Homeowners will do well to know the difference
The types of well pumps available include submersible pumps for deep wells, jet pumps for irrigation, centrifugal pumps for shallow wells, and hand pumps for off-grid setups.
Your well pump choice depends on well depth and size, with shallow wells needing centrifugal or jet pumps and deeper wells requiring submersible or deep-well jet pumps.
Calculate your home's water needs by counting fixtures and appliances, then choose a pump with matching gallons-per-minute output to meet your household demand without running dry.
Hiring a local well pump professional removes guesswork from sizing and installation, helping you match pump type to well depth and avoid costly drainage problems.
If your home’s water supply comes from a well or you’re planning to drill one, then you should prioritize having the right well pump installed on your property to keep it flowing. There are four main types of well pumps: submersible pumps, jet pumps, centrifugal pumps, and hand pumps. If you want to install a new or replacement well pump, here’s what you need to know about each.
If you like a well pump that stays out of sight and out of mind, choose a submersible pump. This self-priming motorized pump works with most wells and lasts up to 25 years with very little maintenance needed. However, if you’ve got sandy soil, make sure your well and pump pro takes extra steps to protect the pump so that it lasts more than just a few years.
Since submersible pumps give you a rather hands-off well water experience, they’re the most expensive. They’re definitely worth the cost, but make sure a submersible well pump is the right fit for your well first. Otherwise, this powerful pump could run it dry.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lasts long | Expensive |
| Self-priming | Prone to corrosion |
| Good for most depths | Too strong for some wells |
Best for: Most wells, regardless of depth
Aside from transporting water from the well to your home, jet pumps can irrigate your land and garden. These motorized pumps can also remove excess water from flooded areas. There are different types of jet pumps made for deep wells and shallow wells. A professional can install them away from the well for easier access, although there are submersible jet pumps.
Jet pumps are inexpensive and low maintenance. However, they do not stand up well to sand and grit. They’re also prone to cavitation problems—the formation of air bubbles in a liquid—which requires a speedy fix to keep the water flowing properly.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Less expensive | Cavitation issues |
| Good for irrigation | Sand causes damage |
| Easy to access | Lower efficiency |
Best for: All wells, provided you pick the right size
Centrifugal pumps use the energy of motion (kinetic energy) to pump water. Unlike other, more complex motorized pumps that can get waterlogged, centrifugal pumps have no drive seals. This cuts down on maintenance because there’s little concern for damage or corrosion.
These pumps are small yet mighty, and they offer consistent performance. However, because they are submerged underwater, cavitation issues are possible.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Less expensive | Only shallow wells |
| Low maintenance | No suction power |
| Steady performance | Cavitation issues |
Best for: Shallow wells
A hand pump is the simplest of all pumps, but get ready for an arm workout if you install one. Unlike the other pumps with motors or suction power, you’ll have to crank the lever to get the water out of the well into the holding tank.
These manual devices are less costly than their counterparts, but they’re not as commonly used because of the labor required to operate them. However, their drawback is also their advantage. Since utility power isn’t required, they can be used for off-grid installations.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good for off-grid | Manual operation |
| Simple design | Hard and tiring to use |
| Less expensive | Only for small homes |
Best for: Off-grid wells
If you have a well or are drilling one soon, you must have a pump to access water. But which one is right for you? Here are two important guidelines:
There are different pumps for shallow and deep wells, so choose the right type for your well’s depth. It might be as easy as referring to a well driller’s report. If that’s unavailable, try a long measuring tape with a sensor that alerts you when the water’s surface is touched. Another way is to tie fishing wire to an empty bottle or a fishing bobbin and lower it until it floats, then measure the length of wire it took to get there.
Well pumps are measured in horsepower (HP), but you’ll also want to pay attention to their water output in gallons per minute (GPM). Calculate 1 GPM for every water fixture in your home (including faucets, showerheads, and appliances). For example, a three- or four-bedroom home will need a pump with a capacity of 8 to 12 GPM.
Choosing the best type of well pump for your home’s water supply needs is an important decision. When in doubt, contact a local well pump contractor for expert advice.
Joseph did a great job with the staircase and trim. Timely and efficient, clear communication about the work, very fair pricing. For the stairs in particular, done very skillfully in an old house (1893) in a tight spiral, and very creative with how to do the handrail. Did a nice job with...
Vouis Trim Carpentry L.L.C.Great experience!! Dion was prompt, professional and very polite. He is hands down the best plumber I have ever used.
Mercenary Remodeling & HandyworksCole has been handling plumbing and general contracting for our four properties over the past three years, and he’s always done a great job. Most recently, he installed a sink and countertop in our retail store where none existed before, and it turned out exactly how we needed. He’s...
ANB Renovations LLCMatt is a consummate professional. The work turned out to be far more difficult than expected and rather than turn the job down, Matt rose to the occasion and completed a near impossible task. I can not recommend Greene's Plumbing Service more highly. On a scale of 1-5 I would give Matt a...
Greene's Plumbing ServiceThe technician was very professional and friendly. He answered all my questions and was very thorough. He left the fireplace area very clean . He inspected from the roof and advised me as to other work that might need to be done. There was no pressure there. I was very satisfied with the...
Supreme brick & chimneyCustom Paint Jobs LLC pays attention to every detail, ensuring a job well done every time.
Custom Paint Jobs, LLCWhen we had the winter freeze, I called Quantum Waterworks Waterline & Drain Cleaning Services and within 1 hour I received an e-mail and he sent someone out the next day and he was on time, he was nice and did the job quickly and cleaned up after himself. We had a leak in our kitchen from...
Quantum Waterworks Waterline & Drain Cleaning Services, LLCFrom the beginning , every appointment was met with punctuality! The day of installation, they arrived on time and worked tirelessly all day until the job was finished. ( Even through a very heavy down pour) Ilia, the owner is a professional, knowledgeable, and fair man. He is absolutely, and...
Window Depot USA of Central OhioThe service was excellent! They gave me a quote, and had it done 4 days later. My driveway looks amazing, very professional! I would definitely recommend their service to anyone. I have had neighbors stop by and ask for their information as well.
All Star Paving and SealingThey are very reliable and available. They the drains all the time
The WaterworksFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
When your water system isn’t working as intended, it’s time to repair your well pump. This cost guide will break down well pump repair costs and the parts involved.
Your solar well pump cost depends on your well depth and flow rate. Explore these cost factors and more to budget for an eco-friendly pump.
A water pressure booster can add a lot of volume for a small price. Discover booster pump installation costs and cost factors in this guide.
Learn about the different types of water pumps for your home and their benefits. Find the best solutions for your water management needs.
A well taps into groundwater, and a pump sends the water to your home’s plumbing system. Learn how a well works and the best ways to maintain it.
You don’t always need to leave it to the pros to set up your well pump and pressure tank. Follow this guide to learn how to do it yourself.
