Well Pumps
Updated February 24, 2026
Draw water from underground wells for homes not connected to municipal water. Available in shallow well jet and deep well submersible configurations. Typical price range: $300 – $2000+. Best for: Rural homes, off-grid properties.
Overview
Well pumps draw water from a private well and pressurize it for household use. Submersible pumps sit inside the well casing at the water level (most common for deep wells over 25 feet). Jet pumps sit above ground and use suction (shallow wells under 25 feet) or a jet assembly in the well (deep wells). The pump works with a pressure tank and pressure switch to maintain consistent house pressure (typically 40-60 PSI). Well pumps are the heart of a private water system -- when they fail, you have no water at all.
How to Choose Well Pumps
Well Pumps are best suited for rural homes, off-grid properties. They typically cost $300 – $2000+, so plan your budget accordingly. Sizing is important — size based on peak demand: count all fixtures that might run simultaneously, estimate total gpm needed. a typical 3-bedr... Key advantages include independent water supply and no water bill.
Pros & Cons
- Independent water supply
- No water bill
- Reliable with proper maintenance
- Expensive to install
- Requires well
- Power dependent
- Maintenance intensive
Key Features
- Submersible: sits in the well casing, pushes water up. Quiet, efficient, long-lasting.
- Jet pump (shallow well): sits above ground, pulls water by suction. Limited to 25-foot depth.
- Jet pump (deep well): above ground with a jet assembly in the well. Handles deeper wells but less efficient than submersible.
- Works with a pressure tank and switch to maintain consistent household pressure
- Sized by GPM (gallons per minute) output at your well depth and required pressure
Top Brands for Well Pumps
Sizing & Selection
Size based on peak demand: count all fixtures that might run simultaneously, estimate total GPM needed. A typical 3-bedroom home needs 8-12 GPM. The pump must deliver that flow rate at your well depth. Submersible pumps are rated by GPM at specific depths (e.g., 10 GPM at 200 feet). The pressure tank size should be at least 20 gallons for standard use, 40+ gallons for larger homes.
Installation
Submersible pump installation requires pulling the existing pump from the well (can be hundreds of feet of pipe and wire), replacing it, and lowering it back in. Professional job -- specialized equipment needed. Jet pumps install in the pump house or basement with suction and discharge piping to the well. The pressure tank and switch are mounted near the pump. Electrical: dedicated 20-30 amp 240V circuit for most pumps.
Maintenance
- Check pressure tank air charge annually with a tire gauge (should match the pressure switch cut-in setting).
- Listen for short-cycling (pump turns on and off rapidly) -- indicates a waterlogged pressure tank or failing switch.
- Test water quality annually -- changes in taste, color, or sediment can indicate well or pump issues.
- Submersible pumps last 8-15 years. Budget for replacement proactively based on age.
- Keep the well cap sealed and intact -- prevents contamination from surface water and insects.
Buying Tips
- Grundfos and Franklin Electric are the two most trusted submersible well pump brands.
- Always hire a licensed well pump installer for submersible replacement -- dropping the pump or losing it in the well is a costly mistake.
- A variable speed (constant pressure) pump eliminates pressure fluctuations but costs 2-3x more than standard.
- When replacing the pump, replace the pressure tank and switch at the same time. All three components are the same age and fail within years of each other.
- Get a well yield test before sizing a new pump. The pump should not exceed the well recovery rate or you will pump the well dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of well pumps?
Independent water supply No water bill Reliable with proper maintenance
What are the disadvantages of well pumps?
Expensive to install Requires well Power dependent Maintenance intensive
Who should buy well pumps?
Well Pumps are best for: Rural homes, off-grid properties.
How are well pumps installed?
Submersible pump installation requires pulling the existing pump from the well (can be hundreds of feet of pipe and wire), replacing it, and lowering it back in. Professional job -- specialized equipment needed. Jet pumps install in the pump house or basement with suction and discharge piping to the well. The pressure tank and switch are mounted near the pump. Electrical: dedicated 20-30 amp 240V circuit for most pumps.
How do I choose the right size for well pumps?
Size based on peak demand: count all fixtures that might run simultaneously, estimate total GPM needed. A typical 3-bedroom home needs 8-12 GPM. The pump must deliver that flow rate at your well depth. Submersible pumps are rated by GPM at specific depths (e.g., 10 GPM at 200 feet). The pressure tank size should be at least 20 gallons for standard use, 40+ gallons for larger homes.
What are the best brands for well pumps?
Top brands for well pumps include Armstrong, Bell & Gossett, Flotec, Franklin Electric. Each offers different price tiers and product lines.
How do I maintain well pumps?
Key maintenance tips: Check pressure tank air charge annually with a tire gauge (should match the pressure switch cut-in setting).. Listen for short-cycling (pump turns on and off rapidly) -- indicates a waterlogged pressure tank or failing switch.. Test water quality annually -- changes in taste, color, or sediment can indicate well or pump issues..