Imagine passing a powerless day when you don’t have water to drink, cook, or bathe because your well pump isn’t working. Is that something you want?
If not, a backup generator will keep the well pump running during a power outage to keep the water running from the faucets.
But if you don’t choose the right generator, you can impose threats on the well pump. Considering all the necessary factors and comparing numerous models can be overwhelming for homeowners with little to no knowledge.
Let us do the comparison and know which can be the best generator for well pump. Let’s get started.
Can You Run a Well Pump On a Generator?
Of course, you can run a well pump on a generator. To be exact, a generator is an ultimate necessity to run a well pump to maintain the water flow in your home when the power goes out.
But not every generator can run your well pump. These pumps come in different power ratings, so you need a generator that will match the necessity of the pump. This ensures the pump starts up easily and runs smoothly without overloading the generator.
Another important thing, portable generators might not be a feasible solution for running a well pump. These pumps are connected to the electrical circuit of your home.
Disconnecting those lines to run the pump on a generator can be dangerous if you aren’t a certified electrician. Powerful stationary generators are the best for running a well pump.
How Big of a Generator Do I Need to Run a Well Pump?
The answer to this question doesn’t depend on any factor solely. If you are planning to run just the well pump, then you need to calculate the power requirement for the pump.
For example, if you have a 1 HP well pump, you might need at least 3000-4000 watts to start the pump. Though the power need drops when the pump is running in full swing, you need this extra kick to get the pump going.
Getting a 2000 watt generator for a 1 or 1.5 HP pump is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners do. We want you to avoid the mistake to ensure stable power for the pump.
And if you are planning to run other appliances as well, you need to increase the size of the generator accordingly. In that case, determine the power rating of all the appliances you want to run and find the sum.
This will tell you how big of a generator you will need. Another safety tip here, always takes a generator that delivers at least 20% more power than you need. This ensures all your appliances will run smoothly.
What Are the Best Generators for Well Pump?
- Editor’s Choice: A-iPower AP5000 Generator
- Best for Quick Start: Generac GP3500iO Open Frame Inverter Generator
- Best for Versatile Sockets: Togo Power 3600W gas generator
- Most Powerful Engine: DuroMax XP4400E Gas Powered Portable Generator
- Best for Mobile Monitoring: Briggs & Stratton Elite Series 8000-Watt Generator
- Best for Dual fuel: Westinghouse WGen3600DF Generator
- Most Versatile: Champion 100891 Dual Fuel Portable Generator
- Most Noise Free: Honda EU3000IS 3000W Portable Home Gas Power Generator
Comparison Chart:
| Image | Product | Technical Spec | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Editor’s Choice
|
A-iPower AP5000 Generator |
|
Check Price |
|
Best for Quick Start
|
Generac GP3500iO Open Frame Inverter Generator |
|
Check Price |
|
Best for Versatile Sockets
|
Togo Power 3600W Gas Generator |
|
Check Price |
|
Most Powerful Engine
|
DuroMax XP4400E Gas Powered Portable Generator |
|
Check Price |
|
Best for Mobile Monitoring
|
Briggs & Stratton Elite Series 8000-Watt Generator |
|
Check Price |
|
Best for Dual fuel
|
Westinghouse WGen3600DF Generator |
|
Check Price |
|
Most Versatile
|
Champion 100891 Dual Fuel Portable Generator |
|
Check Price |
|
Most Noise Free
|
Honda EU3000IS 3000W Portable Home Gas Power Generator |
|
Check Price |
8 Best Generator For Well Pump Reviews 2023
Are you curious to know why these generators made it to our list today? Here will be a complete breakdown of their features to help you pick the right generator.
1. Editor’s Choice: A-iPower AP5000 Generator
A-iPower AP5000 is a powerful generator with enough juice for your well pump! It has 5,000 watts of starting power and 4kW running capacity. The user-friendly control panel makes it easy to start up in no time at all; just one button push gets you on the road again.
