Well Pump Installation

How much you pay to put in a new well pump can differ greatly. It typically relies on the kind of pump, your location, and the well's depth. Your average cost can span from $1,000 to $2,500, with shallow well pumps likely hitting lower figures and deep well pumps going for more. You should also consider potential add-ons, like new piping or electrical work. Tally up quotes from a few different installers to see what the span of costs look like across the board.

Installing a pump in a well can really make you dig deep (financially). The specific kind of pump you need and your well's depth determine much of what you're going to pay. Still, you're looking at a cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,500, possibly more, that's going to hit a few different accounts in your budget. If you're going this route, too, be sure to take to heart the advice of getting a few different quotes before you settle on a price.

Because homeowners insurance typically covers well pumps, the situation is not complicated. What complicates things, however, is trying to determine the cause of the problem. If a well pump is damaged because of a covered peril—such as fire or a lightning strike—then the insurance might help pay for the necessary repairs or replacement. But if the pump fails because of something like lack of maintenance, the insurance wouldn't cover it. So, what are we to make of it all? Check your policy to see how well you are covered.

A well pump can be put in by a plumber. Plumbers have the skills, know-how, and tools to install well pumps because they are familiar with water systems and pipe fittings. They hook up the pump to the plumbing system in your house so that the water can flow from the well into your home. But if the job is a complicated one, you might have to call a well technician to help. No matter who does the work, make sure the person has done similar work before and knows the local codes. A well pump, like any plumbing, must be installed correctly to work right.

A typical lifespan for a well pump is 8 to 15 years, depending on various factors. Well pumps can last a long time, but you have to really take care of them. Maintenance with this equipment is key. If you don't maintain it and something goes wrong, you could risk having your well pump itself become a replacement part.

Typically, it takes about 3 to 4 hours to replace a well pump. This average can vary, of course, but we found that most factors working for or against the service call affect it in a fairly predictable manner. For example, if your well is deeper than most, it’ll take longer. If it’s well located and easily accessible, expect the opposite. Besides those two main factors, pump-replace time also varies with pump type and service person skill, and we’ll have more to say about those shortly.

If a well pump is failing, it might give some clues. First, water pressure could be dropping, so it takes longer to fill a pot and a shower feels weak. Second, strange noises might be coming from the pump, like grinding or clicking. Third, the electric bill might be going up because the pump is working a lot harder than usual. Fourth, the water could be coming out dirty and muddy, a sure sign that the pump isn't functioning right. Lastly, the water faucets might be spitting air, or the water might just suddenly stop, which are both pretty good signs that the pump has some serious problems. If you see any of these signs, it's a good idea to get the pump checked out.

At least once a year, you should flush your well pressure tank. This keeps it clean and helps ensure that it operates as it should. If you notice any oddities with your water pressure, or if the water seems to look or smell strange, you might want to flush it more often—maybe even several times a year. It's a little bit like going fishing for problems: while you're inside the tank, you can look around and see if anything unusual is happening. If you catch something early, you might not have to deal with a bigger fish later on, which is what makes this a good life hack.

To determine if a new well pump is needed, watch for a few important signs. One is low water pressure; if the pumps can't move water to the surface, you won't see it coming out of your taps and showers at the pressure you'd usually expect. Then there are noises—the kind no well pump should ever make. When you hear grinding or clicking coming from the motor, ask yourself, "What would a well pump version of 'The Exorcist' sound like?" Because that's what it might take to further uncover the devilishly disgruntled parts that are making the pump work on overdrive, as full of errors as a Microsoft Word spellcheck. Keep an eye on your water bill, too. Too high? Check for leaks.

You should get your well pump serviced about once a year. Regular checks help to ensure that it is still working well and can catch any small problems before they become big ones. During the servicing, the well may be pulled and its pressure checked. Sometimes, the pressure coming from the well head may be too high for what the system can handle. Also, the professional looking at the system may spot some leaks, and then the clean part is sort of implied. Keeping it in good shape, like any mechanical apparatus, helps it last longer and work better.