The costs of replacing a well pump are based on the type of pump, its depth, its location and the size of your well. For example, replacing a shallow well jet pump is usually less expensive than replacing a submersible residential well pump. A deep well jet pump is likely to be somewhere in between. Replacing a malfunctioning pump is important, especially if your well is your primary source of water.
Most well pumps retail for between $100 and $1,200. The average cost to replace a well pump is between $841 and $2,254, with most homeowners spending about $1,542. Shallow pumps will cost around $1,000 to install, while deep-well projects will cost roughly $2,000. Submerged installations may require extra wiring and piping, running you an additional $100 to $200+ on top of your overall replacement cost.
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| Type of Pump | Cost |
|---|---|
| Submersible (3/4 to 5 horse power) | $200 - $1,200 |
| Deep Jet | $175 - $800 |
| Shallow Jet | $100 - $500 |
| Hand | $150+ |
| Solar | $89+ |
Jet pumps come in cast iron, stainless steel, carbon ceramic and thermoplastic. Most jet pump motors range from between one-half and two horsepower. You can expect to pay around $269 for shallow well pumps (25-feet or less) with smaller motors and cheaper materials like thermoplastic. Deep-well motors (up to 150 feet) with higher quality materials like cast iron will have a rough cost of between $675 - $745. Jet pumps are generally considered an older style of well pump, and deliver less volume and pressure compared to submersible pumps. Sometimes jet pumps stop working due to a loss of prime, while submersible pumps are always self-priming. Motor replacement costs will vary based on the size of your pump. In many cases, motor repairs cost as much as installing a new pump.
Submersible pumps come in cast iron and stainless steel and range from three-quarters to five horsepower. Submersible pumps have the same criteria in terms of cost to replace as jet pumps, however, similar sizes of submersible pumps are still typically more expensive than jet pumps. Despite the higher price, submersible pumps are considered more reliable than jet pumps and are less noisy. The cost of installing submersible pumps will vary based on the size of the well, material and motor size. Lower horse power pumps have a rough cost of around $475, while more powerful units can range from $700 to $1,200. Many submersible pumps also require the installation of additional piping, which will increase overall installation costs. Adding extra piping can cost an additional $250 - $2,500, depending on the scope of work.
Solar pumps come in both plastic and stainless-steel housing. Stainless models will command a higher price, but have a longer lifespan. Basic pump configurations will cost around $2,000 and pump water from both shallow and deep wells. High-end models will pump from a variety of well depths at a higher gallon-per-minute rate. These pumps will cost between $3,000 and $4,000.
Hand well pumps come in both plastic, cast and stainless construction. Plastic, shallow pumps are affordable, and start at around $150. Larger, stainless deep well pumps can cost more, depending on the design and size of the well. Hand pumps can be physically tiring, but will function regardless of weather or utility availability.
Well pump replacement costs can range anywherefrom $200 to an upward of $5,000, with most homeowners reporting a cost between $841 and $2,254 to have their pumps replaced.
Your replacement cost will vary based on several factors. Heres a look at what can drive the price of your new pump.
- Well size - The size and depth of your well will play a role in determining your replacement costs. Installing pumps in shallow wells requires less work than wider, deeper locations. Shallow pumps, which are more affordable, are best suited for wells less than 25 feet deep. Deep pumps are necessary for wells up to 150 feet in depth. Purchasing and installing a deep pump will cost more.
- Pump Type - The type of pump you install well affect the overall price. Construction of jet pumps makes them easier to remove and install than submersible options.
- Replacement method - Hiring a professional will cost more than do-it-yourself methods. Unless you have experience replacing and installing a well pump, its best to hire a local pro. DIY fixes can result in extremely expensive pump repairs.
- Pressure tank issues - Most wells deliver water to a pressurized storage tank. Problems with your pump or well can stem from a problematic tank. Replacing your storage tank can cost between $800 and $3,800.
Homeowners with malfunctioning jet pumps may decide to switch to a more modern submersible pump instead of opting for a replacement. Switching from an older jet pump to a submersed model will benefit your home in more ways than one. Heres a quick look at the benefits of upgrading to a submersible pump.
- Maintenance. Submersible pumps are self-priming, which lessens upkeep and wear and tear on the unit.
- Instant pressure. Submersible pumps create pressure 30 percent faster than jet pumps because theyre not working against gravity.
