Choosing the right well pump is essential for reliable water access and efficient home management. With several types available—each suited for different needs and setups—navigating your options can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down the most popular well pumps, highlighting their uses, benefits, and key features, empowering you to make the best choice for your property and budget.
Comparison Table: Types of Well Pumps
| Well Pump Type | Ideal Well Depth | Installation Location | Typical Applications | Key Pros | Key Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Submersible Pump | 25′ – 1000’+ | Inside well, underwater | Deep and shallow wells | Efficient, quiet, long lifespan, works at great depths | Costly repairs, harder access |
| Jet Pump – Shallow | Up to 25′ | Above ground | Shallow wells, cisterns | Affordable, easy access | Limited depth, noisy |
| Jet Pump – Deep | 25′ – 110′ (up to 200′) | Above ground with pipes | Deeper wells, fluctuating tables | Flexible, easy maintenance | Complex installation |
| Centrifugal Pump | Up to 25′ | Above ground | Shallow wells, irrigation | Simple, low cost, easy maintenance | Limited depth, not for deeper wells |
| Hand Pump | Up to 200’+ | At surface | Off-grid, backup/emergency | Works w/o electricity, durable | Manual labor required |
| Solar Well Pump | Shallow to moderate | Usually submersible | Off-grid, eco-friendly users | Low running cost | Dependent on sunlight |
Selection Tips for Choosing the Right Well Pump
Choosing the right well pump is crucial for ensuring a reliable water supply for your home or garden. The best type for you depends on well depth, daily water usage, local conditions, and budget. Here’s what you should consider:
1. Determine Your Well Depth
-
Shallow Wells (Up to 25 feet):
Jet or centrifugal pumps work best here. These sit above ground and pull water up using suction. -
Moderate Wells (25 – 110 feet):
Deep well jet pumps can reach these depths, using two pipes (double-drop) for extra suction. -
Deep Wells (Over 110 feet):
Submersible pumps are essential. They operate deep inside the well and push water up to the surface efficiently.
2. Estimate Your Water Demand
- For most households, calculate peak water demand in gallons per minute (GPM).
- A typical three-bedroom home needs 8–12 GPM.
- Add 1 GPM for each water fixture (toilets, faucets, showers, washing machine).
3. Assess Power Source Availability
- Is your site on-grid or off-grid?
- Solar pumps or manual pumps are ideal when electricity is unreliable.
4. Consider Maintenance Needs
- Submersible pumps are long-lasting but harder to service (require pulling from the well).
- Jet and centrifugal pumps are above ground and more accessible for routine checks and repairs.
5. Budget Wisely
- Centrifugal and shallow jet pumps are most affordable ($100–$500).
- Submersible pumps are pricier ($200–$1,200+) but deliver superior efficiency and lifespan.
- Factor in installation costs, especially for deep wells.
Performance: What to Expect from Each Well Pump Type
Submersible Pumps
- Performance:
Deliver high water volume and pressure; suited for serving larger homes. Operate quietly under the water level, reducing noise and vibration. - Efficiency:
Generally more efficient than surface pumps since they push water up rather than suck it. - Lifespan:
Up to 15–25 years depending on water quality and usage. - Drawbacks:
Repairs can be costly; require removal from well for servicing.
Jet Pumps
Shallow Well Jet Pumps
- Performance:
Suited for wells up to 25 feet; effective for small homes and irrigation tasks. - Efficiency:
Less efficient at deeper depths; can lose prime if air infiltrates the suction line. - Lifespan:
8–15 years with regular maintenance. - Drawbacks:
Noisier, susceptible to air locks, limited to shallow applications.
Deep Well Jet Pumps
- Performance:
Can reach 110 feet (sometimes up to 200 feet). More powerful, can serve moderate household needs in deeper wells. - Efficiency:
Not as efficient as submersible pumps at great depths. Performance drops as depth increases beyond their optimal range. - Drawbacks:
More complex installation (two pipes). Still requires priming and periodic attention to check valves.
Centrifugal Pumps
- Performance:
Basic water delivery for wells up to 25 feet. Often used for gardens, livestock water, or basic household supply in high water table areas. - Efficiency:
Simple, low cost, consistent at shallow depths. - Drawbacks:
Not suitable for deep wells; may struggle with high demand requirements.
Hand Pumps
- Performance:
Capable of drawing water from significant depths with manual effort. Typically slower flow, best as a backup or for off-grid setups. - Efficiency:
Zero electricity needed, works anytime. - Drawbacks:
Labor intensive, not practical as sole household supply if regular high-volume use is required.
Solar-Powered Pumps
- Performance:
Usually submersible; performance depends on solar panel size and sunlight availability. - Efficiency:
Outstanding for remote/off-grid areas, little to no running cost. - Drawbacks:
High initial investment, output fluctuates with sunlight levels.
Maintenance Tips and Best Practices
Proper maintenance is critical for maximizing your well pump’s lifespan, efficiency, and reliability. Here’s how to keep your system running smoothly:
1. Scheduling Regular Inspections
- Check above-ground pumps and connections for leaks, rust, or unusual vibration monthly.
- For submersible pumps, monitor water pressure, flow, and listen for unusual noises from the pressure tank.
2. Routine Pump Priming
- Jet and centrifugal pumps need priming after installation, power outages, or if they “lose prime” (suck air).
- Follow manufacturer instructions for priming — usually involves filling the pump housing with water.
3. Clean and Replace Filters
- Install sediment and pre-filters to reduce sand and grit — especially important with jet pumps, which can be damaged by sandy water.
- Replace filters every 3–6 months or per manufacturer recommendations.
4. Check Pressure Switch and Tank
- Ensure the pressure switch turns the pump on/off at the correct psi (usually set between 40–60 psi).