High Capacity Engine
The Generator from A-Ipower has a high output, 4-stroke OHV engine that can produce 5000 starting watts. This means it can run any motor-driven tool or appliance with ease! The manufacturer designed and manufactured this particular model for greater peak wattage when starting up appliances such as a well pump to make them more efficient during use.
Long Run Time
A-iPower generator has a large 4.0 gallon, all-steel fuel tank that provides up to 12 hours of run time at 50% load and can power your home or business for as long you need!
RV Ready
RVing has never been easier with the A-iPower AP5000V generator. This RV-ready model is built with a TT30R outlet, so you can charge your electronics while on the road!
Easy Recoil Start
AP5000V generator is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to avoid pulling on their arm when starting up a gas engine. It has a specially designed recoil start grip that reduces your effort by half, so you can feel free without any worries about strain or injury!
Noise Level
This amazing generator produces a noise level of 68 dBA at 21 meters. This is not total silence, but when you’re outside – the sound won’t bother your ears!
Technical Information
- Wattage: 5000 watts
- Dimensions: 24 x 18 x 20 inches
- Weight: 109 Pounds
- Engine: 4 Stroke
- Engine Displacement: 208 Cubic Centimeters
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Tank: 4 Gallons
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a generator that has enough power to get your well pump up and running, the A-iPower AP5000 is counted as one of the best generator for well pump. The A-iPower AP5000 generator has you covered with its 5,000 watts of starting power and 4kW running capacity.
2. Best for Quick Start: Generac GP3500iO Open Frame Inverter Generator
Portable in your palms, this lightweight inverter generator is perfect for when you need clean power on the go. With its small size and ability to provide uninterrupted electricity for all essential electronics – it won’t be hard to find yourself relying on what portable GP3500iO has offered!
Easy Start
The Generac GP3500iO uses a manual pull cord to start the generator. PowerRush™ technology is also included, which allows you to temporarily increase its power during startup for equipment that needs more current at the first light-up time.
Long Run Time
This heavy-duty generator offers an 11-hour runtime on a full tank at 25% load, with the ability to use gasoline or diesel. With its 4 stroke engine running off of 212cc Generac OHV and fueled by gas in 2 gallons capacity, this generator will keep your home lit through any emergency!
Automatic Shutoff at Low Fuel
GP3500iO has an automatic shutoff that activates when oil runs low and prevents the machine from sparking in volatile environments. It is quite efficient with fuel, lasting up to 11 hours on one tank!
Control Panel
Generac generator has all the features you need in a generator. It’s easy to use with controls that are intuitive and designed for convenience, safety guards including an hour meter so there are no surprises when it comes time to plug back.
Outlet
Not only can you use the GP3500iO’s outlets for regular appliances, but they also have a special outlet that will charge your phone or tablet when hooked up to an RV trailer!
Quite a Performance
The Generac GP3500iO is the quietest, most energy-efficient generator on today’s market. It runs 50% quieter than similarly sized 3000W units, making it an ideal choice for noise-sensitive surroundings!
Technical Information
- Wattage: 3500 watts
- Dimensions: 19.7 x 16.5 x 16.4 inches
- Weight: 74.3 Pounds
- Engine: 4 Stroke
- Engine Type: 212cc Generac OHV
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Tank: 2 Gallons
Final Thoughts
Generac GP3500iO is a versatile inverter generator that can be used in many situations. It’s light enough for one person to carry, and it has the power you need for your essential electronics in an emergency. This unit won’t let you down when you need it most—get yours today!
3. Best for Versatile Sockets: Togo Power 3600W Gas Generator
Togo Power gas generator is perfect for home backup, job sites, RV camping, and more. It can provide power at tailgating parties or outdoor events without fail during sudden blackouts because it’s backed by an industry-leading three-year warranty!
