How much does a well pump cost to replace or install?
How much does a well pump cost to replace or install?
Well pump replacement costs $540 to $1,850 on average with most homeowners spending $400 to $2,000 to install a deep-well submersible pump or $300 to $1,200 for a shallow-well jet pump. New retail well pumps cost $100 to $1,200, and labor costs to replace range from $200 to $800.
$400 – $2,000 Submersible pump cost installed
$300 – $1,200 Jet pump cost installed
Well pump replacement costs $540 to $1,850 on average with most homeowners spending $400 to $2,000 to install a deep-well submersible pump or $300 to $1,200 for a shallow-well jet pump. New retail well pumps cost $100 to $1,200, and labor costs to replace range from $200 to $800.
Well Pump Replacement Cost
The average cost to replace a well pump is $540 to $1,850, depending on the type of pump, horsepower, brand, and well depth. Replacing a well pump and pressure tank together costs $800 to $2,300. Minor well pump repairs cost $150 to $600.
Installing new wires or piping for the pump adds about $200 each. Complex piping work or upgrading to a solar or constant-pressure pump adds $1,000 to $3,000.
| National Average Cost | $1,230 |
| Minimum Cost | $200 |
| Maximum Cost | $5,000 |
| Average Range | $540 to $1,850 |
Average Well Pump Prices
A well pump costs $200 to $800 on average without installation, depending on the type and horsepower. Submersible well pumps cost $165 to $1,000, deep or shallow-well jet pumps run $95 to $800, hand pumps are $50 to $600, and solar-powered well pumps cost $1,400 to $2,600.
| Type | Pump Only | Pump + Install Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Submersible Well Pump | $165 – $1,200 | $400 – $2,000 |
| Deep Well Jet Pump | $175 – $800 | $400 – $1,200 |
| Shallow Well Jet Pump | $95 – $600 | $300 – $900 |
| Hand Well Pump | $50 – $600 | $200 – $800 |
| Solar Powered Well Pump | $1,400 – $2,600 | $1,650 – $3,200 |
| Constant-Pressure Well Pump | $1,600 – $4,000 | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Windmill Water Pump | $4,200 – $19,600 | $6,000 – $25,000 |
Submersible Well Pump Cost
Submersible well pump installation costs $400 to $2,000 on average, depending on the motor size, depth of the well, and whether you have an existing pump. Deep-well submersible pumps support wells 25' to 300' deep or more and range from ⅓ to 5-HP with output capacities of 5 to 140 GPM.
Regular-pressure submersible pumps, or "40/60 pumps", turn on when the pressure drops below 40 PSI and shut off when the pressure reaches 60 PSI.
Constant-pressure submersible pumps continually monitor the system pressure and adjust the speed of the pump as necessary.
Submersible well pumps are typically more expensive than jet pumps but are more reliable, less noisy, and tend to last longer. Most homes use a ½ to 1-½-HP submersible pump made of cast iron, stainless steel, or thermoplastic housing. When replacing your unit, select a pump with the same amount of wires, either 2 or 3-wires.
| 2-Wire | 3-Wire |
|---|---|
|
|
There are three wires in a 2-wire cable and four wires in a 3-wire cable; the green ground cable is not counted.
Constant Pressure Well Pump Cost
A constant-pressure well pump costs $2,000 to $5,000 installed. A constant-pressure system runs continuously if there's at least a 1-GPM demand on the water supply, and the tank capacity required could be as low as 20 gallons.
The pump controller used in a constant-pressure system is a VFD (variable frequency drive), which is a variable speed pump that's better suited in urban areas where the electrical supply is stable. VFD controllers last about ten years and cost $800 to $2,900 before installation fees.
Jet Well Pumps Prices
A shallow-well jet pump costs $300 to $900 to replace and supports wells 25' or less. A convertible jet pump for deep-wells up to 90' costs $400 to $1,200. Above-ground jet pumps have an output capacity of 1 to 70 GPM and range from ½ to 1-HP for residential use. Material choices are cast iron, stainless steel, or thermoplastic.
| Pump Material | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Cast Iron | $92 – $329 |
| Thermoplastic Housing | $155 – $600 |
| Stainless Steel | $200 – $1,220 |
*Prices for the jet pump only.
