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Estimating what size well pump you need is challenging and often inaccurate, but a general rule of thumb is to take the number of fixtures—including water-consuming appliances—in your home and aim for that number in gallons per minute. That calculation method would allow for every fixture in your home to use about one gallon of water per minute. However, it’s best to leave the pump size determination to a professional technician, as they can ensure your pump is providing your home with sufficient water, especially during peak usage hours.

Some states and municipalities restrict well pump repair and replacement to licensed plumbers and technicians, while others don’t have requirements. However, it’s always a good idea to hire a certified plumber to repair or replace well pumps and water pumps. Certified professionals are far more likely to get the job done correctly and prevent future issues, which is especially important for ensuring access to clean water for your home.

It’s possible to fix a broken well pump yourself, but we don’t recommend it. Well pumps are hard to reach and service without the proper equipment, and even if you can reach the pump, it involves working in close proximity to water and electricity, which can be extremely dangerous. Any mistakes made during the repair process could contaminate your water supply or put you and your home at risk. Additionally, some states require that a licensed plumber carry out well pump repair. It’s worth it to hire a professional water pump repair service.

The average cost to repair a well pump is $950, with most well pump repairs ranging between $100 and $2,900. A few factors influence your total repair cost, including the component of your well that needs repair or replacement, the extent of the damage, the accessibility of the pump, and the age and size of your well pump. It might be more cost-effective to replace your well pump if it’s old or has multiple broken components, as the average cost to replace a well pump is $1,800.

Most professional well and water pump technicians will take between two and four hours to replace an above-ground well pump, while a submersible well pump typically takes four to five hours to access and replace. You can also ask your well pump replacement technician how long they expect the process to take, as some jobs take just an hour or two. Keep in mind that you’ll be without access to water during the replacement process, so plan ahead by showering early and stocking up on bottled water for drinking and cooking.