How to Perform a Vibration Analysis on a Myers Pump

A shower turning to a drizzle is annoying. Silence from a faucet in the middle of dinner prep is a crisis. In my world, a sudden loss of pressure usually traces back to one thing—your pump is hurting. Long before a motor fails outright, it tells you through heat, noise, and vibration. The fastest way to protect your investment—and your water supply—is to perform a proper vibration analysis. When done right, you’ll identify bearing wear, shaft misalignment, hydraulic imbalance, and electrical issues early enough to fix them before they become a 2 a.m. emergency call.

Meet the Jarecki family near Orofino, Idaho. Tomas (37), a lineman, and his spouse, Marisol (36), a substitute teacher, live with their kids—Diego (9) and Lucía (6)—on 12 acres relying entirely on a private well. Their 260-foot well had a 1 HP budget submersible from a hardware chain that failed twice in five years. The last failure started as a rattle in the drop pipe and ended in a seized lower bearing. After a hot July weekend hauling water, they came to PSAM for a 10 GPM Myers Predator Plus replacement with a Pentek XE motor. We installed and documented baseline vibration data the day it went in. Six months later that data helped us catch a misaligned pitless adapter before it turned into a shaft problem.

Why does this list matter? Because you can’t fix what you can’t measure. In the steps below, I’ll walk you through a practical, field-proven vibration analysis workflow tailored to a Myers submersible well pump—from safe measurement points and frequency bands to actionable thresholds and corrective actions. We’ll address:

Let’s keep your water on and your system efficient—from the first vibration reading to a zero-drama morning shower.

Reliable analysis starts with a clean baseline. Without it, every reading is an opinion. With a new or freshly serviced Myers Predator Plus Series pump, pull initial vibration data at startup and again after 48 hours of run-in.

Myers’ 300 series stainless steel assembly, Teflon-impregnated staging, and Pentek XE motor typically yield lower vibration than mixed-material builds because stainless resists distortion and the impellers self-lubricate under light sand exposure. On a properly sized system—say, 10 GPM at 240 feet TDH with a 1 HP motor—you’ll see smooth spectrum energy with minimal peaks around motor pole pass frequencies. Expect radial velocity readings at the well cap to be modest and stable.

For comparison context you’ll use later: submersibles transmit vibration through the column and casing, so your “sensor path” matters as much as the numbers. The baseline anchors your future calls.

The Jareckis? Their post-install baseline documented low broadband noise and negligible 1x rotational energy at the well cap—right where a balanced Myers should be.

Set your accelerometer or vibration meter on three consistent locations:

Use the same meter orientation and preload every time. Record RPM (or estimate from power frequency and motor pole count), static discharge pressure, and running pressure. Capture at least 30 seconds per point for a stable average.

Log:

A healthy Myers Predator Plus with a 1 HP single-phase motor typically shows:

Bottom line: Don’t skip the baseline. It separates guesswork from professional maintenance.

A vibration test is only useful if you finish the job safe and the system remains intact. Submersible analysis involves energized equipment, pressure, and heavy components.

Use a meter with insulated leads and a secure clamp or magnetic base. Tape the sensor wire to avoid snagging. Calibrate your instrument annually, and verify zero and self-test before use.

Household plumbing introduces noise—dishwashers, sprinklers, even a nearby HVAC condenser. Note these run conditions. For best signal, test with only one fixture (e.g., an outside spigot) running a steady flow. That’s how we captured clear data at the Jarecki property.

A safe setup prevents accidents and gives you quality readings you can trust.

Pick three consistent measurement points and make them standard. That way, month-over-month comparisons are apples to apples.

Place your sensor on the casing 6–12 inches above the pitless adapter. This point captures pump/cable-induced vibration transmitted up the column. Look for:

The exposed drop pipe stub is a direct conduit for vibration from the pump stages and Pentek XE motor. Spikes here can indicate:

Use a light clamp and note the exact location for repeatability.

