How Much Does It Cost to Replace or Install a Well Pump?
Well Pump Costs at a Glance
- Total installation cost: $850-$2,250
- Well pump cost: $100-$1,200
- Labor cost: $200-$5,000
You probably know your well pump as that ugly piece of plastic or metal that sticks out like a sore thumb in your yard. You narrowly miss it every time you mow the lawn. Maybe you cover it with a fake rock or hide it in some flowers just so you don’t have to see it. As annoying as it is to look at, your well pump is a pretty important piece of equipment. So, when something goes wrong, you’ll probably need to replace it right away.
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The cost of replacing or installing a well pump depends on the depth of your well and the type of well pump you choose. Here’s a primer on well pumps and how much it’ll cost to install or replace one.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace or Install a Well Pump?
The well pump is perhaps the most important part of your water system. It collects water from the well and drives it upward into the rest of the water system in your home. If you're installing a new well, you'll need a pump to make use of it. The average cost to replace a well pump is between $850 and $2,250, according to Angie’s List.
What Influences Well Pump Costs?
For a basic model suited for shallower wells, a well pump can cost as little as $100. On the upper end, a high-pressure submersible pump for a deeper well may cost as much as $1,200. More powerful pumps draw water at a higher rate and will give better water pressure.
There are several common styles of well pump:
Jet or Centrifugal Pumps
This type sits above ground level. Jet pumps create a vacuum to draw water through the system, but water pressure can vary.
Submersible Pumps
Submersible pumps are located underground, submerged in the water. They’re more powerful than jet pumps and are best for deeper wells, from 25 to 150 feet.
Solar Pumps
As the name suggests, these are solar-powered, reducing day-to-day running costs. Both submersible and jet pumps can be solar-powered. Solar pumps cost between $2,000 and $4,000, but installing one could save you a significant amount on your energy bills.
Hand Pumps
Hand-powered pumps are inexpensive ($150 on average) and suitable for shallow wells. They are manually operated and don’t require electricity to run. Depending on how handy you are, you may be able to install one yourself. However, hand pumps aren’t used as a primary well pump; often, they’re installed as a backup.
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Labor and Other Expenses
In addition to the cost of the pump, you’ll also have to pay to have it installed. In most cases, it’s not a DIY job. Working with pumps, septic tanks and your home's water system is something you should leave to the professionals.
Depending on the depth of the well and the complexity of the job, expect to pay between $200 and $5,000 for labor. Simply fitting a pump is relatively inexpensive, especially with a shallow well. However, if the tank itself needs replacing or wiring work needs to be done, the price of the job will increase.
Except for inexpensive hand pumps, the bulk of the cost of replacing a well pump comes from the purchase of the pump itself. Generally, labor costs are less than half of the total cost of installation.
Should You Repair or Replace a Well Pump?
Sophisticated submersible pumps can fail. They may run constantly, become clogged or suddenly lose pressure. In some cases, repairing a pump can cost less than replacing it. If all that's required is a new pressure switch or some limited rewiring, the cost could be as low as $750.
Many older homes have wells with jet pumps that weren’t designed for the level of output a modern family may need. It may be better to replace the pump with a submersible design or an energy-efficient solar pump.
Most well pumps will last for at least a decade unless the water in the area is rich in sediment. Accepting the upfront replacement cost could keep you from potentially expensive repairs down the road.
Since we’re all home now more than ever, being prepared for unexpected home repairs with a plan from HomeServe is important. Having a plan in place gives you peace of mind knowing that you can simply call our 24/7 repair hotline for covered breakdowns. See what plans are available in your neighborhood.