High-end stainless steel jet pumps are self-priming, while standard jet pumps may lose their prime and stop pumping. Jet pumps are usually cheaper than submersible pumps but deliver less volume and pressure. Some manufacturers produce a combination jet pump and pressure tank, which is faster to install and costs $300 to $1,400.
Shallow-well jet pumps are typically used in areas with a high-water table and are suited to warmer climates. Install a jet pump with overload protection to avoid motor burnout—pumps can keep running when the water level is too low, causing burn out.
Protect outdoor jet pumps and tanks during the winter with an insulated bag ($50 – $200) or by installing a well house ($150 – $1,200), and by wrapping exposed pipes with insulation sleeves.
Solar Powered Well Pump Cost
A solar-powered well pump costs $1,650 to $3,200 installed and will pump water from both shallow and deep wells. Solar pumps are an excellent choice for rural areas and lower your energy consumption costs. However, solar requires unobstructed sunlight for at least 6 to 8 hours per day. Solar well pumps are housed in plastic or stainless steel (or both) and are either:
Positive Displacement Pump (Submersible) – Draws water into an inlet compartment and move it to an outlet using a diaphragm, reciprocating, or rotary mechanism. The discharge flow will be constant.
Centrifugal Pump (Jet) – Creates a vacuum to move water through a rotating impeller. The flow will fluctuate.
Connecting the solar array directly to the pump requires a DC (direct current) motor. If you want your system to charge batteries, and you choose a pump with an AC (alternating current) motor, an inverter is required to convert the DC power to AC, which results in some power loss to the pump.
Solar Well Pump Kit
A solar well pump kit costs $1,500 to $6,500, depending on the GPM and feet lift required. Kits come with a pump, solar panels, mounting brace, and everything needed to power and protect the pump. Most kits are deep-well submersible pumps, as they consume less energy per gallon of water by using pressure rather than suction to push the water out.
Water Well Hand Pump Cost
Hand pumps for water wells cost $50 to $600 on average, with labor rates of $195 to $300 to install. Hand pumps are made of plastic, stainless steel, or cast iron. Premium hand pumps cost $500 to $2,000 and are suitable for deep wells—pumping one gallon per 7 strokes from 300’ deep.
To prevent a hand pump from freezing, drill a small hole in the downpipe so when it's installed, the hole is 4 or 5 feet below the ground level. When you finish pumping, the remaining water in the downpipe will seep out through that hole, leaving none to freeze from there up to the surface.
Windmill Water Pump Prices
A windmill water pump costs $4,200 to $19,600, with the average stub tower costing $9,900 and cross brace tower costing $12,900. Windmill water pumps are great for locations without electric service, or where a solar-powered pump would not provide enough power.
Professional assembly and installation takes 1 or 2 days and costs $2,000 to $5,000. A water-storage solution is still needed, which costs $380 to $1,500 depending on the type of tank and how it is pressurized.
Benefits of a Mechanical Windmill Water Pump
Suitable for both shallow wells and deep wells to around 1,200’
Works in wind speeds as low as 3 mph; 24 hours per day
Almost no maintenance, and automatic protection against storm-force winds
Pumping capacity of 1,500 gallons per day
Wind power charges batteries for electric well pumps when it's not pumping water.
Install an anemometer or wind odometer on your property to measure wind speed at different heights to get an idea of the suitability of wind power and the blade size required for your water usage.
How To Tell If Well Pump Is Bad?
Well systems are made up of two main components—a well pump and a pressure tank—both of which can go bad. The signs below might indicate pump problems, but you may only need to replace your pressure tank. Have a professional check your pressure tank first because it's faster and cheaper than pulling your pump out of the ground.
Common Signs of Well Pump or Tank Failure Include:
No water flowing from faucets
Poor water pressure
Low flow rate and spitting faucets
Constantly running pump
Odd noises coming from your pump
Rapid clicking sounds coming from the tank
Dirty or poor tasting water
High electric and water bills
Scalding shower water
A failed pressure tank bladder drastically reduces how long the well pump lasts. Hire a pump professional as soon as you notice any issues. Perform annual flushing of your water heater and pressure tank to prevent well pump failures and extend their lifespan.