By monitoring near the pressure tank, you correlate vibration with hydraulic events—pump start, stop, flow transitions. Peaks at motor start/stop may indicate water hammer or a loose tank tee assembly. If your plumbing is ringing like a bell, you’ve got mechanical impacts to address.

Consistent points, consistent conclusions—that’s how pros trend and diagnose.

Vibration analysis is pattern recognition. Know your frequencies, and you’ll know your faults.

A dominant 1x component typically means imbalance—worn engineered composite impellers, sand erosion on a stage, or a bent shaft. On a Myers submersible well pump, 1x energies should be modest with a new or clean stage stack.

High 2x harmonics can indicate misalignment: the pump set twisting at the pitless adapter, an out-of-plane torque in the drop pipe, or a crooked seating in the well. For the Jareckis, a rising 2x trend flagged a pitless that had shifted—solved by re-seating and tightening.

A healthy AC electric pump will show 60 Hz and motor electrical sidebands. Elevated electrical hum paired with high amperage draw points to voltage imbalance or winding stress. The Pentek XE motor is designed to handle imbalances better than standard motors, but persistent electrical distortion shouldn’t be ignored.

High-frequency spikes (3–10 kHz) in acceleration g’s indicate bearing distress. A rising trend here is your early warning to schedule a pull before a catastrophic seize.

Know the fingerprints; catch the problems before they catch you.

Not all vibration is mechanical. Plenty of it is hydraulic. Flow conditions inside a multi-stage pump matter as much as bearings.

Broadband increases with intermittent spikes at steady flow often mean grit. The Teflon-impregnated staging and self-lubricating impellers in Myers resist abrasion, but if your well produces sand, you’ll see it on the plot and feel it as a whispery “hiss” at the discharge. Install a sediment separator or adjust intake height.

Air introduced upstream causes chaotic, low-frequency bursts and pressure flicker. Check for suction leaks at any surface components on systems with a jet pump or booster involved. Submersibles see this more as drawdown exposing the intake—test at steady state, not during heavy drawdown.

Compare readings at low, mid, and high flow (e.g., single tap vs. irrigation zone) to assess turbulence. Column resonance on long drop pipes can occur at specific flow rates. A torque arrestor and proper drop pipe support reduce it.

The Jareckis saw an uptick in broadband noise during peak irrigation. An inexpensive in-line spin-down filter cut the sand load and returned the signature to baseline.

Numbers need context. Use conservative thresholds anchored to your baseline.

One “bad” reading after a storm? Re-test next day. A consistent climb over two or three tests? Take action. Vibration is a trend science.

If 60 Hz hum grows alongside high amperage: check voltage, connections, and control box (for 3-wire systems). Rising vibration as pressure approaches cut-out may be check valve or hydraulic chatter—inspect the house-side check and any swing checks.

PSAM Pro Tip: Keep a simple log—date, flow, pressure, amps, vibration at each point, fixes made. You’ll stop guessing and start solving.

When vibration speaks, fix what it’s pointing to. Start with the simplest, highest-payoff tweaks.

A mis-seated pitless adapter twists the column and shows up as 2x misalignment. Lift and re-seat per spec, replacing worn O-rings. Add a second torque arrestor 10–20 feet below the first if column sway persists. Secure wiring with proper ties and a cable guard to prevent slap.

Noisy closing? Replace the house-side check valve with a fast-closing, spring-loaded model. Confirm that the main line is anchored near the tank tee and that the pressure switch is tight to the manifold. A loose nipple can ring like a tuning fork.

Verify voltage balance and connections at the breaker and any control box. The Pentek XE motor includes thermal overload protection and lightning protection, but poor power quality still drives heat and vibration. Clean, tight terminations matter.

After the Jareckis’ pitless reseat and a check valve upgrade, their vibration returned to baseline and stayed there through heavy irrigation season.

In vibration analysis, build quality shows up in the data. Let’s compare predominant traits.

