What size mesh screen is typically used on well pumps?

The typical size of mesh screen used on well pumps is a #20 mesh screen. This size strikes a balance between allowing adequate water flow while effectively filtering out larger debris that could damage the pump or affect the quality of the water. A #20 mesh screen has openings that are fine enough to trap particles such as sand, small rocks, or other sediment, which helps ensure that the water extracted is cleaner and that the pump operates efficiently without clogging.

Using a coarser mesh screen, such as #10, may allow too much debris to enter the pump, potentially leading to increased wear and tear or maintenance issues. Conversely, a finer mesh screen, such as #30 or #40, could restrict water flow too much, resulting in decreased performance and increased energy consumption for the pump. Thus, the #20 mesh screen is the optimal choice for most well pump applications, balancing filtration efficiency with flow rate.