How to Install Dual Myers Pump Systems for Redundancy

The shower went cold, the kitchen faucet coughed air, and the dishwasher chimed an error. That sequence is how most rural well emergencies announce themselves. If you’ve ever dragged hoses from a neighbor’s spigot just to keep a household limping along, you know water is not a convenience—it’s the backbone of a home, a ranch, or a small farm. The math is brutal: one failed pump, zero water, 24–72 hours of disruption, and hundreds (or thousands) lost to downtime, rented water tanks, and emergency service calls.

Two nights after a thunderstorm, Elijah Okonkwo (39), a high school math teacher, and his wife, Brynn Okonkwo (36), a veterinarian, lost water at their 12-acre place outside Hayes Center, Nebraska. Their 380-foot well had been running a 1 HP budget submersible inherited from the previous owner. That unit—a Red Lion—had cracked at the discharge from constant pressure cycling, and the single-point-of-failure reality hit hard when their kids, Clara (8) and Theo (5), couldn’t get baths before school. Elijah had tried to band-aid the system with staggered shower times and a larger pressure tank; none of that fixes a dead pump.

This is where dual-pump redundancy changes the game. Run two Myers pumps in myers deep well pump alternating duty and you cut the risk profile to a fraction. If one unit is offline for service or fails at 10 p.m. On a Sunday, the second picks up without the family noticing. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to plan, install, and commission a dual Myers system—sizing with the right pump curves, selecting the best controls, piping it cleanly, and dialing in test metrics so you know your water supply is bulletproof.

Why Myers? Award-winning reliability: an industry-leading 3-year warranty, 80%+ hydraulic efficiency near BEP, Made in USA quality, and Pentair engineering behind the scenes. I’ve specced, installed, and serviced thousands of systems; the Myers Predator Plus Series is the one I reach for when downtime is not an option. At PSAM, our job is simple: give you professional-grade gear and straight talk so your water supply runs clean, quiet, and long.

Reliable redundancy starts with correct sizing, not just “two pumps in a hole.” Dual installations require coordination of flow, head, and duty cycling so each unit performs in its sweet spot rather than fighting the system.

Technically, you want each submersible well pump sized to meet 60–70% of peak household demand on its own, so a single unit can carry the load. For a typical 3–4 bath rural home with irrigation, that’s often 12–15 at-the-fixture gallons per minute backed into a pump selection using TDH (total dynamic head) and a pump curve. In practice, I like two Myers Predator Plus pumps—often a 1 HP paired with another 1 HP, or step to a 1.5 HP if your static water level plus friction losses push total head above 300 feet. Most residential installs are 230V for efficiency and lower amperage draw. The Predator Plus line holds tight to 80%+ efficiency near BEP, so your energy costs stay sane.

Elijah and Brynn’s 380-foot well needed two Predator Plus units running alternation/assist. After surveying drawdown, I specced dual 1 HP pumps, each delivering 10–12 GPM at their TDH. One unit alone carries the house; both together handle irrigation without strain.

Most homes benefit from alternating duty so run-hours equalize. A lead/lag mode that automatically engages Pump 2 when pressure drops below a second setpoint covers peak loads and failures. Choose a controller compatible with dual pressure switch logic.

Aim for each pump to handle 60–70% of peak GPM alone. For 18–20 GPM peak homes, spec two pumps that each deliver 12 GPM at TDH. This ensures seamless service if one unit is offline.

Work from the pump curve, not the label. At 300–400 feet TDH, a 1.5 HP often provides better efficiency. Under 250 feet TDH, a 1 HP Predator Plus usually wins on both performance and power costs.

Key takeaway: redundancy works when each pump is correctly matched to the well’s head and the home’s demand.

Redundant systems don’t forgive flimsy materials. The Myers Predator Plus Series uses 300 series stainless steel for the shell, shaft, discharge, and suction screen. That’s real corrosion resistance in mineral-rich or slightly acidic water. Inside, Teflon-impregnated staging—engineered composite impellers with self-lubricating surfaces—resist grit abrasion that would chew up conventional designs. The Pentek XE motor brings high-thrust bearings, efficient windings, and thermal overload protection for long life under variable duty.