- Energy efficiency. The design of submersible pumps saves energy and is quieter than jet alternatives. Noise can be important if your well is located near your house.
- Costs. Submersible pumps are completely sealed, which saves on repairs and utility costs. Even though submersible pumps are more expensive upfront, they typically save water pump costs in the long run through both repair and energy.
Installing solar or hand designs is also an option. Heres a look at some of the advantages of off-the-grid pumps.
- Energy efficiency. Hand and solar pumps dont require utilities to function, making them extremely energy efficient.
- Minimal installation. In most cases, hand and solar units dont require major installations like jet and submersed pumps.
Hand and solar pumps are great for outbuildings and other non-essential water sources, but they can make in-home water usage difficult. Be sure to gauge your homes water consumption before installing an off-the-grid pump.
Hire A Well Pump Replacement Professional
Well pumps are devices that use suction or pressure to draw water from a well. There are two main types of well pumps:
- Submersible (constant pressure) pumps. These pumps are submersed in the well and use pressure to push water up the well. Submersible pumps are water-tight and use direct pressure to move water. This is more effective than suction methods. Underwater pumps can corrode quicker than other models.
- Jet pumps. Jet pumps work like a straw. These pumps combine pressure with suction to draw the water from the well. Many jet pumps come outfitted for both deep and shallow well settings.
Additional alternatives:
- Hand pumps. Hand pumps use a hand-cranked lever to draw water out of the well. This type of pump is useful for areas with no power, but can be tiring.
- Solar pumps. Solar well pumps use solar energy to power a motor that draws water from the well. Cloudy or overcast weather can affect the efficiency of solar pumps.
Most modern well pumps operate using electricity. Well pumps do not pump continuously each time a water source cycles on. Instead, they deliver water to a storage tank for holding. When the water pressure in the tank drops below a certain level, the pump activates and adds more water. Submersible and jet pumps are both capable in deep and shallow well settings.
The depth of your well is an important factor when replacing, repairing or installing a pump. Heres a look at the differences between a variety of well depths.
| Well Type | Excavation Method | Depth | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drilled | Percussion or rotary tool drilled | Up to 1,000 feet | Casing and screens are often required to maintain stability and keep water sediment-free |
| Driven | Pipe is driven by hand or machine into watery soil | Hand-driven = 30 ft. Machine-driven = 50+ ft. | Simple to DIY but unsealed and vulnerable to contamination |
| Dug | Hand tools such as shovels and pickaxes | To water table | Typically have brick- or stone-lined sides, vulnerable to drought and contamination |
Submersible and jet well pumps are both suited for a variety of well depths. If you have a deeper well, youll need to invest in a larger pump motor, which will increase overall costs. Pump motors can range from $100 to $300+. Hand and solar models are best for shallower wells. Some solar designs can handle deeper wells, but they will come at a higher price.
Dirty water, loud noises, inconsistent pressure, air in your faucets and unexplained increases in water bills are common signs you need a new well pump. In many cases, pump problems are related to electrical or mechanical failures. Its a good idea to call a pro if youre experiencing any of these issues. A pump professional will be able to recognize the problem and provide an appropriate solution.
- When to expect a repair. Minor hardware damage, small engine issues and negligible well problems are usually fixed with a quick pump repair. Water pump repair costs most homeowners between $300 and $1,300.
- When to expect a replacement. Major mechanical, engine or well problems can result in a total pump replacement.
Hiring a pro to service your well pump is important for a number of reasons. A professional will pinpoint the problem and provide the appropriate solution. Hiring a professional is also a good idea if you dont know the depth of your well or what kind of pump you already have.
Motor ignition and shut-off issues and a lack of water pressure are common pump problems. Sometimes these problems can come from electrical malfunctions, which could require help from the power company if voltage is too low. Generally, well pump problems are a combination of electrical and water issues, which can be dangerous if you dont have the necessary experience.
Occasionally, the pump and the piping will need to be extracted from the well. This is most common with submersible pumps. Professionals usually use a derrick truck or puller machine to extract the pump.
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We had a 2 HP submersible pump replaced. I believe the pump may have been 14 - 30 years old. The company replaced the pump, the wiring and the control box. They used the existing pipe as it was in good condition. Took 3 -4 hours, a boom truck, and 2 men to complete. Cost $1995 + tax.