Baker Jet Pump Guide โ€” A.Y. McDonald Shallow, Convertible & Deep Well

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Baker ยท A.Y. McDonald Jet Pumps

The Complete Baker
Jet Pump Guide

How to choose, install, prime, and maintain a Baker (A.Y. McDonald) jet pump โ€” with the exact ejector packages, motors, repair parts, foot valves, and pressure switches that match every 8100, 8200, 8300, 8500, 8600, and 1500-series pump. Written so a first-time installer can follow it start to finish.

Complete jet pump installation schematic showing pump, pressure tank, gauge, relief valve, shutoff valves, pressure switch, and a cistern or storage-tank supply option

A jet pump is a centrifugal pump paired with a jet (ejector) assembly. The ejector uses a portion of the pump's own pressure to create suction down in the well, which is how a pump sitting above ground can pull water up from below. Get the pump, the ejector, and the piping matched correctly and the system primes easily and runs for decades. Get any one of them wrong and the pump will lose prime, short-cycle, or never build pressure at all.

This guide covers Baker's full A.Y. McDonald jet pump line. It walks you through picking the right system for your well, selecting the matching ejector by horsepower and depth, installing and priming the pump step by step, wiring the motor for your voltage, and stocking the correct spare parts. Every model and part number below is taken directly from Baker's factory price database โ€” select by number, order with confidence.

1. Which Jet Pump Do I Need?

The single most important decision. It comes down to one number: how far the pump has to lift water โ€” the vertical distance from the pumping water level in the well up to the pump, plus friction in the pipe.

Baker makes three families of jet pump. Measure (or ask your driller for) the depth to water and match it below.

Shallow Well

One pipe ยท lift up to 25 ft

The jet/ejector is built into the pump. One pipe runs to the well, lake, cistern, or tank. Simplest to install. Only works when total suction lift (vertical + friction) stays under about 25 feet.

Baker Models
  • 8100 & 8100HP โ€” Nema J
  • 8500 & 8500HP โ€” Square Flange
  • 8300 E-Series โ€” value import
See shallow well pumps

Convertible

Shallow OR deep ยท one pump, two jobs

The most flexible choice. Run it shallow with a bolt-on shallow-well ejector, or deep (over 25 ft) with an ejector assembly down in the well. Buy once, adapt to the well you have.

Baker Models
  • 8000 Series โ€” economy convertible
  • 8200 Series โ€” Nema J convertible
  • 8600 Series โ€” Square Flange convertible
See convertible pumps

Deep Well

Two pipes (or packer) ยท lift over 25 ft

For lifts greater than 25 ft the ejector must go down into the well. Two configurations: twin-pipe (4"+ wells) or packer (2" wells, using the casing as the drive pipe). Baker's 1500 multi-stage is the high-head deep-well specialist.

Baker Models
  • 8200 / 8600 convertible + deep-well ejector
  • 1500 Multi-Stage โ€” Nema C, high head
See deep well ejectors
Diagram comparing shallow well, twin-pipe deep well, and packer deep well jet pump configurations
The three jet-pump configurations. Shallow well needs only a pump, tank, and shallow-well adapter (jet built in). Twin-pipe deep well adds a twin-pipe jet assembly and a pressure control valve. Packer deep well adds a packer adapter, a packer jet assembly, and a pressure control valve. Deep-well systems always use two water paths โ€” suction and drive.
Quick rule of thumb Water within ~25 ft of the surface โ†’ shallow well (or a convertible set up shallow). Water deeper than 25 ft โ†’ convertible or 1500 with a deep-well ejector. Not sure? Deduct 1 ft of lift capacity for every 1,000 ft of elevation above sea level, and add friction for long horizontal pipe runs โ€” then call us to confirm the sizing.

2. Shallow Well Jet Pumps

Jet is built in โ€” no external ejector to buy. Certified NSF 61/372 for potable water (8100 / 8500). Maximum lift ~25 ft, one pipe to the source.

8100 Series โ€” Nema J, High Capacity & High Pressure

Baker's workhorse cast-iron shallow-well pump on a Nema J motor. Choose High Capacity for more flow (irrigation, filling) or High Pressure for stronger household pressure. Available with a standard Noryl (thermoplastic) impeller or an upgraded brass impeller.

