the vertical loads of a multi-stage pump. High-thrust bearings maintain precise axial alignment, so impellers stay centered in the bowl stack. That alignment minimizes rubbing and recirculation losses, improving hydraulic efficiency. The motor’s windings are optimized for continuous duty at 230V, with thermal overload protection and lightning protection to prevent common failure modes. In the real world, that means lower amperage draw at your chosen duty point and cooler operation—both are crucial in sandy wells where heat accelerates wear. The XE also offers strong startup torque without excessive inrush that can destabilize the column and kick up sediment. Matched to Predator Plus hydraulics, it’s a balanced system that holds the curve you selected instead of drifting as components wear.
Can I install a Myers submersible pump myself or do I need a licensed contractor?
A competent plumbingsupplyandmore.com DIYer with the right tools, a helper, and respect for electricity and lifting can install a Myers submersible. That said, I strongly recommend a licensed contractor for deep wells, 230V electrical work, or when cranes/hoists are needed. Critical steps include proper wire splice kit use (adhesive-lined heat-shrink), correct pitless adapter installation, secure torque arrestor and safety rope, and accurate pressure switch and pressure tank setup. Mistakes here create premature failures or sand issues. PSAM supplies complete kits—pump, drop pipe, pitless, tank tee, fittings—and I’ll walk you through the pump curve and TDH calculations beforehand. If you DIY, document the install, save your curve selection, and photograph the setup—this helps with warranty and future service. Bottom line: yes, but when in doubt, hire it out. Water is too important to gamble.
What’s the difference between 2-wire and 3-wire well pump configurations?
A 2-wire well pump integrates motor start components inside the motor assembly—fewer external parts, faster install, and simpler troubleshooting. A 3-wire well pump uses an external control box housing capacitors and relays. 3-wire systems can be advantageous for certain diagnostics, legacy compatibility, or advanced control strategies. In typical residential wells, modern 2-wire Myers Predator Plus models perform exceptionally, with built-in protections and fewer failure points. From a sand perspective, 2-wire’s simplicity reduces connection-related issues that can cause low-voltage operation and heat—both harmful. 3-wire systems are still a solid choice when installers prefer external control boxes or need to match existing infrastructure. PSAM stocks both; I usually recommend 2-wire up to 350 feet for homeowners wanting reliability, cost savings, and a clean install.
How long should I expect a Myers Predator Plus pump to last with proper maintenance?
In my field experience, a Myers Predator Plus delivers 8–15 years in typical residential wells, and longer in clean formations. With sandy aquifers, life depends on install quality, pressure tank sizing, and filtration. Add a spin-down and cartridge filter, set reasonable GPM targets, and keep run times steady—you can see 15+ years. I’ve personally seen 20–30 years when maintenance is consistent and geology is friendly. Annual checks—pressure switch function, tank pre-charge, filter condition, and current draw—catch drift before it hurts. The 3-year warranty covers early-life defects; beyond that, the stainless build and Teflon staging pay you back in stability and efficiency. If your pump cycles constantly, runs hot, or spits grit, call me at PSAM—we’ll adjust settings or staging before damage snowballs.
What maintenance tasks extend well pump lifespan and how often should they be performed?
Do a yearly system check. Verify pressure tank pre-charge (2 PSI below cut-in), clean or purge spin-down filters, and replace sediment cartridges. Inspect the well cap for integrity. Log amperage draw at a typical faucet flow—if amps creep up over time, you might have stage wear or intake restriction. Check for short-cycling; lengthen run time if needed by upsizing the tank or adjusting the pressure switch responsibly. Every few years, test static and pumping water levels—pumping lower into the formation can entrain sand. If iron or hardness is present, maintain media filters to prevent fouling that increases backpressure. Address water hammer or check-valve chatter immediately; both agitate sediment. With Myers, the hardware is built to last; maintenance simply keeps the system in its efficient lane.
How does Myers’ 3-year warranty compare to competitors and what does it cover?
Myers’ 3-year warranty (36 months) outpaces many competitors offering 12–18 months. It covers manufacturing defects and performance issues when the pump is installed per spec—correct TDH, appropriate GPM rating, and proper electrical protection. In practice, that means if the motor or stage stack exhibits premature failure unrelated to installation errors or abuse, you’re covered. Document your pump curve selection, install steps, and switch/tank settings. PSAM assists with records and claims—we want you back online fast. By comparison, brands with shorter warranties push risk onto the homeowner after the first year. Given Predator Plus’ stainless construction, Teflon-impregnated staging, and Pentek XE motor, the warranty is more than paperwork—it matches the engineering and reflects real confidence in longevity.
What’s the total cost of ownership over 10 years: Myers vs budget pump brands?
Assume a budget pump at $500–$700 with a 3–5 year sandy well lifespan. Over 10 years, that’s 2–3 pumps, plus at least one emergency install at premium labor rates. Add rising electric costs as worn stages pull higher amps. You’re easily at $2,500–$3,500. A Myers Predator Plus at a higher upfront cost—paired with correct sizing, filtration, and pressure tank strategy—often lasts the full decade and beyond. Energy bills stay lower thanks to 80%+ hydraulic efficiency near BEP and cooler motor operation. Factor in the 3-year warranty and field-serviceable threaded assembly, and your mid-life service is a staged refresh, not a full replacement. In my books, Myers averages the lowest cost per gallon delivered in sandy aquifers. Reliability is money, and Myers saves it.
Conclusion: Myers + PSAM = Sand-Controlled Water You Can Trust
Sand doesn’t play fair. It grinds, scours, and silently taxes your system until something gives. The way to win is with real engineering and disciplined installation: 300 series stainless steel where it counts, Teflon-impregnated staging that shrugs off abrasion, a Pentek XE motor that runs cool at BEP, and serviceability that lets you rebuild instead of replace. Wrap that in a 3-year warranty, solid 2-wire options, and thoughtful pressure tank, filtration, and placement strategy—and you’ve built a system that turns sand from a crisis into a controlled variable.
The Arguellos now enjoy steady 10–12 GPM service, a calm pressure gauge, and clean water that doesn’t spit grit. Their Myers Predator Plus hasn’t missed a beat—no tripped breakers, no angry dishwasher, no emergency calls. That’s the outcome I want for every private well owner who calls PSAM.
If your water is your lifeline—and in rural living, it is—choose the pump that’s engineered for the fight and supported by people who’ve been in the trench. Myers through Plumbing Supply And More. I’m Rick Callahan. Call me before you dig, before you size, before you click “buy.” We’ll do it right, once, and make sand someone else’s problem.