Here’s Why You Should Be Concerned About Well Pump Replacement Costs
A well pump replacement typically costs $1,600. Costs typically range from $400 to $4,000, depending on the kind and size of the needed well pump, the depth of the well, and the technique used to replace the pump.
All wells that provide drinking water must have well pumps. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about well pump cost, whether you’re looking to replace your current well pump or need to purchase a well pump for a new well system.
Average Well Pump Replacement Cost
This is how much it will cost to replace a well pump. Depending on the type of pump, pumps can cost between $200 and $4,000; labor can cost between $250 and $500; and pipes and wire can cost between $200 and $400 depending on the materials needed.
Well Pump Replacement Cost For Different Types of Pump
Submersible Well Pumps
Deep wells frequently contain submersible well pumps. In the aquifer, these pumps are submerged under water.
Regular-pressure submersible pumps, also referred to as “40/60 pumps,” only operate when the water pressure in the tank falls below 40 PSI. Both the Constant-pressure submersible pumps, which continuously monitor the water pressure in the storage tank and adjust the pump speed to their readings, shut off when the tank’s water pressure hits 60 PSI.
Different well depths can accommodate the installation of submersible pumps. Deep well submersible pumps typically cost between $250 and $1,200.
A pump should cost between 2,500 and 3,000 for a shallow well that doesn’t need much pumping force to bring water to the surface.
A new pump for a deep well that requires a lot of pumping power would typically cost between $700 and $1,200.
Keep in mind that you will also need to repair the pipework for a submersible jet pump if you need to replace it. Depending on the length of pipe needed, this normally costs $500 to $2,000.
Jet Well Pumps
Both shallow and deep wells use jet pumps. For wells with a depth of 25 feet or less, shallow well jet pumps, also known as above-ground jet pumps, cost, on average, $300, with a price range of $100 to $500.
Although initially more affordable, shallow well jet pumps typically have weaker construction and have shorter lifespans than other well pumps.
For wells 90 to 150 feet deep, a deep well jet pump is intended. Expect to pay between $650 and $800 for a deep well jet pump because deep well pumps are more powerful and built of more durable materials.
If you have a deep well, your well contractor might advise switching out your jet pump for a submersible pump. A deep well submersible pump is self-priming, which means that it is always full with liquid and prepared to start operating at any time, in contrast to convertible jet pumps that will stop operating if they lose their prime.
Pumps that need priming are less effective than self-priming pumps because the power required to prime the pump exerts stress on its components and requires power.
Constant Pressure Pumps
If there is a minimum 1 GPM water supply demand, a constant pressure pump works continually. The pump controller for this kind of pump is a variable frequency device (VFD), which needs a steady source of electricity.
A constant pressure well pump typically costs between $2,000 and $5,000. Costs for the VFD controller range from $800 to $3,000.
Solar Well Pumps
Well pumps that are powered by the sun are known as solar pumps. They are a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to your local electrical supply for a well pump, but generally solar pumps are more expensive up front because of this.
Starting at $2,000, a basic solar well pump can cost up to $4,000 for a high-end model.
A solar well pump is something to think about if you don’t want to rely on conventional utilities, if you want to lessen your carbon footprint or your energy bills.
Hand Well Pumps
Water must be manually brought up to the surface using hand well pumps. For homes that frequently lose electricity or homes in areas without power, they are an excellent choice.
The cost of this sort of well pump, which starts at $150, is reasonable because it requires physical labor to operate and has no electronic components.
Windmill Pumps
When solar power is insufficient and a reliable energy supply is not guaranteed, windmill pumps are a last-resort well pump option to take into account.
A windmill pump needs a ton of additional supplies. The typical price range for this kind of well pump is between $4,000 and $20,000, depending on the size of the windmill and the materials and labor needed.
A windmill pump installation by a professional normally costs $2,000 to $5,000 for two days of work, and a sub tower costs $9,000 on average.
Well Pump Replacement Cost For Different Parts
Pressure tank
You might need to replace both parts at once if your pressure tank and pump are both contributing to problems with your well system.
Depending on tank size, a new pressure tank can cost anywhere between $800 and $4,000. Additionally, the pressure switch, which costs $50 to $150, might need to be replaced.
If your pressure tank is old and towards the end of its useful life, replacing both the pump and the pressure tank may frequently be more affordable than replacing just the pump.
Turn on a faucet in your house and listen for the sound of the pump starting to see if your pressure tank needs to be repaired. If you hear this noise, the well pressure tank probably isn’t holding water as effectively as it could.
