What is a limitation of suction-lift pumps?

The limitation of suction-lift pumps that is accurately identified involves their functionality concerning the potentiometric level. Suction-lift pumps operate based on atmospheric pressure exerting force on the liquid to be lifted. This means they can effectively draw water from a well only up to a certain depth, specifically less than 25 feet, due to the limitation imposed by atmospheric pressure. If the water level in the well is deeper than this threshold, the pump cannot create sufficient suction to lift the water to the surface, rendering it ineffective.

This specific characteristic is essential in determining the suitable applications for suction-lift pumps, especially in well installation and maintenance scenarios. Understanding this limitation helps in selecting the appropriate pumping technology based on well depth and water availability.