From a materials perspective, Myers’ 300 series stainless steel shell, discharge bowl, shaft, coupling, and suction screen resist distortion that amplifies vibration. Goulds Pumps frequently incorporate cast iron elements that can corrode in acidic or mineral-heavy water, changing clearances and increasing hydraulic noise over time. On the motor side, the Pentek XE motor used with Myers is a high-thrust, efficient driver with excellent thermal characteristics, often translating to steadier 1x and lower electrical hum compared to many standard motors. In the field, I consistently observe smoother broadband signatures from Myers submersibles when operated near their best efficiency point (BEP).

Real-world maintenance patterns further separate the brands. Myers’ field serviceable threaded assembly makes staged repairs feasible without replacing the entire unit. That keeps vibration low as components can be corrected before global failure. Goulds systems with mixed materials may require earlier full-unit replacement in corrosive conditions. Franklin Electric submersibles often rely on proprietary control components and dealer networks, complicating quick fixes when electrical-side vibration hints at control issues. For homeowners on private wells, every added day of downtime matters.

Bottom line: robust stainless construction, long-wearing engineered composite impellers, and Pentair-backed motors produce cleaner vibration signatures and longer stable trends. For families like the Jareckis who can’t afford guesswork or outages, the Myers package is worth every single penny.

Trust, but verify. Every fix demands a post-repair reading to prove you solved the right problem.

Run the same flow, use the same sensor placements, and capture 30–60 seconds per point. Compare to pre-repair and baseline. You should see:

Re-test after a month. If readings drift again, the underlying issue may be upstream—water quality, supply level, or an undersized pressure tank causing rapid cycling.

At least twice a year, pull a full set of readings. Seasonal water table shifts change TDH (total dynamic head) and flow, so expect small differences. Large changes warrant investigation.

For the Jareckis, post-repair verification showed a 40% drop in 2x energy at the casing and a 20% reduction in broadband velocity at the drop pipe. That closed the loop and restored confidence.

Great equipment, tuned and monitored, runs quiet and lasts. This is where Myers delivers.

At PSAM, we ship fast, stock the right parts, and coach you through sizing and setup— pressure tank pairings, 2-wire vs 3-wire, control box choices, and proper pitless adapter practices. My “Rick’s Picks” list includes meters, filters, and splice kits to keep your system dead reliable.

Choosing Myers—and keeping an eye on vibration—turns surprises into scheduled maintenance, not emergency showers with a bucket.

Field failures tell the story. I’ve replaced more cracked thermoplastic housings than I can count. Red Lion makes accessible mid-range options, but those thermoplastic shells don’t shrug off pressure spikes or thermal expansion cycles like Myers’ stainless steel builds. Over time, micro-deformation of plastic housings changes internal passage geometry, increasing turbulence and vibration. That’s the slippery slope to noisy operation and shortened life.

At installation, prioritizing a Myers Predator Plus submersible with threaded assembly serviceability means you can address staging wear, replace a check, or pull/inspect without trashing the whole set. Vibration trends remain low because your pump keeps its original geometry and bearing alignment. With Red Lion thermoplastic, once the internal fit drifts or the shell flexes, vibration climbs and you begin chasing symptoms—check valves, wiring, even plumbing supports—while the core problem persists.

For out-of-the-way homes like the Jareckis’, where downtime equals hauling water, that reliability edge saves hours, weekends, and repeat buys. Stainless, serviceability, and PSAM-backed support make the Myers route worth every single penny.

Start with your total dynamic head (TDH): add vertical lift (from water level to pressure tank), friction loss in the pipe run, and desired pressure (e.g., 50 psi ≈ 115 ft). Then match flow needs—typical homes require 7–12 GPM. A 1 HP Myers submersible well pump often handles around 10 GPM near 200–260 ft TDH, while 1.5 HP steps in for deeper sets or higher flow. Review the pump curve and select a model operating near its BEP; that’s where vibration, heat, and energy use are lowest. For example, with a static water level at 120 ft, pressure tank at 20 ft elevation, and 50 psi delivery, your TDH might be ~255 ft including friction. For a family with irrigation, target 10–12 GPM; that’s a sweet spot for a 1 HP 10 GPM Myers Predator Plus staged accordingly. My recommendation: call PSAM with your depth, water level, and pipe size. We’ll read the curve together to get the horsepower right the first time.

