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Finding the best red lion 1 2 hp well pumps requires comparing published specifications. We evaluated 3 models to help you choose. The Red Lion RJS-50-PREM leads because it offers dual voltage options for flexible installation. Its cast iron construction ensures durability for shallow wells up to 25 feet. Each pick relies strictly on the specs provided by the manufacturer. You will find options for simple submersible setups or jet pump needs. This guide helps you decide which pump fits your well depth and home requirements.

01 Match pump type to your well depth

Your well depth dictates the correct pump style. Shallow wells up to 25 feet require a shallow well jet pump or a shallow well pump. These units sit above ground and handle lower lift requirements. Deeper wells need a submersible pump. The Red Lion RJS-50-PREM suits shallow installations. The submersible model fits simple 4-inch well setups. Choose based on your specific well depth for reliable performance.

#ProductBest forPrice
1Red Lion RJS-50-PREM 1/2 HP Shallow Well Pump Best overallShallow wells up to 25 feet
2Red Lion 1/2 HP Submersible Well Pump Best budgetsimple 4-inch well installations
3Red Lion 1/2 HP Shallow Well Jet Pump Also greatShallow wells up to 25 feet deep

02 The best fit for you

  • You need a durable pump for shallow wells up to 25 feet – Red Lion RJS-50-PREM 1/2 HP Shallow Well Pump – It features cast iron construction and handles dual voltage options.
  • You want a simple setup for 4-inch well installations – Red Lion 1/2 HP Submersible Well Pump – This model uses 2-wire simplicity without requiring a control box.
  • You seek a reliable option for small homes with shallow wells – Red Lion 1/2 HP Shallow Well Jet Pump – It offers cast iron construction and flexible 115V or 230V power.
1Best overall
Red Lion RJS-50-PREM 1/2 HP Shallow Well Pump

Red Lion RJS-50-PREM 1/2 HP Shallow Well Pump

Best for: Shallow wells up to 25 feet

Horsepower
1/2 HP
Pump Type
Shallow Well Jet Pump
Max Flow Rate
12 GPM
Max Head
150 Ft.
Voltage
115/230V
Housing Material
Cast iron

This Red Lion shallow well jet pump handles wells up to 25 feet deep. It delivers 12 GPM at 1/2 HP. You can run it on 115V or 230V power. The cast iron housing ensures durability. It includes a 30/50 PSI pressure switch. This unit suits homeowners needing reliable water pressure for shallow sources.

Pros
  • 12 GPM flow rate for steady water supply
  • Dual voltage 115V/230V compatibility
  • Cast iron casing for long life
  • Includes 30/50 PSI pressure switch
Cons
  • 1/2 HP motor has lower power than 1 HP options
  • 37.6 lb weight is heavier than submersible units
  • 150 ft max head limits deep well use
Good fit if
  • You have a shallow well under 25 feet
  • You need 12 GPM for household use
  • You want a durable cast iron build
Skip if
  • You need a submersible pump for deep wells
  • You require more than 12 GPM flow
  • You prefer a lighter, compact unit

Verdict: Red Lion RJS-50-PREM 1/2 HP Shallow Well Pump fits shallow well owners who need 12 GPM. It offers durable cast iron construction and dual voltage options for reliable home water pressure.

2Best budget
Red Lion 1/2 HP Submersible Well Pump

Red Lion 1/2 HP Submersible Well Pump

Best for: simple 4-inch well installations

Horsepower
1/2 HP
Pump Type
Submersible Deep Well Pump
Max Flow Rate
12 GPM
Max Head
212 ft.
Voltage
115V
Housing Material
Steel

This Red Lion submersible pump delivers 12 GPM at 30 PSI for 4-inch wells. It runs on 115V power and features a 2-wire design that removes the need for a control box. The unit includes a built-in check valve and suction screen to protect the motor. It fits wells 4 inches or larger and is NSF/ANSI 372 certified for potable water.

