How much does a well pump cost to replace or install?
How much does a well pump cost to replace or install?
$1,000 – $2,500 Submersible pump cost installed
$400 – $1,400 Jet pump cost installed
Average well pump replacement cost
Well pump replacement costs $400 to $2,500 on average, depending on the pump type. Deep well submersible pumps cost $1,000 to $2,500 with installation and are the most common type, while jet pumps for shallow wells cost $400 to $1,400 installed. Well pump prices are $150 to $1,700 for the unit alone.
| National Average Cost | $1,800 |
| Minimum Cost | $200 |
| Maximum Cost | $20,000 |
| Average Range | $1,000 to $2,500 |
For new installations, drilling a well costs $5,300 to $9,000 for an average depth of 150 feet. Costs vary depending on the soil condition and the well's diameter. Once installed, the well itself can last for 40+ years with proper care, but the well pump will need replacing in 10 to 15 years.
Well pump cost by type
Replacing a well pump costs $1,000 to $2,500 on average for labor and the unit itself, depending on the type of pump you install. Most people install a submersible or jet pump, but other pump types are available depending on your budget and needs.
| Pump type | Average installed cost |
|---|---|
| Submersible pump | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Jet pump (deep well) | $500 – $1,400 |
| Jet pump (shallow well) | $400 – $1,000 |
| Constant pressure pump | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Hand pump | $200 – $2,000 |
| Solar pump | $1,500 – $6,500 |
| Windmill water | $4,000 – $20,000 |
Submersible well pump cost
Submersible well pumps cost $1,000 to $2,500 installed and are best for deep wells. Submersible pumps are the most common type of pump used today because they are efficient, quiet, and durable. The self-priming pumps are placed inside the well itself and create a vacuum to draw water up into the pump.
Jet well pump cost
Jet well pumps cost $400 to $1,400 installed and are best for shallow wells less than 100 feet deep. These pumps are located above ground, near the well. They use water and air pressure to draw water up from the well. The type of jet pump you need depends on your shallow well depth:
Deep well jet pumps for wells 50 to 100 feet deep cost $500 to $1,400. They are cheaper than submersible pumps but are noisier, less efficient, and more likely to need repairs.
Shallow well jet pumps for wells up to 25 feet deep cost $400 to $1,000. These are cheaper pumps but also less efficient and noisier. These pumps are designed for very shallow wells and are only suitable for homes with low water demand.
Constant pressure pump cost
Constant pressure pumps cost $2,000 to $5,000 with installation. While these pumps are more costly than other types, they provide constant pressure throughout the home which can save money on water bills in the long run.
Unlike traditional well pumps that turn on and off based on the water pressure in the pressure tank, these pumps use a variable frequency drive (VFD) to maintain a constant water pressure no matter how many faucets or fixtures are turned on at the same time.
Hand pump cost
Hand pumps cost $200 to $2,000 installed and are rarely used today except in rural areas. These pumps are a cheap option for homes with a very shallow well, but they can be tiring to operate, especially if you have high water demands.
Eco-friendly pump costs
Solar pumps cost $1,500 to $6,500 and windmill pumps cost $4,000 to $20,000 with installation. Both are good choices for homeowners wanting to use renewable energy to power their pumps. Solar pumps are good in warm climates with plenty of sunlight and windmill pumps are good for those living in an area with strong winds.
Well pump installation cost factors
The depth of the well and the size of the pump are the two primary factors affecting the costs. Deeper wells require longer drop pipes and more powerful pumps to lift the water to the surface, increasing costs. Larger families use more water and need larger pumps, which cost more to purchase and install.
Other factors that influence the well pump cost include:
New install vs. replacement – The cost of installing a new well pump is typically higher than replacing an existing pump since the initial installation requires more labor. Also, existing well pumps can often be upgraded without being fully replaced.
Plumbing Labor – Plumbing labor costs $250 to $800 on average to install a well pump. Costs can exceed $1,000 for more difficult installations. Additional labor costs for new piping and electrical work may be required.