8100 & 8100HP Shallow Well โ€” 1/2 to 1 HP ยท Nema J ยท 115/230V
Pump Model Part No. HP Impeller Series
8150 6156-101 1/2 Noryl High Capacity
8151 6156-100 1/2 Brass High Capacity
8170 6157-106 3/4 Noryl High Capacity
8171 6157-100 3/4 Brass High Capacity
8110 6158-106 1 Noryl High Capacity
8111 6158-100 1 Brass High Capacity
8150HP 6156-115 1/2 Noryl High Pressure
8170HP 6157-107 3/4 Noryl High Pressure
8110HP 6158-107 1 Noryl High Pressure

Shop: 8100 High Capacity ยท 8100 High Pressure

8500 Series โ€” Square Flange, High Capacity & High Pressure

Same hydraulics as the 8100 but on a square-flange motor that bolts directly to the pump body โ€” no adapter flange, fewer parts, easy motor swaps.

8500 & 8500HP Shallow Well โ€” 1/2 to 1 HP ยท Square Flange ยท 115/230V
Pump Model Part No. HP Impeller Series
8550 6164-001 1/2 Noryl High Capacity
8551 6164-020 1/2 Brass High Capacity
8570 6164-002 3/4 Noryl High Capacity
8510 6164-003 1 Noryl High Capacity
8550HP 6164-008 1/2 Noryl High Pressure
8570HP 6164-013 3/4 Noryl High Pressure
8510HP 6164-015 1 Noryl High Pressure

Shop: 8500 High Capacity ยท 8500 High Pressure

8300 E-Series โ€” Value Shallow Well

A budget-friendly import shallow-well pump, NSF 61/372 certified, in 1/2 through 1-1/2 HP. Uses its own dedicated repair kits (motors are not stocked separately โ€” contact the factory).

8300 E-Series Shallow Well โ€” 1/2 to 1-1/2 HP ยท Nema J (import) ยท 115/230V
Pump Model Part No. HP Impeller
8350 6156-125 1/2 Noryl
8350HP 6156-143 1/2 Noryl
8370 6156-126 3/4 Noryl
8310 6156-127 1 Noryl
8315 6156-128 1 1/2 Noryl

Shop the 8300 E-Series shallow well jet pump.

3. Convertible & Multi-Stage Pumps

Convertibles run shallow OR deep depending on the ejector you bolt on. The 1500 multi-stage is Baker's high-head deep-well specialist.

8000 Series โ€” Economy Convertible

8000 Convertible โ€” 1/2 to 1-1/2 HP ยท Import motor ยท 115/230V
Pump Model Part No. HP Impeller
8050 6156-152 1/2 Noryl
8070 6156-153 3/4 Noryl
8010 6156-154 1 Noryl
8015 6156-155 1 1/2 Noryl

Shop the 8000 Convertible Jet Pump.

8200 Series (Nema J) & 8600 Series (Square Flange)

Baker's premium convertibles. Identical hydraulics; the difference is the motor mount. Both are NSF 61/372 certified and accept the full range of high-capacity, high-pressure, and deep-well ejector packages covered in Section 4.

8200 & 8600 Convertible โ€” 1/2 to 1 HP ยท 115/230V
Pump Model Part No. HP Motor Impeller
8250 6161-101 1/2 Nema J Noryl
8270 6162-105 3/4 Nema J Noryl
8210 6163-105 1 Nema J Noryl
8650 6165-001 1/2 Square Flange Noryl
8670 6165-002 3/4 Square Flange Noryl
8610 6165-003 1 Square Flange Noryl

Shop: 8200 Convertible (Nema J) ยท 8600 Convertible (Square Flange)

1500 Series โ€” Multi-Stage, High Head

When you need serious pressure from a deep well, the 1500 is the answer: a multi-stage Nema C pump that pushes far higher head than a single-stage jet. Available with brass or plastic impellers.

1500 Multi-Stage โ€” 3/4 to 1 HP ยท Nema C ยท 115/230V
Pump Model Part No. HP Impeller
1575 6321-100 3/4 Brass
1575P 6321-101 3/4 Plastic
1510 6322-100 1 Brass
1510P 6322-101 1 Plastic

Shop the 1500 Multi-Stage Jet Pump.