Most homes run comfortably at 7–12 GPM. Larger families, livestock, or irrigation may push that to 12–20 GPM during peak use. Multi-stage pump design stacks impellers to convert rotational energy into higher head, translating to stronger pressure at the house. Each stage adds head, so a 10 GPM, 1 HP unit for 250–300 ft TDH might use 10–14 stages depending on model. Operating near the BEP gives you stable pressure, lower vibration, and maximal efficiency. Undersizing forces the pump to the right side of the curve (low flow, high head), which can increase heat and noise; oversizing pushes to the left (high flow, low head), causing turbulence. A well-matched Myers deep well pump delivers smooth pressure transitions—less water hammer, cleaner vibration signatures, and longer life.

Efficiency comes from precision and materials. Myers Predator Plus leverages tight tolerances in 300 series stainless steel, engineered composite impellers with Teflon-impregnated staging, and smooth hydraulic passages that minimize recirculation. Operated at the BEP, friction and turbulence drop, so more of the motor’s energy becomes usable head. Pair that with the Pentek XE motor, which runs cooler under axial thrust, and you get lower amperage draw for the same water delivered. In the field, I see 10–20% energy savings over budget brands, plus calmer vibration plots because the pump isn’t churning water inefficiently. That efficiency is also why Myers stays quieter over time; less wasted energy means less heat, less wear, and fewer imbalanced flow conditions.

Water chemistry varies. In wells with mineral-rich or acidic profiles, cast iron components can pit or corrode, altering internal clearances and roughening flow paths—both elevate turbulence and vibration. 300 series stainless steel resists corrosion, holds geometry under pressure cycles, and keeps internal surfaces smooth. When your stage stack and bowls remain true, you maintain the original hydraulic profile and avoid vibration-inducing imbalance. Stainless also tolerates thermal expansion better under stop/start cycles. In long-term service, stainless translates to cleaner vibration spectra, less bearing stress, and fewer emergency pulls. That’s one of the reasons a Myers well pump routinely reaches the upper end of the 8–15 year band—and beyond with good care.

Grit is the enemy of smooth hydraulics. Teflon-impregnated staging creates a low-friction interface that sheds fine particles instead of embedding them. Self-lubricating impellers maintain a thin lubricative barrier even in marginal water quality, preventing scuffing that would otherwise create imbalance. Many bearing failures start as uneven wear on impellers that then shake the shaft; by keeping the surfaces slick and wear-resistant, Myers slows that cycle dramatically. Practically, you’ll see fewer 1x growths and reduced broadband noise in your vibration log as the pump ages. For sandy wells, add a sediment pre-filter on the house side; pair that with Myers staging tech and you’ll preserve balance for years.

The Pentek XE motor is engineered to handle the substantial axial loads generated by multi-stage stacks. High-thrust bearings, improved cooling, and optimized winding design keep operating temperatures lower for the same HP output. That translates to steadier RPM under load and a cleaner electrical signature—less 60 Hz and sideband noise in your vibration spectrum. Lower heat reduces winding insulation stress and bearing lubricant breakdown. In practice, I see XE-driven Myers pumps hold their baseline vibration longer into service life. Efficiency isn’t just dollars on the meter; it’s smoother running and fewer maintenance interventions.

A capable DIYer can install a Myers submersible well pump with careful adherence to electrical and plumbing codes. You’ll need the right drop pipe, pitless adapter, wire gauge, wire splice kit, torque control, and a properly sized pressure tank and pressure switch. That said, deep wells, long runs, or 3-wire systems with a control box are best left to a licensed contractor. A professional will also capture a baseline vibration reading at startup—this saves you guesswork later. If you do it yourself, call PSAM for a parts checklist and a quick sizing review. Safety first, and measure twice before you lower the assembly.