- Examine the pressure tank for signs of waterlogging or leaks.
5. Winterizing Above-Ground Pumps
- In cold climates, insulate above-ground pumps and pipes to prevent freezing. Drain pumps if not in use during winter.
6. Know When to Call a Pro
- If water flow decreases, the pump cycles excessively, or you hear unfamiliar noises — professional service is recommended.
- Internal repairs for submersible pumps should always be performed by qualified technicians.
Practical Tips & Advice for Selecting and Using Well Pumps
Choosing the Right Pump:
- Measure Well Depth: Use the driller’s report or a weighted string with a float to find the static water level.
- Match Pump Type to Well Depth:
- 110 ft: Submersible
- Calculate Water Needs: Count fixtures/appliances; use peak household demand as your minimum pump GPM.
- Consider Water Quality:
- Sandy, gritty, or iron-heavy wells can wear out certain pumps faster. Choose robust models or install suitable filters.
- Plan Access:
- Above-ground pumps are easier to access for maintenance.
- Submersible pumps need full removal for repair but are quieter and more efficient for deep wells.
Using Your Well Pump Wisely:
- Avoid Pump Overuse: Don’t draw down the well faster than it can recover. Install a low water cutoff or tailpipe for protection.
- Maintain Water Pressure: Ensure your pressure tank is appropriately sized (typical: 40-80 gallons for a single-family home).
- Backup Power: For key applications, consider a manual hand pump or generator for emergencies.
- Solar Suitability: For off-grid properties, a solar-powered setup (with battery storage) offers sustainability and low running costs.
- Emergency Repairs: Keep priming tools and spare parts (check valves, gaskets) accessible for jet and centrifugal pumps.
Technical Comparison Table: Specifications & Features
| Pump Type | Typical Max Well Depth | Flow Rate Range (GPM) | Power Source Options | Expected Lifespan | Maintenance Level | Noise Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Submersible Pump | 1,000+ feet | 10–25+ | Electric, Solar | 15–25 years | Low (harder access) | Very Quiet |
| Jet Pump – Shallow | 25 feet | 6–12 | Electric | 8–15 years | Moderate (easy access) | Moderate–Loud |
| Jet Pump – Deep | 110–200 feet | 8–15 | Electric | 8–15 years | Moderate (easy access, more parts) | Moderate–Loud |
| Centrifugal Pump | 25 feet | 5–15 | Electric | 5–10 years | Low (simple design) | Quiet |
| Hand Pump | 200+ feet (manual) | 0.5–2 | Manual, Solar Assisted | 20+ years | Very Low (simple parts) | Silent |
| Solar Well Pump | 200–400+ feet | 2–10+ | Solar | 10–20 years | Low/Moderate | Quiet |
Note: Flow rates and lifespans can vary by model, installation, and water conditions.
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Conclusion
Choosing the right well pump is essential for reliable, efficient water delivery, whether you’re supplying a home, small garden, or remote cabin. Submersible pumps dominate deep well applications with efficiency and longevity. Shallow jet and centrifugal pumps offer affordable, user-friendly solutions for wells under 25 feet. For those living off-grid or prioritizing sustainability, hand and solar pumps provide dependable alternatives.
Always match your pump choice to your well depth, estimated water demand, installation considerations, and local environmental conditions. Keeping up with routine maintenance and timely repairs will maximize your investment, keeping your water flowing for years to come.
FAQ
- What type of well pump do I need for a 100 ft deep well?
For wells around 100 feet deep, you can choose either a deep well jet pump or a submersible pump. Submersible pumps are generally preferred for efficiency and reliability, especially if your well depth is close to or over 100 feet.
- How long does a typical well pump last?
Submersible pumps last 10–25 years depending on water conditions and usage. Jet and centrifugal pumps usually last 8–15 years with regular maintenance. Hand pumps can last 20 years or more due to simple mechanics.
- What maintenance does a well pump require?
Routine tasks include inspecting for leaks, cleaning filters, checking pressure tank levels, and priming jet/centrifugal pumps when needed. Submersible pumps need less frequent attention but require professional help for internal repairs or replacement.
- Can I install a well pump myself?
Skilled DIYers can install shallow jet or centrifugal pumps with care. Installation of submersible pumps (especially in deep wells) is complex and best left to professionals due to the difficulty and risks involved.
- What are signs my well pump needs repair or replacement?
Indicators include reduced water flow/pressure, pump cycling on/off frequently, air spitting from faucets, strange noises, or losing prime. A sudden spike in energy usage may also signal pump trouble.
- Can a solar-powered well pump replace an electric pump?
Solar pumps can fully replace electric pumps in many shallow-to-moderate wells, particularly in sunny climates. They are ideal for off-grid locations but may not suit high-demand, deep well situations without sufficient solar resources and storage.
- Are submersible well pumps quiet?
Yes, submersible pumps are quieter than other types because they operate below ground and underwater, minimizing surface noise.
- What’s the difference between a jet and a centrifugal pump?
Both sit above ground. Jet pumps use water-driven pressure (via venturi effect) to pull water, while centrifugal pumps simply use an impeller for suction. Jet pumps are more versatile, working for both shallow and moderate depths. Centrifugal pumps are restricted to shallow wells.
- How do I figure out the size (GPM) pump I need?
Count all water fixtures (faucets, appliances, etc.) that may run at once. A standard home typically needs 8–12 GPM. If unsure, consult a well professional to assess your peak water demand and select an appropriately sized pump.
- Should I have a backup hand pump for my well?
Having a hand pump or solar backup is highly recommended if you’re in an area with unreliable electricity or want to guarantee water access in emergencies. Many hand pumps are designed to work alongside electric pumps for redundancy.