Pros
  • Delivers 12 GPM flow rate at 30 PSI
  • 2-wire technology eliminates the need for a control box
  • Built-in check valve prevents rapid cycling
  • NSF/ANSI 372 certified for safe drinking water
  • Fits 4-inch diameter wells or larger
Cons
  • 1/2 HP motor provides less power than the 1 HP options on this list
  • 115V voltage is less efficient for deep wells than 230V models
  • Steel housing adds weight compared to composite alternatives
Good fit if
  • You need a simple 2-wire pump without a control box
  • You have a 4-inch well with moderate depth needs
  • You require NSF/ANSI 372 certification for drinking water
Skip if
  • You need higher flow rates than 12 GPM
  • You require a 230V motor for deeper wells
  • You are installing a 1 HP pump for high demand

Verdict: Red Lion 1/2 HP Submersible Well Pump is a straightforward choice for 4-inch wells needing 12 GPM. It suits users who want 2-wire simplicity and certified drinking water safety without the complexity of a control box.

3Also great
Red Lion 1/2 HP Shallow Well Jet Pump

Red Lion 1/2 HP Shallow Well Jet Pump

Best for: Shallow wells up to 25 feet deep

Horsepower
1/2 HP
Pump Type
Shallow Well Jet Pump
Max Flow Rate
7.4 GPM
Max Head
145-ft
Voltage
115/230V
Housing Material
Cast iron

This Red Lion shallow well jet pump delivers 7.4 GPM at 30 PSI. It features a cast iron casing for durability and dual voltage options of 115V or 230V. The unit reaches a maximum head of 145 feet. It suits homes with one bathroom or small cottages using wells up to 25 feet deep. You get a factory pre-set 30/50 pressure switch included.

Pros
  • Cast iron casing and volute for long life
  • Dual voltage operation at 115V or 230V
  • Includes factory pre-set 30/50 pressure switch
  • CSA listed for USA and Canada use
Cons
  • Lower flow rate of 7.4 GPM compared to 12 GPM models
  • Lower horsepower at 1/2 HP versus 1 HP options
  • Heavier build at 20.3 pounds
Good fit if
  • You need a pump for wells up to 25 feet deep
  • You require dual voltage compatibility for 115V or 230V
  • You have a home with one bathroom
Skip if
  • You need higher flow rates than 7.4 GPM
  • You require more than 1/2 HP of power
  • You are installing a well deeper than 25 feet

Verdict: Red Lion 1/2 HP Shallow Well Jet Pump fits small homes with shallow wells needing reliable, durable performance. It is a solid choice for users who value cast iron construction and flexible voltage options.

03 Specifications side by side

SpecRed Lion RJS-50-PREM 1/2 HP Shallow Well PumpRed Lion 1/2 HP Submersible Well PumpRed Lion 1/2 HP Shallow Well Jet Pump
Horsepower1/2 HP1/2 HP1/2 HP
Pump TypeShallow Well Jet PumpSubmersible Deep Well PumpShallow Well Jet Pump
Max Flow Rate12 GPM12 GPM7.4 GPM
Max Head150 Ft.212 ft.145-ft
Voltage115/230V115V115/230V
Housing MaterialCast ironSteelCast iron
Outlet Port Size1-inch FNPT1-1/4 in. FNPT1-inch FNPT
Target ContaminantIron–Iron
MaterialCast Iron–Cast Iron
Intended UseHome–Home
Dimensions17.7 × 9.05 × 9.05 inches3.9 × 3.9 × 22.5 inches8.54 × 13.9 × 8.4 inches
Weight37.6 pounds20 pounds20.3 pounds
ColorRedSteelBlack
Model6022061494240197080501

04 How to choose the right one

Check voltage flexibility

You should verify the electrical requirements before purchase. The Red Lion RJS-50-PREM supports both 115V and 230V inputs. This dual voltage option allows for flexible installation in different home setups. The submersible model only accepts 115V. You must match the pump to your available power source. Incorrect voltage can damage the motor. Check your breaker panel capacity. Ensure your wiring meets the specific amperage needs of the selected unit for safe operation.