Powerful OHV Engine
The Togo Power 3600W high-power generator has been designed with a 208cc air-cooled OHV engine to produce over 3000 watts of power at your disposal. This lightweight, fuel-efficient, and quiet machine are perfect for supporting the use of appliances such as well pump!
Multiple Sockets
This generator is equipped with a variety of sockets to suit your needs. You can find anywhere from 1*120V AC, 20A duplex receptacles up to 30 A locking, and a 25 amp circuit breaker at any given time!
Easy Recoil Start
The power alternative from Togo Power is the perfect way to keep your home running smoothly during those cold winter days. The powerful recoil start function and cold start technology will have you ready for action in no time at all.
Long Run Time
Togo Power Generator is a clean, green energy source that can be used to power your home or business for up to 9.5 hours at 50% load with just an American-sized 3.17-gallon gas tank!
Low Oil Shutoff
This excellent generator is designed to withstand all your activity needs. It features a low oil shutdown system and voltage stabilizing technology, so the use process will be safe and reliable with this unit in tow!
Robust Construction
This generator is built to meet your needs when you need a reliable, safe, and durable power source. This power beast has sturdy construction made from high-strength plastic that’s resistant to corrosion in water or dirt.
Technical Information
- Wattage: 3600 watts
- Dimensions: 23.5 x 17.7 x 18.4 inches
- Weight: 109 Pounds
- Engine: 4 Stroke
- Engine Type: 208cc OHV
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Tank: 3.17 Gallons
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a generator with all the right features, power, and dependability to suit your needs without breaking the bank–look no further. Alongside all other features, it has fuel efficiency and safety to meet all of your requirements. And it can be counted as one of the best generator to run a well pump too!
4. Most Powerful Engine: DuroMax XP4400E Gas Powered Portable Generator
When you need a generator that is light enough to carry or can be easily transported on top of your vehicle and still produce the power needed; DuroMax XP4400E may have what you’re looking for.
With their signature design process which includes an open steel frame protecting a powerful engine– they make sure it has everything necessary at affordable prices!
Sufficient Power
The Duramax is a heavy-duty engine that can handle anything from powering your home to running a well pump or an air conditioner. With 4,400 starting watts and 3,500 running wattages in total, this powerhouse will provide you with plenty of power for all those needs!
Heavy-Duty Engine
With an engine powerful enough to handle 7 horsepower, this heavy-duty unit can provide for your home’s needs. It features 120V outlets on the control panel as well as 240 V ones so you’re not limited when it comes down to what device or appliance may work best in each location of use!
Long Run Time
This powerhouse has a fuel-efficient engine that will keep running for 8 hours on half of its power with 4 gallons fuel tank. This makes it the perfect choice to power your whole house off-grid, as well as daily tasks such as pumping water from deep wells!
Low Oil Shutdown
DUromax XP is a great generator for protecting your investment. When you start experiencing low oil levels, the unit will automatically shut down to increase service life.
Lightweight
The lightweight frame of this generator makes it perfect for rough terrain. With a folding handle and solid rear wheels, you can pull the machine like it’s an old-fashioned cart!
Maximum Outlet
This Generator includes a wide selection of outlets for maximum compatibility in your applications, including 2 120V household GFCI and 1 twist-lock 30A outlet.
Technical Information
- Wattage: 4400 watts
- Dimensions: 24 x 17 x 17 inches
- Weight: 100 Pounds
- Engine: 4 Stroke
- Engine Type: 210cc OHV
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Tank: 3.9 Gallons
Final Thoughts
Duromax XP Portable Generators offer all the features and benefits of a more expensive model without any sacrifice in quality. With its compact size and durable construction, this model can handle anything from powering outdoor lighting to running tools on job sites without skipping a beat.
5. Best for Mobile Monitoring: Briggs & Stratton Elite Series 8000-Watt Generator
Briggs & Stratton Elite Series 8000-Watt Generator is one of the most reliable generators on site. The 12” tires provide great traction and handle varied terrain well, making them perfect for any job!