Compared to cast iron or thermoplastic components, a full stainless design manages pressure cycling, thermal swings, and mild chemistry without pitting, cracking, or distortion. That matters in a dual layout where pumps can sit in standby; when called, they must start clean and push within spec. With a robust build and factory balance, vibration stays low and wear stays predictable. And yes, that’s exactly why the line carries an industry-leading 3-year warranty.

When Brynn asked about sand content, we tested: mild. The Teflon-impregnated impellers plus correct drop-pipe intake placement above the screen gave us a long runway—no grinding away stages in the first year like bargain units do.

At 200–400 feet, static pressure plus thermal expansion adds up. 300 series stainless steel holds shape and resists corrosion, keeping clearances tight and efficiency high.

Teflon-impregnated staging is the quiet hero. Self-lubrication and erosion resistance protect efficiency years longer than standard composites.

The Pentek XE motor couples torque with cool running temperature—a critical factor in dual systems where starts can increase under peak demand.

Conclusion: durable materials mean fewer pulls, fewer surprises, and consistent pressure all year.

For dual-pump redundancy, material integrity is non-negotiable. Myers’ use of full 300 series stainless steel throughout the Predator Plus Series, plus Teflon-impregnated staging, means superior corrosion and abrasion resistance. Red Lion’s reliance on thermoplastic components becomes a liability under pressure cycling and thermal expansion—plenty of cracked housings show up in my service logs. Goulds, while respected, Plumbing Supply and More myers pump still deploys cast iron elements in lines not optimized for submersible corrosion conditions. The Pentek XE motor in Myers pumps also runs cooler with better thrust bearings, so vertical loads from multi-stage configurations don’t chew themselves up early.

In the field, plastic flanges and cast iron bowls struggle with mineral-heavy or mildly acidic water. Myers stainless stays dimensionally stable. Maintenance is simpler: fewer deformations, fewer seized fasteners, smoother disassembly. Over 8–15 years, those details decide service intervals and performance drift. Warranties matter too: where many competitors offer 12–18 months, the Myers 3-year warranty trims risk for homeowners and contractors alike.

When you’re building a system that must run through storm seasons, vacations, and calving schedules, predictable longevity wins. Stainless, superior staging, and smarter motors translate into fewer late-night calls and better water quality. That long-view value makes a Myers dual install worth every single penny.

Great pumps need the right brains. Dual installations shine with alternating controllers that share run-time and automatically switch to assist mode when demand spikes. With Myers, you can run either a 2-wire configuration or 3-wire configuration. I favor 2-wire in many residential settings for simplicity and fewer external components. For legacy systems or specific diagnostics, a 3-wire with control box gives more granular troubleshooting.

Power stability is critical. A clean 230V single-phase feed, isolated neutrals, and a proper ground keep starts crisp and motors cool. High inrush on a deep-well submersible well pump can cause nuisance trips if undersized breakers or tired pressure switches get left in place from a budget install. Replace the weak links when you upgrade to duals.

Elijah wanted faster troubleshooting when on-call at school. We landed on dual 2-wire Predator Plus units with an advanced alternating controller, dual pressure switches, surge suppression, and a runtime counter. It’s intuitive, serviceable, and rock solid.

Pick an alternating controller that supports lag start below a second cut-in, pump failure lockout, and manual override. LED status and hour meters speed diagnostics.

A 2-wire configuration simplifies parts and avoids external start components. 3-wire configuration with a control box can assist on very deep starts or where older conductors require flexibility. Both are valid—design to your site.

Stable 230V supply, correct breaker sizing, and whole-house surge protection are non-negotiable. Protect those motors and controls from lightning transients and brownouts.

Takeaway: smart controls and clean power let dual pumps cooperate instead of compete—and keep your service calls to near zero.

