Compare Water Well Pump Types: Pros and Cons Revealed

Submersible pumps offer superior depth capacity (up to 1,000+ feet), better pressure, and impressive 25-year lifespans, but require professional maintenance. Jet pumps cost less upfront and work well in shallow wells (under 25 feet), but sacrifice longevity (4-20 years) and efficiency. We recommend matching your choice to well depth and household water needs. Your perfect pump depends on your specific situation—the right decision now prevents costly headaches later.

Key Takeaways

• Submersible pumps work at depths over 1,000 feet with superior pressure, while jet pumps max out at 110 feet.
• Submersible pumps last up to 25 years compared to jet pumps' average 10-year lifespan.
• Jet pumps offer easier maintenance access but require more frequent servicing than submerged systems.
• Shallow well jet pumps cost less initially for depths under 25 feet but consume more energy long-term.
• Submersible pumps provide greater energy efficiency and water pressure despite higher installation costs.

Understanding Submersible Well Pumps: Performance and Applications

When it comes to accessing water from deep beneath your property, submersible well pumps stand as the workhorses of the water well industry. These remarkable devices operate while fully submerged, effortlessly extracting water from depths of 75 to over 1,000 feet with impressive performance.

Submersible well pumps: the underwater champions delivering exceptional performance from astonishing depths beneath your feet.

We've found that installation at these depths creates significant advantages. By pushing rather than pulling water to the surface, submersible well pumps deliver superior water pressure that remains consistent throughout your system.

They're incredibly energy-efficient too, operating at lower costs due to their underwater positioning. In ideal conditions with minimal sediment levels, these pumps boast an impressive lifespan of up to 25 years.

However, we should note that maintenance can be challenging due to their deep-well placement, often requiring professional expertise when issues arise. For most homeowners seeking reliable water access, this trade-off is well worth it.

Jet Pump Systems: Shallow vs. Deep Well Configurations

While submersible pumps excel at great depths, jet pump systems offer homeowners alternative solutions that sit above ground.

We find shallow well jet pumps particularly effective for drawing water from depths up to 25 feet—perfect for cisterns or unpressurized tanks—with simpler installation and lower costs.

For those facing depth restrictions, deep well jet pumps extend your reach to 90-110 feet. They create a powerful vacuum through a specialized jet nozzle, making them adaptable to fluctuating water tables.

However, this pumping water capability comes with complexity: a two-pipe installation increases your water system costs considerably.

In Western Washington, many homeowners bypass shallow well options entirely due to depth limitations.

When planning your well pump system, consider not just your current water fixture needs but also how deep your water source truly lies.

Key Factors for Selecting the Right Well Pump for Your Home

Although selecting a well pump might seem straightforward, homeowners face critical decisions that will impact their water supply for decades.

We've found that matching pump type to well depth is non-negotiable—shallow well jet pumps work for depths under 25 feet, while deeper wells demand submersible or deep well jet pumps.

1. Water Needs Assessment - Calculate your required gallons per minute (GPM): 8-12 GPM for a 3-4 bedroom home, plus 1 GPM per additional fixture
2. Lifespan Considerations - Submersible pumps last up to 25 years versus jet pumps' 4-20 years
3. Energy Efficiency Analysis - Submersible pumps consume less power than jet pumps for comparable output

Don't gamble with your water supply—consult experts to determine the ideal pump size for your specific situation.

The right choice balances upfront costs with long-term reliability.

Maintenance Requirements and Longevity Across Pump Types

Choosing the right pump is only half the battle in securing reliable water access for your home.

Selecting your water pump begins your journey to sustainable home water access—the true challenge lies in the maintenance ahead.

The real commitment begins with understanding the maintenance demands that'll keep your system flowing for years to come.

We've found submersible pumps offer impressive longevity—up to 25 years when water quality is good with minimal sediment.

They're quietly working beneath the surface, requiring less frequent inspections but occasional checks of electrical connections to prevent overheating.

Above-ground pumps, while more accessible, demand our attention more regularly.

Their 4-20 year lifespan (averaging 10 years) requires vigilant maintenance, including priming checks and debris removal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Type of Well Pump Is Best?

The "best" well pump depends on our unique situation. We'll need a submersible for deeper wells, while jet pumps serve shallow wells more affordably. Let's match our depth and water needs!

What Are the Disadvantages of Oil Filled Submersible Pumps?

We've found oil-filled submersible pumps can overheat when dry, create messy repairs, complicate maintenance, fail if oil leaks, and they'll cost you more upfront than standard models.

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

For a 200-foot well, we'd recommend a 1-1.5 HP submersible pump that delivers 8-12 GPM. We've found this size balances power needs with your household demands while overcoming the significant depth challenge.

What Type of Water Pump Is Best?

We can't declare a single "best" pump for all scenarios. Your well depth, water quality, and usage needs determine this. For your 200-foot well, a submersible pump will likely serve you most effectively.

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.