It also comes with outlet rubber coverings that can be used when the generator is not in use to protect against elements like rain or snow.
Connect with Your Smartphone
The Elite Series Generator with Bluetooth capability is the perfect solution for homeowners that are looking for monitoring their power usage remotely. The app available on your smartphone, called Briggs & Stratton StatStation, will allow you access to information about how much fuel remains, runtime, power usage, etc.
Key Ignition
Elite Series 8000-Watt generator is a great choice for those who need to store their unit and want the convenience of an electric start. With keyed ignition, others can’t use this machine when you don’t authorize them; there’s also backup power in case your battery gets too low!
Longer Run Time
The Elite 8000-Watt Generator is a must-have for your home! This powerful machine can run continuously for up to 9 hours on one tank of fuel, with 21-foot pounds of torque and an OHV engine that produces enough power when you need it most.
Moveable
Though this generator is not particularly lightweight at 107.5 Kg, it’s simple to transport in and out of storage or the new site. Thanks to its durable 12 inches never-go-flat wheels that make pushing a breeze!
Versatile Outlet
This generator has everything you need to power your home and emergency equipment. There’s one 120V/240V 30A locking outlet for all the essential appliances in our house, as well as four GFCI protected 20 amp outlets that can be used by family members with different needs.
Technical Information
- Wattage: 8000 watts
- Dimensions: 34.7 x 26.7 x 23 inches
- Weight: 107 KG
- Engine: 4 Stroke
- Engine Type: OHV 420cc
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Tank: 7.5 Gallons
Final Thoughts
Briggs & Stratton Generator has the capability of producing clean and instant power, allowing you to keep your appliances up and running during a blackout. With its surge wattage alternator that produces 25% more than other models on the market, it can run multiple large appliances at once without any trouble.
6. Best for Dual fuel: Westinghouse WGen3600DF Generator
The WGen3600DF portable generator is a great choice for those who want to keep their power stable and reliable. With dual-fuel capabilities, you can run on either gas or propane (LPG) with the touch of your finger!
Easy Start
Push-button electric start on this generator allows you to turn it on with the press of a button. The remote key fob starter also gives users a far-reaching range so that they can start up any device remotely from anywhere within its signal’s reach!
Dual Fuel
This generator from Westinghouse offers a convenient way to use both gas and propane in combination. With its intuitive dial on the control panel, switching between fuels becomes easy even when running – thanks for an innovative design!
RV Ready
Westinghouse Generator is great for camping trips with an RV or toy hauler. It provides you the opportunity to power all your devices on long drives as it has both 120V TT-30R 30A Outlets and L5-30R 30 Amp capacity that comes standard from this reliable brand!
Integrated Battery Charger
WGen3600DF is a portable generator that can be used as an emergency backup for your home. It comes with an integrated battery charger and 12V charging cable so you never have to worry about being stranded without power again!
Fuel-Efficient
This dual fuel portable generator is not just a generator for emergencies but can be used as your home’s standby power supply. This four-stroke 212cc engine offers durability with an easy starting design that features air-cooled overhead valves to reduce heat output.
It also provides cooler operation, and all of these features result in fuel-efficient use!
Auto Shut Down
WGen3600DF generator is the perfect solution for any business or home that needs to power up its equipment on the go. It features a low oil shutdown system, meets EPA and CARB emission level standards with its automatic shutdown feature when it detects an issue!
Technical Information
- Wattage: 3600 watts
- Dimensions: 23.3 x 22.8 x 21.3 inches
- Weight: 109 pounds
- Engine: 4 Stroke
- Engine Type: OHV 212cc
- Fuel: Gas and Propane
- Tank: 4 Gallons
Final Thoughts
With its high power ratio and compact design, the Westinghouse WGen3600DF is one of the best portable generator for well pump on today’s market. It has all you need in a generator at an affordable price point!