Electrical architecture determines how fast you can diagnose an issue and how flexible your install options are. Franklin Electric submersibles often pair with proprietary control boxes and a specialized dealer ecosystem. Those setups work, but serviceability can hinge on brand-specific parts and procedures. Myers’ Predator Plus Series, on the other hand, gives you field-friendly options in both 2-wire configuration and 3-wire configuration without locking you into a narrow control path. For many residential duals, 2-wire keeps part count down and panel space clean while still delivering dependable starts.

In real homes, the ability to use standardized alternating controllers, off-the-shelf pressure switches, and commonly available overloads cuts downtime. Myers’ Pentek XE motor also benefits from robust thermal safeguards, so nuisance resets are rare when voltage is correct. Alternating control, lead/lag staging, and integrated run counters become mix-and-match rather than brand-bound.

What does that mean over a decade? Fewer proprietary parts to hunt, fewer specialized calls, and a more competitive service market. In short: faster fixes, broad compatibility, and lower lifetime cost. For rural properties where water cannot go offline, that flexibility is worth every single penny.

Dual pumps demand clean piping. From the well to the basement manifold, every joint must support alternation and instant failover. I like a single well bore with two pump strings: staggered intakes to prevent whirlpooling and drop-point turbulence. Each string runs its own line to the pitless adapter or to dual pitlesses feeding a common header. In the mechanical room, connect to a common manifold with isolation valves and checks before the pressure tank.

Use quality drop materials, secure your cables with spacing, and keep the discharge diameter matched to the pump’s best-efficiency range. Myers Predator Plus units typically terminate at a 1-1/4 discharge size, so I build a 1-1/4 common header before stepping to distribution.

For the Okonkwo home, I set both intakes with 10 feet vertical separation, then ran dual lines to a common manifold with isolation and unions. That lets Brynn or Elijah isolate one pump for service without interrupting household flow.

Stagger pump inlets to avoid aeration and turbulence. Maintain separation, especially in sandy or fluctuating level wells.

Two pitless adapters feeding a common basement header simplify isolation. Inside, use unions and dedicated isolation valves before merges and checks.

Feed a correctly sized pressure tank after the common check. Size to smooth cycles under single-pump and dual-pump operation.

Summary: clean piping and smart isolation mean service without shutdown—a hallmark of a proper redundant install.

The best pumps in the world can’t survive sloppy drops. Duals multiply the importance of tidy cable management and rugged splices. Always use a proper wire splice kit—heat-shrink with adhesive and mechanical strength. Add cable guards every 10–15 feet to prevent chafe on casing. A correctly set torque arrester controls start-up twist while allowing free vertical movement.

Anchor with a non-corrosive safety line as a secondary retrieval—stainless or UV-stable poly made for submersible duty. Keep both strings labeled, measured, and documented. I photograph each stage for the homeowner and for my records; that saves hours later.

For Elijah and Brynn, both Myers assemblies were measured, spliced with adhesive-lined heat-shrink, and tagged by depth and serial. That record now lives in a folder next to their controller. If service is ever needed, the job is half-done before we start.

Use submersible-grade kits only. A failed splice means motor failure, controller damage, or both. Inspect, test resistance, and log readings before the drop.

Cable guards prevent abrasion. A torque arrester reduces stress on drop pipe and protects the wellhead from shock at every start.

Depth, serials, amps at operating pressure, and install date: record everything. Future you (or your contractor) will be grateful.

Bottom line: installation discipline is the cheapest insurance policy your dual system will ever have.

Commissioning is where theory meets water. With the manifold complete and controls powered, test each pump independently against the pump curve. Record no-load and stabilized load amperage, system pressure at the pressure switch cut-in/cut-out, and delivered GPM rating into an open hose bib or calibrated flow meter.

Check that each pump lands on or near its expected point on the curve for your TDH (total dynamic head). If the amps are high, look for friction losses, partial blockage, or voltage sag. If pressure falls short, confirm valve position, check placement of pressure tank tees, and watch for aeration from too-shallow intake placement.