A 2-wire well pump integrates starting components in the motor housing; installation is simpler with fewer external parts. A 3-wire well pump uses an external control box with start capacitors and relays—handy for diagnostics and parts swaps without pulling the pump. For most residential installs up to 1.5 HP, 2-wire is clean, fast, and reliable; it can reduce upfront costs by avoiding a separate control box. Myers offers both, so you can match your comfort level and maintenance preferences. If you prioritize quick DIY changeouts and richer diagnostics top-side, 3-wire earns its keep. Either way, Myers’ Pentek XE motor gives you strong starting torque and stable operation.

In my field experience, 8–15 years is realistic for a Myers Predator Plus system in average water. I’ve seen sets cross the 20–30 year mark with ideal chemistry, proper sizing, and gentle cycling. Maintenance is simple but critical: keep pressure cycling within manufacturer guidelines, protect against sand ingress, check voltage and connections annually, and trend vibration twice a year. Replace noisy check valves, re-seat a drifting pitless adapter, and keep the wiring secured with cable guards. The combination of stainless construction, self-lubricating impellers, and the Pentek XE motor is built to go the distance—if you treat it right.

This cadence keeps the pump near its BEP, minimizes heat and noise, and prevents nuisance failures that shorten life.

Myers backs its Predator Plus line with an industry-leading 3-year warranty, significantly longer than typical 12–18 month coverage on many budget brands. The warranty covers manufacturing defects and performance issues within normal use. That extended runway aligns with my recommendation to trend vibration and address issues proactively—if something drifts out of spec early, you have time and coverage to resolve it. Compared to brands with 1-year terms, Myers’ additional years reduce total ownership risk by an estimated 15–30% because early-life defects surface within that window. Pair the warranty with PSAM’s parts availability and fast shipping, and you’re positioned to fix problems fast without gambling on out-of-pocket replacements.

Budget pumps can look attractive on day one but often struggle in years 2–5. It’s common to see 3–5 year lifespans with elevated vibration by year two, driving energy waste and emergency pulls. Add two replacements in a decade and you’ve paid more in hardware, labor, and lost time. A Myers well pump, operating efficiently at 80%+ near its BEP, typically trims energy costs by up to 20% annually and reduces repair frequency thanks to stainless construction and Teflon-impregnated staging. Over ten years, many homeowners save $800–$2,000 between avoided emergency labor, fewer parts, and lower power bills. And you keep your mornings predictable. My call? If your water matters—and it always does—Myers through PSAM is the smarter decade-long bet.

Both brands build reputable equipment, but configuration affects real-world stability. Grundfos often pushes toward 3-wire control solutions with added complexity in certain series. Myers offers streamlined 2-wire configurations that reduce installation points of failure and initial cost. Fewer external components mean fewer sources of electrically induced vibration signatures at the tank tee. In homes where simple is durable, this matters. With Myers’ field serviceable threaded assembly and Pentek XE thrust handling, I regularly see quieter long-term vibration plots compared to equivalently sized systems with more external control hardware. On balance—lower complexity, robust stainless hydraulics, and PSAM’s quick parts pipeline—translate to calmer operation and faster recovery if something drifts. For the Jareckis and most rural families I serve, that simplicity and reliability are worth every single penny.

Vibration is your early-warning system. Use it. A disciplined approach—baseline, safe measurements, frequency interpretation, and timely corrections—keeps your Myers submersible well pump running cool, quiet, and efficient for years. Between the 300 series stainless steel build, self-lubricating impellers, Pentek XE motor, and 3-year warranty, the Predator Plus Series is built for low-noise longevity. Back it with PSAM’s practical guidance, quick shipping, and the right accessories— pressure tank sizing, check valve upgrades, filters, and splice kits—and you’ll avoid the late-night scramble.

When Tomas and Marisol Jarecki switched to Myers and logged their vibration from day one, they stopped guessing and started controlling outcomes. That’s the goal. If you want help selecting the right horsepower, dial in a vibration meter, or interpret a confusing spectrum, reach out. I’m Rick Callahan at PSAM—this is what I do. Your water is essential; your pump should be quietly dependable. Let’s keep it that way.