Compare Water Well Pump Types: Make the Best Choice

When choosing a water well pump, we'll help you navigate the key options. Submersible pumps work silently underground for depths over 25 feet with great efficiency but harder maintenance. Jet pumps come in shallow (under 25 feet) and deep well versions (up to 90 feet) with easier servicing. Your selection should match your well depth, water demands, and access needs. Let's explore which system fits your specific situation.

Key Takeaways

• Submersible pumps operate silently from depths exceeding 25 feet and can last up to 25 years with proper maintenance.
• Shallow well jet pumps work for depths under 25 feet, while deep well jet pumps function between 25-90 feet.
• Consider well depth, household water demand, energy efficiency, and maintenance accessibility when selecting a pump.
• Specialized options include hand pumps for power outages, solar pumps for remote locations, and convertible jet pumps.
• Jet pumps offer easier serviceability, while submersible pumps require complete removal for repairs but provide better efficiency.

Key Factors to Consider Before Selecting a Well Pump

Selecting the right water well pump involves five critical considerations that can make or break your home's water supply system.

First, evaluate your well's depth—shallow well jet pumps work for depths under 25 feet, while deep well jet pumps or submersible options are necessary for greater depths.

Next, calculate your household water demand. Larger families need pumps with higher flow rates to meet daily needs.

We can't overstate the importance of energy efficiency—a more efficient pump will greatly reduce your long-term costs.

Consider maintenance and repair accessibility when choosing among well pumps available. Jet pumps offer easier servicing, while submersible pumps may require complete removal for repairs.

Finally, consult professionals before installation. They'll make sure your choice complies with local regulations while perfectly matching your water supply requirements.

Submersible Pumps: Benefits and Limitations

Submersible pumps represent the workhorses of deep well water systems, operating silently beneath the surface while pushing water upward from depths exceeding 25 feet.

We've found their underwater installation offers impressive energy efficiency, as they harness gravity to reduce electricity costs over time.

The sealed design provides excellent protection for your groundwater supply, minimizing contamination risks by keeping the entire mechanism encapsulated within the well structure. With proper care, these systems can serve your household for up to 25 years.

However, we must acknowledge their limitations. When issues arise with motor and seals due to corrosion, repairs become challenging.

Corrosion attacks inevitably complicate repairs, transforming routine maintenance into complex extraction operations requiring specialized expertise.

The retrieval for maintenance often requires professional assistance, as accessing submerged equipment demands specialized knowledge and equipment—a trade-off for their otherwise superior performance in deep wells.

Jet Pumps: Shallow vs. Deep Well Applications

When considering jet pumps for your water well system, understanding the key differences between shallow and deep well applications becomes essential for making an informed decision.

Shallow well jet pumps draw water from depths up to 25 feet with a simpler, single-pipe installation—perfect for cisterns or unpressurized tanks.

They're easier to install but impractical in areas with deep groundwater.

In contrast, deep well jet pumps operate effectively between 25-90 feet, using a specialized jet nozzle to increase water pressure for extraction.

These require more complex setups with two pipes, making installation more involved.

We've found that efficiency decreases as depth increases, with deeper applications demanding more power.

For properties with water tables below 25 feet, deep well jet pumps are clearly the appropriate choice despite their higher complexity.

Specialized Pump Options for Unique Situations

While standard jet and submersible pumps handle most residential water needs, certain properties present unique challenges that require specialized solutions.

Specialized pump solutions become essential when standard equipment cannot meet your property's unique water challenges.

We've identified several pump varieties that excel in uncommon situations where conventional options might fall short.

1. Hand Pumps - Perfect for shallow wells during power outages or off-grid living, requiring no electricity while offering reliable water access with minimal water well maintenance.
2. Solar Pumps - Ideal for remote locations with abundant sunshine but limited electrical access, efficiently drawing water through sustainable energy that pays for itself over time.
3. Convertible Jet Pumps - Versatile options that adapt to fluctuating water tables, functioning effectively in both shallow wells (under 25 feet) and deeper wells (up to 90 feet).

When standard solutions don't fit your unique pump situation, these specialized options guarantee you'll never lack reliable water access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Type of Well Pump Is Best?

We can't declare one pump "best" for everyone. Consider your well's depth, water needs, and budget—submersible for deep wells, jet pumps for shallow, solar where electricity's unreliable.

What Type of Water Pump Is the Best?

We can't pinpoint a single "best" water pump. Submersibles excel for deep wells, jet pumps offer easier maintenance, and solar pumps provide eco-friendly options. Your specific well depth determines what's best for you.

What Size Well Pump Do I Need for a 200 Ft Well?

For a 200 ft well, we'd recommend a 1-2 HP submersible pump with 10-20 GPM flow rate. Make sure it has sufficient total lift head and consider a 3-wire system for easier maintenance.

Is It Better to Have a Higher HP Well Pump?

We don't recommend blindly choosing higher HP pumps. They're only better for deeper wells or high demand situations. Otherwise, you'll waste energy and risk premature burnout. Match HP to your specific needs.

Rick Callahan Plumbing & HVAC Expert at PSAM

Rick "The Plumbing & HVAC Guy" Callahan

Rick Callahan is the trusted authority for plumbing supplies, HVAC parts, and contractor solutions at Plumbing Supply and More (PSAM). With decades of hands-on experience in residential plumbing and light commercial HVAC systems, he helps pros and homeowners avoid costly mistakes by choosing the right fittings, valves, thermostats, and repair parts the first time.

As PSAM’s in-house technical advisor, Rick delivers practical, field-tested guidance on everything from copper piping to PEX plumbing systems—ensuring jobs get done faster, easier, and more reliably. He also curates “Rick’s Picks”—a no-nonsense list of must-have plumbing tools, HVAC maintenance gear, and seasonal essentials that keep projects efficient and dependable.

If it moves water or air, Rick has installed it, fixed it, or optimized it—and he’s here to help PSAM customers do the same.