Jet pump installation (JS series)
The AO Smith JS series jet pump mounts on a pump stand or concrete pad above ground near the well casing. Connect the suction pipe from the pump to the well casing -- this requires a pitless adapter at the casing for proper frost-line entry. The suction pipe must be continuously downslope from the well to the pump (no high points that allow air locks). Prime the pump before startup by filling the suction pipe and pump housing with water. Connect the discharge to the house supply line via a pressure tank. Connect the electrical supply to a dedicated 240V or 120V circuit (depending on pump HP -- the 1 HP JS100 is typically 240V).
Submersible pump installation -- professional requirement
AO Smith 4SH series submersible pumps require: (1) a pump drop pipe (1-1.25-inch galvanized steel or Schedule 80 PVC) that supports the full weight of the pump plus the water column in the pipe; (2) submersible-rated electrical cable rated for direct burial and water immersion; (3) a pitless adapter to pass the discharge from the well casing to the horizontal house supply line; and (4) a safety cable or rope to retrieve the pump if the pipe or wire fails. The pump is lowered into the well on the drop pipe, with the safety cable tied to a separate anchor point at the casing top. This work requires a well contractor with the proper pipe pulling equipment.
Pressure tank connection and pre-charge
Connect the pressure tank to the supply main in-line (between the pump outlet and the house supply). Install the pressure tank with the connection at the bottom (water port down). Set the air pre-charge: with all water drained from the tank and system, depress the Schrader valve and set air pressure to 2 PSI below the pump cut-in pressure (for 30-50 setting: 28 PSI pre-charge; for 40-60 setting: 38 PSI pre-charge). Use a bicycle pump or air compressor -- the pre-charge volume is small. Incorrect pre-charge (too high: tank fills incompletely, providing inadequate drawdown; too low: pump short-cycles) is the most common pressure tank installation error.
First-run procedure
After all connections are made and the electrical is connected, operate the pump in stages: (1) Fully open a hose bib nearest the pressure tank. (2) Start the pump and allow it to run with the hose bib open until water runs clear and debris-free (typically 5-10 minutes for a new pump -- longer for pumps installed in uncased wells). (3) Close the hose bib and allow the tank to pressurize to cut-out. (4) Verify the cut-out pressure matches the expected setting. (5) Draw water from the hose bib until the cut-in pressure triggers pump restart -- verify the pump restarts correctly. If the pump short-cycles (restarts every 30-60 seconds), the pressure tank pre-charge is too high or the tank is undersized.