New Well Pump Installation Cost Factors
Well pump installation costs between $300 and $4,500, with most homeowners spending $725 to $1,850, depending on the well depth, type of pump, size of the pump, size of the pressure tank, and labor costs.
Deep vs. Shallow Wells – The depth of your well determines which type of pump is required.
Pump Size – The horsepower required for your pump depends on your household's water usage and well depth.
Pressure Tank – The size of your pressure storage tank is based on the gallons per minute the pump produces.
Install or Replace – Installing a new pump is easier and cheaper than replacing an old pump that needs to be pulled out of the ground first.
What Size Well Pump Do I Need?
The well pump size you need depends on your water usage and number of family members. An average 3 to 4 bedroom home requires 8 to 12 GPM. To estimate your water needs, add one GPM for each water fixture. Fixtures include faucets, showers, washers, water spigots, toilets, dishwashers, and refrigerators.
When replacing your well pump, check the identification plate on your unit to identify the horsepower. Choose a new pump with the same horsepower (HP), or go up a size if you've added new family members or appliances. A well repair service can also tell you what size you need.
| Flow Required (GPM) | Pumping Water Level In Feet (Sizes in HP) |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15' | 25' | 50' | 100' | 150' | 200' | 250' | |
| 3 | ½ | ½ | ½ | ½ | ½ – ¾ | ¾ - 1 | 1 |
| 4 | ½ | ½ | ½ | ½ – ¾ | ½ – ¾ | ¾ - 1 | 1 |
| 5 | ½ | ½ – ¾ | ½ | ½ – ¾ | ½ – ¾ | ¾ - 1 | 1 |
| 6 | ½ | ¾ | ½ | ½ – ¾ | ¾ | 1 | 1 |
| 7 | ½ | ¾ | ½ | ½ – ¾ | ¾ | 1 | 1 |
| 8 | ½ – ¾ | 1 | ½ | ½ – ¾ | ¾ | 1 | 1 |
| 9 | ½ – ¾ | 1 | ½ | ½ – ¾ | 1 | 1 | 1½ |
| 10 | ¾ | 1 | ½ – ¾ | ½ – ¾ | 1 | 1 | 1½ |
| 11 | ¾ | ½ | ½ – ¾ | ¾ | 1 | 1½ | 1½ |
| 12 | ¾ - 1 | ½ | ½ – ¾ | ¾ | 1 - 1½ | 1½ | 1½ |
| 13 | 1 | ½ | ½ – ¾ | 1 - 1½ | 1½ | 1½ | 1½ |
| 14 | 1 | ½ | 1 | 1½ | 1½ | 1½ | 1½ |
| 15 | 1 | ½ | 1 | 1½ | 1½ | 1½ | 1½ |
| ● Shallow or Convertible Jet Pumps | ● Deep Well Submersible Pumps | ||||||
Avoid choosing an oversized well pump as it leads to energy inefficiencies and a reduction in performance.
Well Pressure Tank Size
Well pressure tanks are sized to store 3 gallons of water for every gallon per minute (GPM) the pump produces. To calculate your well pressure tank size, take the GPM system requirement and multiply by 3. For example, an average home uses 8 GPM and needs a tank with 24 gallons of storage.
Labor Cost To Replace Well Pump
The labor cost to replace a well pump is $250 to $800 on average, with complex projects costing $1,000 or more. Installing new wires or piping for the pump costs about $200 each.
Well services and plumbers charge $45 to $150 per hour. Installing a new well pump takes 3 hours on average, while replacing an existing pump takes 6 hours.
New well pump installations are easier, and costs depend on if the water system needs additional piping, plumbing, or repairs. Replacing a pump requires a derrick truck or pump roller machine to extract the submersible pump or remove the old well pipe to make repairs. After any work, the water well system should be tested and disinfected, which is typically included in their labor fees.
| Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Install Jet Pump | $100 – $200 |
| Install Submersible Pump | $250 – $400 |
| Install Hand Pump | $200 – $300 |
| Replace Jet Pump | $250 – $500 |
| Replace Submersible Pump | $550 – $800 |
Deep vs. Shallow Wells
The depth of your well determines your overall cost to install a new pump. Jet pumps are used for shallow wells up to 25' and are cheaper and easier to install. Submersible pumps are used for wells up to 250' and come in multiple configurations.
| Shallow Well | Deep Well |
|---|---|
|
|
Costs for time and materials will be higher the deeper the well gets, because there will be a check valve installed for every 80’ of downpipe. There are additional costs when replacing your submersible pump because of the equipment and time required to remove the old well pump safely.