4. Choosing the Ejector (Jet) Package

A convertible or deep-well pump is only half the system. The ejector is what actually creates suction down the well โ€” and it must match the pump's horsepower and, for deep wells, the depth to water.

Shallow-well pumps (8100 / 8500 / 8300) already have the ejector built in โ€” skip this section. For convertibles and the 1500, pick the ejector below.

How the ejector works โ€” in plain English Water leaving the pump is split. Part goes to your house; part is sent back down a "drive" pipe to the ejector. There it squirts through a nozzle and venturi, creating a vacuum that drags well water up the "suction" pipe. That is why deep-well jets need two water paths and a pressure control valve to hold back-pressure on the drive side.

Shallow-Well Ejector Packages (โ‰ค25 ft, one pipe)

Bolt-on shallow-well adapter for a convertible pump. Match by series and HP.

Shallow-Well Ejector Packages
Fits Series Package Part No. HP Type
8000 8050JP 6156-156 1/2 Standard
8000 8070JP 6156-157 3/4 Standard
8000 8010JP 6156-158 1 Standard
8200/8600 651JP 6423-101 1/2 High Capacity
8200/8600 652JP 6423-102 3/4 High Capacity
8200/8600 653JP 6423-103 1 High Capacity
8200/8600 655JP 6423-105 1/2 High Pressure
8200/8600 656JP 6423-106 3/4 High Pressure
8200/8600 657JP 6423-107 1 High Pressure
1500 659JP 6423-108 3/4 Multi-Stage
1500 658JP 6423-109 1 Multi-Stage

Shop: 8000 Shallow Well Ejector ยท 8200/8600 High-Capacity ยท 8200/8600 High-Pressure ยท 1500 Multi-Stage Shallow Well

Order check on the 652JP Package 652JP (part 6423-102) is listed as a 3/4 HP high-capacity package in Baker's price database, but it also appears against the 1-1/2 HP 1515 in the 1500-series catalog table. Confirm HP and depth-to-water with us before ordering this one so you get the right nozzle/venturi.

Deep-Well Ejector Packages (>25 ft)

Two configurations. Twin-pipe (4"+ wells): two separate pipes drop into the well. Packer (2" wells): a single pipe with a packer seal that uses the casing itself as the drive path. Pick by HP and depth to water.

Deep well jet pump cross-section showing drive pipe, suction pipe, jet assembly set below static water level, and a 34-foot tail pipe with drawdown percentages
A deep-well jet drops the ejector down the well on two water paths โ€” a drive pipe and a suction pipe. Set the jet at least 5 ft below the static (resting) water level. On low-yield wells a 34-ft tail pipe below the jet keeps the pump from breaking suction as the water level draws down (see Section 10).
8000 Series Deep-Well Ejector Packages
Package Part No. HP Config Depth to Water
8050D4JP 6156-173 1/2 4" two-pipe 30โ€“90 ft
8070D4JP 6156-174 3/4 4" two-pipe 30โ€“110 ft
8010D4JP 6156-175 1 4" two-pipe 30โ€“110 ft
8050D2JP 6156-169 1/2 2" single-pipe (packer) 30โ€“80 ft
8070D2JP 6156-170 3/4 2" single-pipe (packer) 30โ€“90 ft
8010D2JP 6156-171 1 2" single-pipe (packer) 30โ€“100 ft
8200 / 8600 Deep-Well Ejector Packages (select by depth)
Package Part No. HP Config Depth to Water
7508JP 5999-008 1/2 4" two-pipe 30โ€“50 ft
7509JP 5999-007 1/2 4" two-pipe 40โ€“80 ft
7901JP 5999-000 3/4 & 1 4" two-pipe 30โ€“50 ft
7906JP 5999-002 3/4 4" two-pipe 50โ€“80 ft
7902JP 5999-001 1 4" two-pipe 50โ€“80 ft
7903JP 5999-047 1 4" two-pipe 80โ€“120 ft
7735JP 5999-056 1/2 2" single-pipe 30โ€“50 ft
7808JP 5999-071 3/4 & 1 2" single-pipe 30โ€“50 ft
7812JP 5999-064 3/4 2" single-pipe 50โ€“80 ft
7809JP 5999-062 1 2" single-pipe 50โ€“80 ft
7810JP 5999-063 1 2" single-pipe 80โ€“120 ft

Full depth range including combo packages that cover a wider band with one kit โ€” shop 8200/8600 Deep-Well 4" Two-Pipe and 8200/8600 Deep-Well 2" Single-Pipe. All-in-one option: the Baker Deep Well Jet Kit combo package.