7. Most Versatile: Champion 100891 Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Champion Power Equipment 7500-Watt Generator is the ideal blend of versatility and convenience. Whether you need power for your home or next project, this generator makes powering life more convenient than ever!
Dual Fuel
Generac 7500 Generator is a great choice for anyone in need of an affordable, high-powered portable generator. It operates on either gas or propane and has a low Oil Shutoff Sensor that shuts off the generator when needed.
Powerful Engine
The 439cc Champion engine is the perfect power source for all of your needs. With a handy rocker switch, you can charge up with just one simple push!
Track All Info
You can track your generator’s power output and maintenance intervals with this champion-grade device. This is a must-have for any homeowner who needs to monitor the amount of time they’ve been running their generator, or how often it was started to keep its battery from wearing down too quickly!
Safe
With Champion Generator’s new Volt Guard built-in surge protector, you can be sure that your appliances will never overload. So, the risk of damaging your well pump decreases.
Quick Start
The Champion Generator has a reliable recoil start and is powered by Cold Start Technology. This means it can be started in cold weather without needing to warm up first, saving you time on the hunt!
Excellent Running Watts
Champion Generator produces 8400 starting watts and 6750 running watts, making it the perfect choice for any home or business that needs reliable power. With a 20-pound propane tank, you can run this generator at 50% load for 5 hours!
Technical Information
- Wattage: 7500 watts
- Dimensions: 28.9 x 27.7 x 26.1 inches
- Weight: 207 pounds
- Engine: 4 Stroke
- Engine Type: OHV 439cc
- Fuel: Gas and Propane
- Tank: 7.7 Gallons
Final Thoughts
The Champion 7500-watt generator is an ultra-powerful, dual fuel model that can run on either gasoline or propane. Featuring Intelligauge technology and Volt Guard protection, this rugged 7000-watt powerhouse provides up to 10 hours of run time on gasoline or 5.5 hours with propane fuel.
8. Most Noise Free: Honda EU3000IS 3000W Portable Home Gas Power Generator
Honda EU3000iS is a 3000-watt inverter generator that’s as quiet and well-built as it can be. With all its design features, there are no other options for those who want the best without spending too much money!
Noise-free application
The fully-enclosed design of the EU3000 means that it operates at 49 to 58 dB (A), which is less noise than a normal conversation. This makes it ideal for camping, RV power, and any other activity where you need your generators to be extra quiet!
Fuel-Efficient
New EU3000 is an innovative prospect. It should be able to save you money on your electric bill, and its fuel efficiency will keep it running for up to 20 hours!
Clean Power
Honda Power Generator inverter technology means clean and reliable power for sensitive equipment. The precision of these generators ensures that they can be relied upon to provide a steady, stable supply in any situation!
Low Oil ShutDown
It’s a good thing that Honda Power Generator is protected by an oil alert. When the engine detects low on liquid, it will automatically shut down for you to avoid any accidents or worse!
Easy to Start
Honda Power Generator is a great choice for those who enjoy the convenience of not having to pull start their generator. The electric Starter takes away all manual labor, allowing you more time on other tasks.
Portable
The Honda Power Generator is a portable, lightweight generator that can be easily used and stored when not in use. It features wheels for mobility as well as an extendable handle which makes it easy to carry around!
Technical Information
- Wattage: 3000 watts
- Dimensions: 26 x 22 x 17.6 inches
- Weight: 144 pounds
- Engine: 4 Stroke
- Fuel: Gas
- Tank: 3.4 Gallons
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a high-quality, portable power solution without being too loud and making too much noise, then this gas generator for well pump is just what you need. The Honda Advanced Inverter Technology provides clean, quiet power with fuel efficiency. Also, it is safe for your sensitive electronics.
Criteria To Look For Before Buying A Generator For Well Pump
Different generators are bought for different purposes. You need to figure out which generator will serve the best to run your well pump. To help you in the process, here are some criteria to look for before buying a generator for a well pump.