Pump Motor
The motors in your pump will ultimately stop working because the moving parts and bearings in your well water system will have worn out. In most cases, replacing the motor promptly resolves the problem.
The cost of replacing the complete pump will probably be less expensive than replacing two individual components, but a failing motor in an older well water pump may lead to the failure of another component.
A well pump’s motor replacement typically costs between $150 and $1,350.
The cheapest option, single-phase motors range in price from $200 to $450. The most expensive motors range in price from $300 to $1,900 for three-phase models, which have almost double the voltage.
Replacement of the motor is typically only an option for expensive submersible pumps. If not, you might need to replace the pump entirely.
Booster Pump
In well systems, low water pressure is a frequent problem. A booster pump makes it simple to maintain constant water pressure in your home, ensuring that your faucets and showerheads consistently dispense water.
Pumps to increase well pressure typically cost between $250 and $2,000, or $700. The price is determined by the booster pump’s brand, features, and size as well as labor costs, which are typically between $200 and $350.
Bladder tank
A bladder pressure tank may be purchased for between $50 and $600, with premium ones going for as much as $1,500.
The majority of bladder-pressure tanks feature replacement bladders, which range in price from $20 to $250 depending on the type and volume of the tank they are for.
Well Pump Replacement Cost By Region
The cost to replace a well pump varies by region. The following are the typical costs in the US for replacing a pump, including labor and material costs:
Contact a few well contractors and request their pump prices to learn more about how much it will cost to replace a well pump in your area. To find the average, compare the quotes you get.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Replacing a Well Pump
Size and depth of well
The primary determinant of how much it will cost to replace your pump is the size and depth of your well.
Pumps for shallow wells are considerably less expensive than deep pumps. The well pump is more affordable the shallower and narrower the well. This is due to the fact that installing shallow well pumps requires fewer resources and less labor.
The total cost to install a new pump depends on the depth of your well. Jet pumps are more affordable and simpler to install, and they are used for shallow wells up to 25′. There are various variations of submersible pumps that are used for wells up to 250 feet deep.
Deep vs Shallow Well Pump Installation
The cost of labor and materials will increase as the well depth increases because a check valve must be installed every 80 feet of downpipe.
The equipment and time needed to safely remove the old well pump add to the costs of replacing your submersible pump.
Type of pump
Another significant cost factor when replacing a well pump is the type of pump.
Jet pumps are less expensive, however submersible pumps are more expensive because of their more reliable functioning. The most affordable pump types are hand pumps and shallow well pumps, whereas high-capacity solar pumps are the most expensive.
Requires pipework
If you’re switching from a jet pump to a submersible pump, you’ll need to account for the cost of new or replacement pipes because submersible pumps need a lot of piping.
Your pipes may need to be repaired or replaced even if you just replace a typical well pump. The amount spent for materials and labor depends on the length of pipe needed.
Local Cost of Living
The cost of living and the cost of local services vary considerably by region.
If you reside in a high cost of living area, replacing your well pump will probably cost you $100 to $500 more than it would for residents in a low cost of living area.
Additionally, services may be more reasonably priced if you reside in an area with a lot of local competition as opposed to one or two qualified pump installers.
Wiring Required
When your well pump is replaced, wiring is another potential component that may need to be fixed or replaced.
Depending on the amount of work needed, wiring costs can vary greatly. Speak with a local electrician to receive a precise estimate of the additional costs involved with installing new wiring.
Repairing Vs Replacing a Well Pump Costs
An average well pump repair will set you back $850.
You might not always need to totally dismantle and replace a malfunctioning well pump. Your neighborhood well contractor may examine the pump and assess if it would be more economical for you to have it repaired or whether you should make a temporary fix while you save enough to have the pump replaced.
Your well contractor will advise replacing the well pump if it is too old or worn to be repaired. You don’t want to end up paying so much for pump repairs that it would have been cheaper to just buy a pump replacement.
DIY Installing a Well Pump Vs Professional Installation Costs
It’s crucial to understand that DIY installation isn’t always the most affordable choice if you’re thinking about installing your own well pump to save money.
By installing a well pump yourself, you can save paying for professional labor, but you might have to pay more to rent the tools that a professional pump replacement requires.
You must account for labor costs if you employ a professional to install your well pump. For just labor, the majority of well contractors charge between $250 and $500.
However, competent contractors can frequently find materials for less money than you could, and they already have the tools and equipment needed for the job, so there is no costly hiring fee.