1500 Multi-Stage Deep-Well Ejector Packages
Package Part No. HP Config Depth to Water
7109MP 5999-014 3/4 4" two-pipe 30โ€“70 ft
7110MP 5999-096 3/4 4" two-pipe 60โ€“110 ft
7112MP 5999-005 1 4" two-pipe 30โ€“80 ft
7113MP 5999-006 1 4" two-pipe 60โ€“120 ft
7125MP 5999-015 3/4 2" single-pipe 30โ€“70 ft
7128MP 5999-017 1 2" single-pipe 30โ€“80 ft
7129MP 5999-018 1 2" single-pipe 60โ€“120 ft

Shop: 1500 Deep-Well 4" Two-Pipe ยท 1500 Deep-Well 2" Single-Pipe

Required Deep-Well Controls & Adapters

Every deep-well jet needs back-pressure to run the ejector โ€” that means a pressure control valve. Packer systems also need a casing adapter at the well head, and a foot valve at the bottom.

Deep-Well Controls & Adapters
Item Model Part No. Fits
Pressure control valve 8000D2PCV 6156-212 8000, 1/2โ€“1-1/2 HP
Packer foot valve 8000D2FV 6156-214 8000 packer, 1/2โ€“1 HP
Packer casing adapter 8000D2CA 6156-210 8000 packer, 1/2โ€“1 HP
101 casing adapter (right-angle) 101 6450-103 8200/8600/1500 two-pipe well head

Shop: 8000D2PCV Pressure Control Valve ยท 8000D-P2FV Packer Foot Valve ยท 8000D2CA Casing Adapter ยท 101 Casing Adapter

5. Step-by-Step Installation

The same core sequence works for every Baker jet pump. Where shallow, twin-pipe, and packer systems differ, it's called out. Always follow your state and local plumbing and electrical codes (NEC/CEC). The complete plumbing layout is shown in the diagram at the top of this guide.

  1. Inspect & site the pump

    Check the pump and motor for shipping damage and confirm you have every part for your system type (pump, ejector, tank, valves, foot valve). Set the pump where it won't freeze, on a firm base, bolted down to stop vibration. Keep it within 4 ft of the tank to prevent switch chatter, and keep liquid temperature under 140ยฐF (60ยฐC).

  2. Plan the suction piping

    Suction pipe should be at least as large as the pump suction (typically 1-1/4"). Runs over 50 ft should step up a size to cut friction loss. Eliminate high spots and dips โ€” they trap air and make priming nearly impossible. Suction pipe should run straight from the well or slope up to the pump, never up-and-over. If using poly pipe with barbed fittings, double-clamp every joint.

  3. Shallow well: set the foot valve & (if convertible) bolt on the ejector

    Install a foot valve on the end of the drop pipe (wells 2" and larger), and keep it at least 5 ft off the bottom of a clean well. On driven wells or sand points you can use an in-line check valve near the well head instead. On a convertible pump, install the shallow-well ejector: make sure the nozzle is in place, screw in the venturi (the long tube), fit the gasket, and bolt the adapter to the pump face evenly โ€” do not over-tighten.

  4. Deep well twin-pipe: assemble & lower the jet

    Confirm the nozzle is installed and thread the venturi in line with it. Connect the suction and drive (pressure) pipes to the jet body โ€” 4" jets need min. 1-1/4" suction / 1" drive; 4-1/2" jets need 1-1/2" / 1-1/4". Add a foot valve (or a 34-ft tail pipe with foot valve to protect low-yield wells). Lower the jet at least 5 ft below the static water level and a few feet off the bottom.