Artesian Well Pumps
Artesian wells are typically drilled to a confined aquifer layer below the unconfined aquifer and the upper confining bedrock layer. Flowing wells usually don't need pumps because the water underground is under pressure and comes out of the wellhead naturally.
For artesian wells with a progressive reduction in pressure, a submersible pump may be installed similarly to a nonflowing well.
Shallow well pumps may not be connected directed from a well to the buried line, and may only discharge to a surge tank with an overflow pipe or relief valve at the top of the tank.
A booster pump can be connected to the surge tank and discharged into the pressurized well tank.
Cost To Replace Well Water Pump Parts
You may need to replace other well pump components, such as the pressure tank, or add a booster pump instead of or in addition to replacing the well pump.
| Component | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Well Pressure Tank | $275 – $500 |
| Replaceable Tank Bladder | $20 – $250 |
| Well Pump Motor | $200 – $1,400 |
| Well Booster Pump | $250 – $2,500 |
The only part of a well pump that is truly replaceable is the motor complete in its housing. Although, other systems and components have a range of costs to either install or replace.
Cost To Replace Well Pressure Tank
The average cost to replace a well pressure tank is $275 to $500, depending on the tank's capacity and pressure rating. High-end models or complex tank hookups with plumbing relocations can cost over $1,000. Replacing a well pump and pressure tank together costs $800 to $2,300.
| Item | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Well Pressure Tank | $150 – $300 |
| Installation Labor | $125 – $200 |
| Total | $275 – $500 |
Costs increase if your pump is not on the same level as your home. If you purchase the exact same model and it's precharged to the required pressure, you could replace the tank yourself after watching the manufacturer's videos.
Pressure tanks keep the air in the tank at a specific range of 40 to 60 PSI. Most modern tanks have two compartments to prevent waterlogging—the bladder or diaphragm mechanism for the water and the pressurized area.
Diaphragm – Internal membrane separates the water and the compressed air
Bladder Pressure Tank – Water is stored in a bag which is surrounded by compressed air
One Compartment – Compressed air and water are in the same chamber
Bladder Tank Cost
A bladder pressure tank costs between $50 and $600 with high-end models costing up to $1,500. Most bladder-pressure tanks have replaceable bladders that cost $20 to $250 depending on the brand of the tank it's for and the tank capacity.
Well Pump Motor Prices
The average cost to replace a well pump motor is $200 to $1,400. A single-phase motor (230 volts) costs $200 to $480, and a three-phase motor (415 volts) costs $290 to $1,900. Replacement motors are typically only available for expensive submersible pumps, and you'll likely have to replace the entire pump.
Sediment wears down pump bearings and other moving parts which cause motors to fail. If the motor fails on an older pump, the pump mechanism component could also fail, making it cheaper to replace the pump. Check the manufacturer’s MTBF (mean time between failure) on your pump, to see if this is the case.
Well Booster Pump Cost
The average well booster pump costs $750, with prices ranging from $250 to $2,000 depending on the size of the pressure booster kit, brand, and features. The average labor cost is $200 to $300 to install the unit. A booster pump improves low water pressure from your faucets and showerheads.
A well booster connects to the main water line and increases water pressure by up to 70 pounds. Before purchasing a pressure booster, check these other problems that can also affect water pressure.
Have a plumber check for clogged drains or pipe blockages.
Test old pipes for buildup that restricts water flow over time.
Remove the water softening system to see if pressure increases.
Ask your local water company if there are any local limits for water pressure.
Submersible Well Pump Torque Arrestor
To ensure the long life of your submersible well pump, an expandable torque arrestor is installed around the pipe—just above where the pump is connected to the downpipe—and it will be widened to fit the diameter of the well casing and secured to the pipe. Then it will be lowered into position along with the pump to provide resistance against the well casing, where it absorbs the jerking motion the pump creates each time it comes on.