Power Output
This is often the biggest confusion while buying a generator. Choosing a generator that provides enough power to run your well pump is crucial. How do you know which size of a generator will be perfect for your needs?
The simplest answer is, calculate the power you need in total from the generator. As running well pump is the main concern here, check the power rating of the pump. Power ratings in well pumps are usually expressed in horsepower.
1 to 1.5 HP well pumps are mostly used in households. Say, you have a 1 HP well pump. 1 HP is equivalent to 746 watts. Many might think that a 1000 watt generator will be perfect for running the pump.
But you need to keep the starting wattage in mind. Such a pump will draw a lot more while starting. Taking a 3000 watt generator will help you be safe down the lane.
Generator Type
As you might already know, generators come in two different types. One is an inverter generator and the other is a conventional generator. Inverter generators produce cleaner power than conventional generators. But they also cost more.
If you plan to run sensitive appliances with the generator, taking an inverter generator will be a good choice. But a well pump isn’t that sensitive, so you can stick to a conventional generator.
Fuel Type
Between single fuel and dual fuel generators, taking the latter will be a good choice. You can run these generators on propane or gasoline. The degree of convenience in dual fuel generators is more than single fuel ones.
Fuel Efficiency
You are so amazed by the features of a generator that you don’t check the fuel efficiency of the generator while buying and it starts drinking gallons of fuel afterward. This is one of the biggest mistakes consumers do.
Check the fuel efficiency of the generator you choose to ensure you don’t need to spend a lot on fuel. Also, go for a generator that has a fairly large tank so that you don’t need to refill frequently.
Noise Level
Conventional generators usually produce louder noise than inverter generators. If you are okay with moderate noise, then you can go for conventional generators. But if you want your generator to be quiet, inverter generators are the only choice.
Inverter generators are better for small households. Don’t go for anything that produces more than 60dB.
Safety Features
Modern generators come with certain safety features. Low oil shut down is one of them which turns the generator off when the fuel is lower than a certain level. It increases the service life of the generator.
Some generators even have overload protection. This feature helps keep your appliances safe from unwanted hazards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let us explain some of the frequently asked questions to enlighten you.
What fuel generator is good for a well pump?
Generators usually come in two fuel types. One is single fuel and the other is dual fuel. Single fuel generators run on only one fuel, such as propane or gasoline, or diesel.
But dual fuel generators can run on both propane and gasoline. It reduces a lot of your hassle. So, dual fuel generators are good for a well pump.
What size generator to run 1.5 HP well pump?
A 1.5 HP well pump will draw more than 1100 watts while running. But the starting wattage of such a pump could be somewhere between 3500 to 5000 watts. A 4000 watt generator should be ideal for running a 1.5 HP well pump.
What size generator for a deep well pump?
If you use a submersible pump, it will draw more power than conventional well pumps. In that case, you might need at least a 4000 watt generator for a 1 HP submersible pump.
To determine the size of the generator for a deep well pump, check the label of the pump to find out the power rating. You can then easily determine the generator size.
Can water damage a generator?
Yes. You shouldn’t run a generator where water can penetrate the generator. It can damage the internal components of the generator as well as leave you at the risk of an electric shock.
Can a generator damage a well pump?
If you use a properly sized generator, there will be no risk of damaging your well pump. But if the generator can’t supply enough power to the pump or you use low quality fuel, it can damage pump parts.
Maintaining stable power is crucial to extend the service life of the pump.
Final Words
Comparing generators based on their features and performance, check. Making you aware of crucial factors to consider, check. Answering your questions, check. This is time for you to fold your sleeves. If you are still confused about which one to go for, check what our editors liked the most.
You can pick A-iPower generator to make a reliable power source for your well pump when the electricity isn’t around. With a powerful engine, long run time, easy recoil start, and low noise level, this is the best generator for well pump to buy with your hard-earned money.