  5. Deep well packer: soak, seal & set

    Packers use the space between casing and suction pipe as the drive path, so the 2"/3" casing must be smooth and clean. Soak the packer in warm water to soften the leathers โ€” never grease them. On 2" packers use Baker turned couplings to join the 1-1/4" pipe sections so drive water can pass. Install a strainer at the bottom, lower the assembly, then fit the packer casing adapter at the well head and bolt the pump to it.

  6. Build the discharge & install the pressure control valve (deep well)

    Install a tee or cross-tee at the pump discharge with a plug or gauge in the top port (this is your priming port). Every deep-well jet needs a pressure control valve between the pump and the first outlet, mounted as close to the pump as possible โ€” without it the system loses prime during heavy use. Use the 8000D2PCV valve and set it to the pressure on the ejector chart.

  7. Install the pressure tank

    With the tank empty, set the air pre-charge 2 PSI below the pump cut-in pressure (Baker pumps ship with 30โ€“50 PSI switches, so pre-charge to ~28 PSI). Put the tank on a firm, level surface. A pressure relief valve is recommended on all systems and mandatory above 100 PSI. Do not put any valve or filter other than a full-port ball valve between pump and tank.

  8. Prime the pump (see Section 6), then wire the motor (see Section 7)

    Fill the pump and suction pipe completely with water before starting. Then connect power to the pressure switch, confirm the motor voltage plug matches your supply, and start the pump. Never run a jet pump dry โ€” even for seconds โ€” or you'll destroy the seal.

Don't strangle the pump Standard ball valves are not full-port โ€” they choke flow and cause "switch chatter" (rapid on/off cycling that burns switch and motor contacts). Between the pump and tank use only a wide-open gate valve or a genuine full-port ball valve. If you must run a filter or restrictive fitting, move the pressure switch to the tank tee.

6. Priming the Pump

Priming means filling the pump and suction pipe with water so there's no air for the impeller to spin against. A jet pump cannot pull water until it is fully primed.

Shallow Well

Remove the priming plug or gauge in the discharge tee. On shallow-well pumps, also remove the 1/8" plug between the suction and discharge ports so air can escape as you fill. Fill the pump and as much of the suction pipe as possible with water. Replace both plugs, crack open the nearest faucet a little, and start the pump. On long suction runs you may need to stop and refill the casing a few times before it catches prime.

Deep Well

Deep-well single- and multi-stage pumps require a complete prime before starting. Filling the pipes with water before you install the pump makes this far easier. Vent the air: on horizontal pumps remove the angled 1/8" vent plug just above the suction pipe; prime through a tee or the pressure control valve at the discharge. Vertical deep-well pumps prime through the gauge port on the built-in control valve โ€” remove the motor-adapter vent plug to release trapped air.

The #1 cause of "it won't build pressure" An air leak on the suction side. Check every union and barbed fitting. Water can't go in unless the air can get out โ€” and it can't hold prime if air is getting in. Fill completely, vent fully, and double-clamp poly connections.

7. Motor Voltage & Wiring

All electrical work should be done by a qualified technician and conform to NEC/CEC and local codes. Disconnect and lock out power before wiring or servicing.

Motor terminal board voltage-change diagram comparing 230-volt and 115-volt wiring, with line, neutral, and green ground connections; motor is non-reversible, CCW rotation
Voltage is set on the motor terminal board โ€” 230V puts the plug on one position, 115V on the other. Green screw is always ground. Disconnect power before making any wiring change. The motor is non-reversible (CCW rotation, shaft end).

Baker jet-pump motors ship pre-wired by horsepower:

  • 1/2 HP โ€” factory wired for 115 V (can be switched to 230 V)
  • 3/4 HP to 1-1/2 HP โ€” factory wired for 230 V (can run 115 or 230 V)
  • 2 HP โ€” 230 V only
Voltage is changed inside the motor cover โ€” NOT in the pressure switch Move the voltage plug/switch inside the motor cover to match your supply before applying power. Running a 115 V-wired motor on 230 V will destroy the windings in seconds and voids the warranty. Attach power (either 115 or 230 V) and the ground to the Line terminals of the pressure switch; either hot/neutral can go to either Line terminal. Baker pumps ship with 30โ€“50 PSI switches as standard.

8. Parts Every System Needs

A jet pump is never a standalone purchase. Every install needs a pressure switch and a pressure tank; open-well systems need a foot valve; deep wells need the controls in Section 4.