At the Okonkwo place, each 1 HP Predator Plus stabilized at expected amperage with 11.2–11.7 GPM to open discharge at target pressure. Alternating and lead/lag tests were flawless. We set cut-in at 40 PSI, cut-out at 60 PSI, and timed refill to confirm cycle reserve.

Run Pump A alone. Verify amps, GPM, and pressure. Repeat with Pump B. Document both. If one underperforms, fix it before enabling alternation.

Simulate high demand. Confirm the controller starts the second pump cleanly and holds both within normal amperage ranges.

Confirm grounding, surge protection, and correct breaker sizing. Re-check wiring torques after heat soak and retighten as needed.

Pro tip: a well-logged commissioning sheet is as valuable as the pump itself when troubleshooting down the road.

Commissioning is where design flaws surface. Thermoplastic housings like many Red Lion models often show pressure-induced micro-deflection; under sustained duty or heat soak, that can shift clearances and shave off efficiency. Cast metal stage stacks in some Goulds products resist deflection but can corrode in mineral or acidic environments, adding drag over time. Myers’ Predator Plus Series leverages 300 series stainless steel for dimensional stability across heat cycles and water chemistry, while the Teflon-impregnated staging preserves smooth hydraulic paths even after minor grit episodes.

In service life terms, those material realities matter. Thermoplastic components risk cracking from repetitive pressure sweeps; cast iron risks pitting that slowly erodes performance; stainless with advanced composites keeps curves steady longer. Add in the Pentek XE motor with thermal overload protection, and Myers units tolerate commissioning hiccups—like brief deadheads or sudden starts—better than softer builds.

For homeowners and contractors, steady-state reliability and predictable curves mean fewer callbacks and fewer weekend emergencies. Commissioning that “just works” today and still matches the book a decade out is rare. Myers delivers that kind of consistency—worth every single penny.

Redundant systems deserve a maintenance plan that’s easy to follow. The good news: Myers builds for low-touch service. An annual electrical check, a pressure sweep, and a water quality snapshot will catch 90% of emerging issues before they become pulls.

The Predator Plus design is field serviceable with a threaded assembly. If an upper stage needs attention, you’re not forced into a full-pump replacement. The motors’ protection features and cool operation profile also extend bearing life. For water chemistry, keep an eye on iron and hardness. If sand content increases, raise the intake a few feet or add sediment protection upstream of sensitive fixtures.

Six months after install, I called Elijah. Pressure stable, runtime balanced between pumps, power draw spot-on. That’s what a healthy dual system looks like.

Check controller indicators, run hours for balance, verify pressure switch calibration, and measure motor amps under both single and dual operation.

Test iron, hardness, and turbidity annually. Inspect for fixture staining or reduced flow—small symptoms, big clues.

Myers’ field serviceable assembly lets a qualified contractor replace wearable components without scrapping a whole unit—cutting cost and downtime.

Takeaway: small checklists and smart design keep your water supply steady for years.

Dual doesn’t mean double the bills. At equal load, your duty cycles spread out and each pump operates close to its best efficiency point. Myers’ 80%+ hydraulic efficiency near BEP means real savings you’ll see in your utility statements.

Warranty depth matters too. An industry-leading 3-year warranty reduces your risk window significantly. Backed by Pentair R&D and Myers Pumps manufacturing discipline, the Predator Plus Series is designed for 8–15 years of service life—and I’ve seen 20+ with excellent care. Over a decade, a dual Myers system typically beats the “replace-a-budget-pump-every-3-years” cycle by thousands, not counting soft costs like lost work time and emergency call premiums.

Elijah and Brynn’s numbers: energy use came in 14% lower than their previous single unit at equivalent flow, thanks to better curves and fewer high-pressure stalls. That’s real money for a family budget.

Right-sized pumps running at BEP waste less power. Even in assist mode, efficiency remains high due to modern hydraulics and motor design.