Well Pump Repair Costs
Average well pump repairs cost $150 to $600 depending on the task. Common repairs include replacing the pressure switch for $150, internal pump valves and bearings, or the submersible electric cable for $200. To prevent a full pump replacement, annual well pump inspections cost $100 to $150.
| Component | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Deep Well Injector | $250 |
| Pitless Adapter | $230 |
| Submersible Electric Cable | $209 |
| Sediment Faucet (Hose Bibb) | $60 |
| Control Panel Relay | $50 |
| Motor Start Capacitor | $43 |
| Pressure Switch | $48 |
| 4" Flow Sleeve Kit | $39 |
| Foot Valve | $26 |
| Barbed Adapter (FIP/MIP) | $25 |
| Wiring Splice Kit | $11 |
| Control Box Capacitor | $10 |
| Pressure Gauge | $10 |
| Breakers 9-11A | $9 |
| Down Pipe T-Connector | $9 |
| Flow Sleeve Mesh | $5 |
Other possible well water pump repairs include:
One or more failed check valves, which should be installed every 80’ of downpipe
A poor initial installation, causing water to leak on its way to the surface
No torque arrestor installed, or it was not expanded fully—causing loosened pipe components from the torque
Electric cable was incorrectly installed, and the torque arrestor is not fully expanded—the motion from the motor starting could eventually pull the wires loose
Get free estimates from well pump repair services near you.
What Is A Well Pump?
A well pump raises and extracts water from a well and delivers it to a pressurized storage tank. Submersible well pumps are used for deep-well systems 90 to 250 feet. Shallow well or convertible jet pumps are used up to 25 feet in a single pipe configuration, and up to 90 feet in a two-pipe config.
Most well pumps do not run continuously; when the pressure in the storage tank drops below a specific amount, the pump switches on to re-fill the tank until the pressure level hits between 40 to 60 PSI on average.
Jet Pump vs. Submersible Well Pump
The two most common types of well pumps are jet and submersible, with hand pumps and solar pumps being alternatives. For deeper wells, you'll need a pump motor with more horsepower which costs more.
| Jet Well Pump | Submersible Well Pump |
|---|---|
|
|
Alternative Well Pumps
Hand Well Pumps – A hand pump is manually operated with a hand-cranked level and can be installed on boreholes or hand-dig wells. Hand pumps are cheap to build and install, excellent for areas without electricity, and are easy to maintain.
Solar Well Pumps – Solar pumps use solar energy to pump 500 to 1000 gallons per day and lift water up to 200 feet. The number of solar panels required depends on the pumping distance. Most solar pumps need to be serviced every 2 to 4 years and may require a 3 to 10-day storage tank depending on climate and water usage.
Well Pump Ownership Tips
If your land is AG exempt, you may qualify for various incentives under the EQIP On-farm Energy Initiative. Grants or financial aid are sometimes available if you are installing a solar-powered water pump. These incentives change from time to time, with new programs being added occasionally.
7 Tips For Residential Water Well Pump Owners
Document Your Setup – Using a sharpie either on the control box or on the pressure tank, write the pump model number, well depth, date of install, and any other pertinent details like amp readings.
Document Amp Readings – Get an amp meter and document regular readings with the system in use. When getting a new pump installed, have the installer show you how to get the amp reading.
Store Your Documentation – Store the owner’s manual and #1 and #2 in a place close to the control box or other well pump equipment.
Note Your Pressure Tank Settings – Write the on and off pressure (like 40/60) on the exterior of your pressure switch (and on the pressure tank). Document the wire configuration on the outer casing, or number the cables so you know which cable goes where when it's being reassembled.
Log Your Pressure – You can use a Schrader gauge (tire gauge) to read the pressure inside the pressure tank. Document it on the exterior of the tank at least once a year. It should be 2 to 3 PSI below your cut-in pressure.
Note Your Well Breaker – Mark which breaker is for your well pump on your electric panel using a sharpie.