Pressure Switches (1/4" FNPT)

Pressure Switches
Type Setting Model Part No.
Standard 20โ€“40 PSI MPSM12040 3129-020
Standard 30โ€“50 PSI MPSM13050 3129-021
Standard 40โ€“60 PSI MPSM14060 3129-022
Heavy duty NSF 30โ€“50 PSI MPSHD3050 3129-015
Heavy duty NSF 40โ€“60 PSI MPSHD4060 3129-016
With pulsation plug 30โ€“50 PSI MPSP3050 3129-027

Foot Valves (Silicon Bronze, SS strainer)

400SB Foot Valves
Size Model Part No.
3/4" 400SB 6814-000
1" 400SB 6814-001
1-1/4" 400SB 6814-002
1-1/2" 400SB 6814-003
2" 400SB 6814-004

Pressure / Diaphragm Tanks

Baker (McDonald) pre-charged tanks come in-line (2โ€“6 gal), horizontal (10โ€“26 gal), and vertical (16โ€“119 gal). Match tank drawdown to pump capacity so the pump doesn't short-cycle. Browse the full range on the pressure tanks collection.

Well Pipe Holder โ€” Safe Drop-Pipe Handling

Pulling or setting a drop pipe by hand is how pipes (and pumps) end up at the bottom of the well. A well pipe holder grips the pipe against the casing so you can add or remove sections safely. Keep pipe holder repair parts on the truck.

9. Motors & Repair Parts by Series

The parts that keep a Baker jet pump running. The 8100, 8200, 8500, and 8600 families share the same impeller/diffuser kits, rotary seal, and pump-body gasket โ€” so one small parts shelf covers most of the line.

Replacement Motors

Jet Pump Replacement Motors
Motor Type HP Model Part No. Used On
Nema J 1/2 8150RM 6155-240 8100 / 8200
Nema J 3/4 8170RM 6155-241 8100 / 8200
Nema J 1 8110RM 6155-242 8100 / 8200
Square Flange 1/2 8550RM 6164-200 8500 / 8600 / 8600SW
Square Flange 3/4 8570RM 6164-201 8500 / 8600 / 8600SW
Square Flange 1 8510RM 6164-202 8500 / 8600 / 8600SW
Nema C 3/4 1575RM 6127-154 1500 Multi-Stage
Nema C 1 1510RM 6127-160 1500 Multi-Stage

Shop: Nema J Motor ยท Square Flange Motor ยท Nema C Motor

Impeller / Diffuser Repair Kits & Shared Seals

Each Imp/Dif kit includes the impeller, diffuser, rotary seal, and housing gasket. Kits are HP- and material-specific.

Shared Repair Parts โ€” 8100 / 8200 / 8500 / 8600
Part HP / Fits Kit / Part No.
Imp/Dif Kit (Noryl) 1/2 HP 6127-326
Imp/Dif Kit (Noryl) 3/4 HP 6127-328
Imp/Dif Kit (Noryl) 1 HP 6127-330
Rotary shaft seal (5/8") all jet 6422-500
Pump-body gasket 8100/8200/8500/8600 6155-224
Ejector gasket 650-series jet package 6450-217

Find kits by pump family: 8100 / 8200 Repair Parts ยท 8500 / 8600 Repair Parts ยท 8000 Repair Parts ยท 8300 E-Series Repair Parts ยท 1000 / 1500 Repair Parts. Or browse all pump repair parts and jet pump accessories.

10. Troubleshooting & Suction-Lift Basics

A vacuum/compound gauge on the suction side is the single best diagnostic tool for a jet pump. It reads total suction lift in inches of mercury (Hg): 1" Hg โ‰ˆ 1.13 ft of lift. Practical limit at sea level is about 25 ft (22" Hg).

