Installers must have detailed knowledge of the different types of pumping equipment used in residential, commercial, and municipal water systems. This includes the ability to disassemble, repair, and reassemble submersible, jet, line shaft turbine, or horizontal booster pumps. The technician must also be familiar with the electrical controls associated with pump systems, water storage tanks, piping, and possibly water treatment equipment. Troubleshooting problems are regular tasks with any of the water system components mentioned. A pump installer installs, services, and repairs water well pumping systems and related equipment. The work encountered also varies depending on the size of the pump and the depth it is set in the well; various methods may be used for installation or removal. Work could be as simple as installing/removing the pump by hand or as complex as using pump pulling rigs and pump hoists ranging in size from pickup truck-mounted equipment to very large trucks with specialized hoists capable of lifting 50 tons or more.
A high school or trade school diploma is generally required for an entry-level position. Individuals should have good mechanical aptitude, the ability to perform lifting and physical labor, and enjoy working both outdoors and indoors. Entry-level positions are generally helpers on a two- or three-person crew. The employer usually provides on-the-job training wherein the helper may progress to an installer.Pump installers may be called upon to be available in off hours to respond to customer water system emergencies. The ability to interact well with customers, maintain detailed job reports, and manage equipment resources and helpers will be required of a lead pump installer. Employer firms range from small two-person operations to large organizations with 50 or 100 employees. Some companies concentrate on just one segment of the market, i.e., residential, commercial, municipal, while others may be broadly diversified.