Test Your Water – Routinely test your well water so you know what is in your drinking water. When you first have the well dug, or get a new pump installed, get the best lab test you can afford. Subsequent testing usually is only suggested on an annual basis, unless there has been contamination in the area before.
Frequently Asked Well Pump Questions
How Long Does A Well Pump Last?
A submersible well pump lasts 8 to 15 years, and jet pumps last 4 to 20 years on average. Less water usage or more horsepower means the pump runs less and lasts longer. Other factors include the amount of sediment in the water, quality of pump and motor, and maintenance schedule.
| Pump Type | Lasts (Years) |
|---|---|
| 2-Wire Submersible Pump | 8 – 13 |
| 3-Wire Submersible Pump | 10 – 15 |
| Jet Pump | 4 – 20 |
How Much Does It Cost To Run A Well Pump?
The cost to run a well pump is $3.45 to $3.60 per month for an average home with 4 people to pump 480 gallons daily at 10 GPM with a ½ HP submersible pump. The pump runs for about 2 hours per day and uses 1.92 kW of electricity, or 50 to 60 kW per month.
How Many Watts Does A Well Pump Use?
The average well pump uses 700 watts, with most ranging between 250 and 1,100 watts depending on the size of the pump, efficiency, water pressure, flow rate, and fluid density. The starting wattage should be 1.5 to 3 times the running wattage to provide enough power to start the pump.
| Pump Size | Watts Running | Watts Starting |
|---|---|---|
| ⅓ HP | 750 | 1500 |
| ½ HP | 900 | 2000 |
| ¾ HP | 1500 | 3000 |
| 1 HP | 2000 | 4100 |
| 1 ½ HP | 2500 | 5000 |
| 2 HP | 3750 | 7000 |
| 3 HP | 5000 | 10000 |
| 5 HP | 7500 | 15000 |
If you're looking for a generator to power your pump, remember Amps = Watts / Volts, and starting amperages of 5 to 7 times running power is normal for small electric motors.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Well Pumps?
Well pumps are covered by your homeowners insurance policy if the problem is due to one of the perils of your plan, such as lightning, fire, or a windstorm. Homeowners insurance typically does not cover problems caused by wear and tear, neglect, or earthquakes.
How Far Can A Well Pump Water?
A submersible well pump for deep wells can extract water from depths up to 400 feet. A jet well pump for shallow wells extracts water up to 25 feet for a single-pipe system and up to 90 feet with a two-pipe configuration.
Can A Well Pump Freeze Up?
Submersible pumps won't freeze up because the pump itself is buried in the earth well below the frost line. Jet pumps or shallow-well pumps are installed above ground, and precautions need to be taken to prevent the cold temperatures affecting the pump, pressure tank, and water lines.
How Do You Thaw A Frozen Well Pipe?
To thaw a frozen well pipe, start with opening one or more faucets in the house and then heat the pipes slowly with a heat lamp, heating pad, space heater, or even a hairdryer. Work away from the home in the direction of the exposed area. To best protect the structural integrity of your pipes, do not use anything like a blowtorch with a naked flame to thaw your pipes.
What Are The Best Shallow-Well Pump Brands?
Popular brands of shallow-well jet pumps include Tallas, Aquapro, Everbilt, Superior Pumps, ECO Flo, Aquaer, BURCAM, Rigid, Water Worker, and Wayne. In the convertible jet pump market, Saer is one of the more popular choices.
What Are The Best Deep-Well Submersible Pump Brands?
Popular brands of deep-well submersible pumps are XtremePower US, Everbilt, FloTec, Wayne, Truhorse, A.Y. McDonald, Meyers, and Franklin Electric.
Hiring A Well Pump Service
Hiring a well pump service is recommended as most well pump problems require plumbing and electrical experience. Well pump installers can tell you the depth of your well and what kind of pump you're currently using.
A professional will diagnose the problem accurately.
A professional will purchase the right type of pump for replacement.
Professional installers know exactly what pump cables to use to install your pump safely.
Submersible pumps in deep wells need some special equipment to bring the pump and all the pipe to the surface without damaging the downpipe or wiring—like a derrick truck, motorized hoist, or an electric pump puller.
Hiring a professional will likely protect any warranty period by the manufacturer.