The Myers 3-year warranty outclasses typical 12–18 month coverage. Fewer surprises in years 2 and 3—where many budget pumps fail.

Price the install, add power, add maintenance, subtract warranty claims, and spread over 10 years. Myers wins those spreadsheets consistently.

Conclusion: dual Myers redundancy isn’t just reliable—it’s financially responsible.

Start with your household peak flow—typical rural homes land between 12–18 GPM including irrigation bursts. Then calculate your TDH (total dynamic head) by adding static water level, drawdown, friction losses, and service pressure (e.g., 50–60 PSI). Use the pump curve for the Myers Predator Plus Series to see which motor size meets that point. Many 150–250 ft TDH homes operate perfectly on a 1 HP unit delivering ~10–12 GPM, while 300–450 ft TDH or higher flow demand may warrant 1.5 HP. For dual redundancy, size each pump to carry 60–70% of peak by itself. Example: Elijah’s 380 ft well, modest friction, and 60 PSI target landed us at dual 1 HP units delivering 11–12 GPM each—either pump can run the home solo. My recommendation: confirm TDH accurately, then choose the smallest horsepower that places your operating point on the efficient midsection of the curve.

A 3-bath home with laundry, dishwasher, and irrigation bursts typically benefits from 12–15 GPM peak capacity. Multi-family or heavy irrigation can require 18–20 GPM. Multi-stage impellers in the Predator Plus stack pressure (head) efficiently—each stage adds incremental head, so total pressure rises without extreme motor size. The result is solid pressure at target flow while keeping amperage draws reasonable. In practice, a Predator Plus submersible well pump will deliver 10–12 GPM per 1 HP unit at 200–300 ft TDH comfortably. Dual-pump redundancy can alternate to balance hours and engage both pumps during peak watering or filling demands, maintaining stable pressure without straining a single motor. This translates to smoother showers, steady irrigation heads, and longer equipment life.

Hydraulic efficiency comes down to impeller geometry, stage clearances, and surface finishes. Myers Predator Plus uses precision-engineered, Teflon-impregnated staging that stays dimensionally stable under load, plus smooth passageways that minimize turbulence. Stainless components maintain clearances over time, preventing the efficiency drift common with corroded or distorted bowls. Match that with the Pentek XE motor, which runs cooler at load and keeps shaft deflection in check, and the system holds tight to the curve year after year. Many competitors drop off after a couple seasons due to wear, pitting, or micro-cracks that introduce internal bypass. In the field, that means Myers pumps move more water per watt and hold those numbers—lowering energy bills 10–20% annually in well-matched systems.

Submerged hardware sees chemistry swings, dissolved oxygen, and mineral loads that punish ferrous metals. 300 series stainless steel resists corrosion and pitting in these environments, maintains dimensional stability under heat cycles, and keeps machined fits tight. Cast iron can corrode or pit, increasing hydraulic drag and eroding efficiency. In dual systems—where each pump alternates and may sit idle—stainless components won’t seize or shed scale when the standby unit starts. The result: consistent flow and pressure, easier disassembly if needed, and fewer emergency pulls. For deep or variable-water-quality wells, stainless construction isn’t luxury; it’s the floor for dependable operation.

Grit acts like sandpaper in tight clearances. Teflon-impregnated staging provides a low-friction, wear-resistant surface that tolerates incidental sand much better than standard composites. Clearances remain consistent, so the pump stays on its curve rather than losing head to internal leakage. In slightly sandy wells, pairing those stages with correct intake elevation (not on the bottom) and a sensible duty cycle extends service life dramatically. I’ve pulled budget pumps after 18 months that had chew marks in every stage. The Predator Plus staging shrugs off that minor abrasion, and that’s a big reason you get 8–15 years with decent care.