A professional installation of a well pump is also considerably safer than attempting it yourself. If the pump is installed incorrectly, you run the risk of damaging it as well as other well-connected parts. In the worst case, you’ll have to buy a new pump, get a professional to install it, and possibly fix any damage you caused during your first installation effort.
Keep in mind that your residence receives all of its water from the well’s pump. Often, it is not worth the risk to have the pump rendered unusable by something as simple as incorrect priming.
Hire a contractor to inspect your well and make sure the pump is the issue and not something else if you opt to replace a well pump yourself.
How to Maximize Well Water Pump Lifespan
Once you’ve changed your well water pump, it’s probably best to put that thought off for at least another ten years. Well pumps can easily last this long if they are maintained properly. Here are some tips for extending a well pump’s life:
Choose a durable pump
If you haven’t yet purchased a well pump, go with a submersible pump instead of a convertible jet pump because it will last longer.
Install a sediment filter
Install a sediment filter upstream of the pump to protect it from sediment damage. Every six to twelve months, replace the filter.
Maintaining pressure tank
To stop the pump from turning on and off repeatedly, the pressure tank must be in good working order. Reduce the number of pump cycles by making sure the pressure tank consistently holds water under pressure.
Treat your water
The lifespan of the pump impeller and other components may be impacted by hot or acidic water. If your water is acidic, discuss cooling options with your well contractor or think about installing pH neutralizing filters.
Inspect pump
Once a year, have a professional inspect your pump. An expert can spot problems early on and give you advice on how to fix the pump so it lasts longer.
Install a torque arrestor
Every time the pump turns on, a torque arrestor prevents the torque from twisting the pump and pipe and harming the insulation around the wires.
FAQs
How do I know if my well pump is bad?
Changes in water pressure, significantly higher-than-normal electricity bills, spitting faucets, and strange noises coming from the pump or water tank are all indications that your well pump needs to be repaired.
How much should a well pump replacement cost?
The typical cost to replace a well water pump should be $1,600. Depending on the type of pump and the depth of the well, a pump replacement might cost between $400 and $4,000. In addition to the $200–$4,000 price of the pump, labor costs $250–500 and supplies cost $200–400.
What is the lifespan of a well pump?
A well-built well pump lasts up to 15 years with regular maintenance. Pump quality, water use, and maintenance frequency are all factors that impact a well pump’s longevity. If your well pump develops issues during this time, a contractor might be able to fix the pump rather than replace it.
How frequently should a well pump be serviced?
Once a year, when you have your well inspected, you should have the pump in your well maintained. Don’t wait until your yearly servicing if you believe your pump is malfunctioning; speak with a professional contractor right once to schedule an examination.
How much does a deep well pump cost?
A deep well water pump typically costs between $250 and $1,000. A jet pump costs between $650 and $800, whereas submersible pumps for deep wells range in price from $250 to $1,200. The most expensive choice is a submersible well pump, although submersible pumps last longer than jet pumps.
What is a well pump’s typical cost?
A well pump typically costs $1,600. The cost of materials and labor, the cost of living in your area, and if any extra supplies, such as replacement pipes or wiring, are needed all affect average pump pricing.
Can I install my own well pump?
Although it is possible, installing your own well water pump is not advised. The typical cost of replacing a well pump is frequently less expensive than the cost of DIY well pump replacement, which includes renting the necessary tools and equipment and purchasing materials without contractor discounts.
Additionally, if you install a well pump yourself, there is a chance of making a mistake that might result in expensive repairs.
What does a well pump motor cost?
Costs for well pump motors range from $150 to $1,350. Three-phase motors are $300 to $1,900 while single-phase motors range from $200 to $450.
In rare circumstances, you might be able to fix a pump’s motor rather than changing the whole device. A damaged motor may need the pump replacement of the complete pump for other types of pumps, however repairing the motor on a submersible well pump is simple.
What does it cost to remove a well pump?
Depending on the depth of the pump and the amount of work necessary, removing an old well pump might cost anywhere between $200 and $500.
It costs a lot more money to remove a submersible well pump from a deep well than to disengage an above-ground pump. A pump replacement must also be installed, which adds to the price of replacing the old one.
How much is a new well pump and pressure tank?
Costs range from $400 to $4,500 for a new pump and pressurized storage tank. A well pressure tank costs between $200 and $450, and the average cost of the pump, labor, and materials is $1,600.
Does the pump for my well fall under my homeowners insurance?
Well pumps are often only covered by homes insurance plans if they are harmed by natural disasters like a windstorm, fire, or lightning. Standard homeowner’s insurance doesn’t provide coverage for negligence, general wear and tear, or even earthquakes.