Electrician labor – Electrician labor costs $50 to $130 per hour to install new wiring or make electrical repairs with the pump replacement. The number of hours depends on the job complexity.
Septic system costs – The cost to put in a well and septic system averages $6,000 to $20,000 for rural or off-grid homes with no access to municipal water and sewer systems.
Well pump repair costs
Well pump repairs cost $25 to $2,000 to replace the failed component rather than replacing the entire pump. The most common component replacements include the pressure switch, pressure tank, pump motor, tank bladder, or booster pump.
| Component | Average replacement cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure tank | $500 – $1,000 | Stores water and maintains pressure in the water system |
| Pressure switch | $25 – $100 | Turns the well pump on and off when the water pressure drops or rises |
| Tank bladder | $50 – $100 | A flexible membrane that separates the water in the pressure tank from the air |
| Pump motor | $500 – $1,000 | Powers the well pump |
| Booster pump | $1,000 – $2,000+ | Increases the water pressure in the water system |
Have your well inspected every 1 to 2 years. Well inspections cost $250 to $550 and can detect damaged or failing parts before a full pump replacement is needed.
Signs a well pump needs to be replaced
If your well pump is more than 10 years old or has been neglected, pay attention to the following signs that may indicate the well pump needs to be replaced:
Decrease in water pressure
Low or no water flow
Spitting faucets indicating air in the water lines
Cloudy or dirty water caused by sediment in the water
Odd noises coming from the pump or tank
Higher utility bills caused by the pump working harder than it should
Well pump FAQs
How long does a well pump last?
A well pump can last 10 to 15 years with proper care. Pumps that are inspected and maintained regularly will last longer. Additionally, the type of well, usage, and water quality can also affect the pump's lifespan.
How long does it take to replace a well pump?
An installer can replace a well pump in about 3 to 6 hours. However, it can take longer if the well is deep or more difficult to access, or the installer is inexperienced with your particular well type.
What is the best type of well pump?
The best type of well pump depends on the depth of your well, the water pressure you need, and your budget. You will likely be choosing either a submersible or jet pump for your pump replacement:
Submersible pumps are best for deeper wells. They are the most popular type of pump since they are quiet, efficient, and have a long lifespan.
Jet pumps are best suited for shallow wells. They are less expensive but also less efficient and noisy.
Why would a well pump fail?
There are a number of reasons why a well pump might fail, including:
Age and wear and tear over time
Overheating from being overworked or run dry
Frequent power surges or outages
Corrosion from water with a high mineral content
How long can you run a well pump?
You can safely run a submersible well pump for several hours or even days without stopping. Jet pumps, on the other hand, should not be run for more than 2 to 3 hours at a time. Regardless of the pump type, it is important to avoid running the pump dry, which can cause overheating and damage.
How does a well pump work?
A well pump works like this:
When you turn on a faucet in your home, the pressure in the storage tank drops.
The drop in pressure signals the pressure switch to turn on the well pump.
The well pump draws water up from the well and into the pressure tank.
The water from the tank flows through the pipes in your home and to the faucet.
The pump will continue to run until the pressure in the tank reaches a preset level, then the pressure switch turns the pump off.
Getting estimates from well pump companies
When choosing a well pump installation service near you or a well pump repair company, consider these suggestions:
Choose from companies with several years of well pump installation experience.
Read reviews on HomeGuide and Google to get an idea of their work quality and customer service.
Confirm the company is licensed and insured to protect you in case of damage or accidents.
Get multiple quotes with the same type of pump for an accurate comparison.
Ask about the company's warranty on their work.
Get a written estimate detailing all the costs associated with the repair or replacement.
Questions to ask a well pump installer
After you've narrowed down a list of potential installers from the providers on HomeGuide, be sure to ask these important questions:
How long have you been installing well pumps in my area?
Is your business licensed and insured?
What type of well pump do you recommend for my needs?
How much will the pump installation cost?
How long will the pump installation take?
Do you offer any warranties on your pump work?
Does your estimate include disposal of my old well pump?
What steps can I take to extend the life of my well pump?
Do you perform any maintenance or well pump inspections?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.