The Pentek XE motor is built for axial loads inherent in multi-stage pumps. High-thrust bearings, optimized rotor/stator design, and efficient windings reduce heat at load. Cooler motors extend insulation and bearing life, while stable shaft alignment keeps the impeller stack running true. Add thermal overload protection to stop a runaway condition, and you’ve got a motor that handles start surges, voltage dips, and everyday cycling with margin to spare. Efficiency gains show up as lower amperage at target flow and pressure—delivering the same water with fewer watts. That matters when you’re operating two pumps over a decade.

Experienced DIYers can install with the right tools, safety practices, and a plan. That said, deep wells, dual strings, and alternating controllers are not beginner projects. Lifting gear, correct wire splice kit use, torque management, and accurate commissioning are critical. A licensed contractor brings the equipment and the eye for details that prevent callbacks. If you go DIY, have PSAM pull your parts list and review your pump curve and TDH math. For dual redundancy—especially with deep drops—I strongly recommend professional install and DIY maintenance thereafter. Water is too critical to gamble with.

A 2-wire configuration integrates the start components in the motor, yielding fewer external parts and simpler wiring—great for many residential systems. A 3-wire configuration uses an external control box for start/run capacitors and relays, potentially useful for deep wells, legacy wiring, or specific diagnostic preferences. Myers offers both, so you can match your site and service style. For dual systems, 2-wire often keeps panels tidy and troubleshooting straightforward; 3-wire can offer quicker capacitor swaps topside. Either way, the alternating controller is the brain; choose one that supports your chosen configuration.

With good water chemistry and sensible cycling, 8–15 years is typical. I’ve seen well-maintained units pass 20 years. Maintenance means annual electrical and pressure checks, verifying balance between pumps, and addressing water quality quirks (iron, hardness, sand) before they escalate. The combination of stainless construction, Teflon-impregnated staging, and the Pentek XE motor keeps performance stable. In dual redundancy, spread run-hours help, too: neither motor bears the full duty cycle, which extends bearing life and reduces thermal stress.

Annually: verify pressure switch calibration, inspect electrical connections, confirm controller alternation, log run hours, and measure running amperage vs. Nameplate. Test water for iron and hardness; treat or filter if needed. Every 2–3 years: re-check surge protection and panel terminations (torque can relax over time). Any noticeable change in pressure or flow warrants a deeper look. Keep a logbook with install data, amps, pressures, and any changes—you’ll spot small problems early and avoid big bills.

The Myers 3-year warranty outpaces the industry, where 12–18 months is common. It covers manufacturing defects and performance issues under normal residential use. In real terms, that shields you from early-life surprises—the period when budget pumps often fail. For contractors, it reduces callback risk. For homeowners, it means confidence in an investment-grade system. Pair that with PSAM’s tech support and ready-to-ship parts, and your downtime risk drops significantly.

Budget pumps can look cheap at checkout but expensive in life. Typical 3–5 year lifespan, higher energy use, and early wear from inferior materials add up. Over 10 years, you could buy two or three budget pumps plus pay for extra pulls, emergency labor, and higher electricity. A dual Myers system with the Predator Plus Series—backed by Pentair engineering and the 3-year warranty—usually wins on electricity savings, fewer service events, and longer intervals between pulls. It’s not unusual to save several thousand dollars over a decade, with the bonus of fewer “no water” days. That’s the definition of value.

Water is life in a rural home. A dual Myers design—thoughtfully sized from the pump curve, built with 300 series stainless steel and Teflon-impregnated staging, and powered by the Pentek XE motor—turns an anxious single-point-of-failure into an always-on water system. From alternating control logic and clean 230V power to tidy drops and meticulous commissioning, this approach gives you continuity. For the Okonkwo family, that meant steady showers, happy patients at Brynn’s barn, and a house that runs even when a summer storm rolls through.

At PSAM, we stock the Myers Predator Plus Series, the controllers, and every fitting you’ll need—and we ship fast. My final word after decades pulling and installing pumps: redundancy with Myers isn’t overkill. It’s smart engineering, lower lifetime cost, and peace of mind—in other words, worth every single penny.