Vacuum gauge mounted on the suction side of a shallow-well jet pump reading 22.6 feet of vertical lift plus friction
A vacuum gauge on the pump suction reads total lift. Example: 20" Hg ร— 1.13 = 22.6 ft of vertical lift plus friction. Readings above 22" Hg mean you're at the limit of shallow-well suction โ€” time to look at a deep-well setup.
Reading the Suction (Vacuum) Gauge
What the gauge shows Likely cause What to do
High vacuum (22" Hg or more) Suction pipe in mud; foot/check valve stuck closed; lift exceeds pump capability Raise the intake off the bottom; free or replace the valve; move to a deep-well setup
Low or zero vacuum Suction pipe not submerged; air leak (often at a union) Lower the intake below water; find and seal the leak; double-clamp poly joints
Needle fluctuates rapidly Gaseous well; air leak; well yielding less than the pump moves Throttle a ball valve in the suction line (don't exceed 22" Hg) to match well yield

Low-Yield Wells: Use a Tail Pipe

If a deep-well pump can out-pump the well, drawdown lets it break suction and lose prime. Fit a 34-ft tail pipe between the jet assembly and the foot valve. As water level drops, pump output and well inflow equalize somewhere along the tail pipe instead of the pump losing prime. As always, set the jet ~5 ft below the static water level.

Common quick fixes Short-cycling / switch chatter โ†’ check tank pre-charge (2 PSI below cut-in) and remove flow restrictions between pump and tank. No pressure after install โ†’ suction air leak or incomplete prime. Pump runs but low flow โ†’ wrong or worn ejector nozzle/venturi for the depth, or a clogged foot-valve screen.

11. Seasonal / Winter Service

Where the pump, tank, or piping can freeze, drain the entire system before winter. Vertical pumps have a drain plug low on the casing; horizontal pumps may have two (one on the casing, one on the motor adapter). Multi-stage pumps may need to be tipped or blown out with compressed air to clear all the stages. Protect the pump from freezing and keep liquid temperature under 140ยฐF (60ยฐC) in service.

Why Buy Baker Jet Pumps from Watermain Supply

Whole-System Sizing

We match pump, ejector, tank, and controls as one system โ€” so it primes the first time and doesn't short-cycle.

Every Part Number

Pumps, ejectors, motors, seals, foot valves, and switches โ€” all cross-referenced from Baker's factory data.

Houston-Based Stock

Common SKUs ship fast from Houston. Reduced lead times for Texas and Gulf Coast contractors.

Real Technical Support

Tell us your depth to water, flow, and voltage and we'll spec the exact model, ejector, and controls.

12. Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a shallow well and deep well jet pump?
A shallow-well jet pump has the ejector built into the pump and pulls water up to about 25 ft using one pipe. A deep-well jet pump places the ejector down in the well and uses two water paths (twin-pipe or packer) to lift water from more than 25 ft. A convertible pump can be set up either way.
How do I know which ejector (jet) package to buy?
Match the ejector to the pump's horsepower and โ€” for deep wells โ€” the depth to water, using the tables in Section 4. Shallow-well pumps (8100/8500/8300) already include the ejector. If you're between depth ranges or unsure, call us with your well details.
Why won't my jet pump build pressure after installation?
Almost always an air leak on the suction side or an incomplete prime. Fill the pump and suction pipe completely, vent all trapped air, and double-clamp every poly fitting. Check unions especially. See priming and troubleshooting.
Can I run a Baker jet pump on 115V or 230V?
Most 3/4โ€“1-1/2 HP motors run either voltage; 1/2 HP ships wired for 115V; 2 HP is 230V only. Change the voltage inside the motor cover โ€” never in the pressure switch โ€” before applying power. See Section 7.
What else do I need besides the pump?
At minimum a pressure tank and a pressure switch; open wells also need a foot valve; deep wells add an ejector, a pressure control valve, and (packer systems) a casing adapter. See Section 8.
Which Baker pump is best for irrigation or high flow?
For potable service choose a High-Capacity 8100/8500. For dedicated irrigation and transfer, look at the centrifugal line โ€” 8600SW, 89000 sprinkler, and Workhorse end-suction. Tell us the GPM and pressure you need.

Not Sure Which Baker Jet Pump You Need?

Give our sales desk your depth to water, required flow and pressure, and voltage โ€” we'll spec the exact pump, ejector, controls, and spare parts and confirm what's in stock.

Baker and A.Y. McDonald are trademarks of A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Co. Model and part numbers from Baker factory data (eff. 1/05/2026); verify current availability and specifications before ordering. Watermain Supply (a DBA of E4 Industrial LLC) is a Houston, TX-based industrial distributor.

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