Assess construction material

Material choice affects long-term durability. The shallow well jet pumps use cast iron bodies. This material provides robust protection against physical damage and corrosion. The submersible pump uses a steel construction. Steel is lighter but may require different handling. Cast iron units are heavier, weighing over 37 pounds. You should consider the mounting surface strength. Heavier units need secure brackets. Lighter units are easier to lift into deep wells. Choose based on your installation environment.

Verify well diameter

Submersible pumps must fit inside your casing. The Red Lion submersible model is designed for simple 4-inch well installations. You must measure your well diameter before buying. If your well is narrower, this pump will not fit. Shallow well pumps sit above ground. They do not require specific casing widths. You only need space for the unit itself. Always confirm your well dimensions match the pump intake size. Mismatched diameters cause installation failure.

Consider weight and size

Physical dimensions impact installation complexity. The shallow well pump measures nearly 18 inches long. It weighs 37.6 pounds. You need a sturdy pad or stand. The submersible pump is slender, only 3.9 inches wide. It weighs 20 pounds. This makes it easier to lower into the well. You should plan your storage space. Ensure your garage or shed can hold the larger units. Check clearances for maintenance access. Size matters for both placement and future servicing.

Identify target contaminants

Some pumps handle specific water issues. The shallow well models list iron as a target contaminant. This suggests they are suited for water with iron presence. You should test your water quality first. High iron can clog standard pumps. The submersible model focuses on drinking water safety. It does not explicitly list iron handling. You may need additional filtration. Match the pump attributes to your water test results. This ensures the unit handles your specific water chemistry effectively.

05 Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum flow rate for these pumps?

All three Red Lion 1/2 HP models deliver 12 gallons per minute. This flow rate supports reliable water pressure for typical home use. You get consistent performance whether you choose the shallow well jet pump or the submersible option. The 12 GPM output meets the needs of most residential plumbing systems without excessive energy use.

Which pump is best for shallow wells up to 25 feet deep?

The Red Lion RJS-50-PREM is the top choice for shallow wells up to 25 feet. It features cast iron construction for durability and offers dual voltage options. The alternative shallow well jet pump also fits this depth range. Both units provide reliable performance for homes with low lift requirements and need flexible electrical setups.

Does the submersible pump require a control box?

No, the Red Lion 1/2 HP Submersible Well Pump does not require a control box. It uses 2-wire simplicity for a straightforward installation. This design reduces complexity compared to other submersible models. You save space and effort by avoiding the extra components typically needed for pressure management in deeper well applications.

What voltage options are available for the shallow well pumps?

The Red Lion RJS-50-PREM and the Shallow Well Jet Pump both support 115V and 230V inputs. This dual voltage capability allows for flexible installation in various home electrical setups. You can choose the voltage that matches your existing wiring. This feature simplifies integration into different residential power configurations without needing adapters.

How heavy is the cast iron shallow well pump?

The Red Lion RJS-50-PREM weighs 37.6 pounds. Its cast iron construction adds significant weight compared to plastic alternatives. This mass contributes to stability during operation and reduces vibration. You need a solid mounting surface to support this weight safely. The heft ensures the unit remains secure in shallow well installations.

Is the submersible pump suitable for drinking water?

Yes, the Red Lion 1/2 HP Submersible Well Pump is certified for drinking water safety. It is designed for simple 4-inch well installations. You can trust its materials to maintain water quality. The steel construction and internal components meet standards for potable water use. This makes it a safe choice for household supply systems.

What material is used for the pump housing?

The shallow well models use cast iron for their housing. This material provides durability and resistance to corrosion over time. The submersible pump features a steel construction. Cast iron offers robust protection for above-ground units exposed to environmental elements. Steel provides strength for the submerged environment while maintaining structural integrity.

06 See also