Compare Water Well Pump Types: What Makes Each Unique?

Well pumps come in three main varieties, each with unique advantages. Submersible pumps operate underwater, efficiently pushing water upward from depths over 25 feet with quiet operation and 10-15 year lifespans. Jet pumps sit above ground, making maintenance easy for shallow wells up to 25 feet. Hand pumps offer reliable manual operation without electricity. Your choice depends on well depth, water demand, and budget—factors we'll explore to help you make the perfect selection.

Key Takeaways

• Submersible pumps operate underwater for depths over 25 feet, while jet pumps sit above ground for shallower wells.
• Jet pumps create suction to pull water up, whereas submersibles push water with superior energy efficiency.
• Hand pumps offer reliable manual operation during power outages, making them excellent backup systems.
• Well depth primarily determines pump choice—submersibles for deep wells, jet pumps for shallow ones under 25 feet.
• Submersible pumps run quieter with longer lifespans but cost more upfront than easier-to-maintain jet pumps.

Submersible Pumps: Power and Longevity Underwater

Champions of underwater operation, submersible pumps represent the pinnacle of well pump technology for deeper water sources. When you're dealing with a well that exceeds 25 feet, these powerhouses shine by positioning themselves directly in the water, where they efficiently push water upward to meet your needs.

Beneath the surface, these aquatic champions quietly revolutionize deep well water delivery with unmatched efficiency.

We love how their sealed motors operate almost silently while minimizing energy loss. For households with high water demand, they're unmatched in delivering consistent supply without breaking a sweat. The depth of your well won't intimidate these performers.

What truly sets them apart is their long lifespan—10 to 15 years on average, with some warriors lasting 25 years with proper care.

Your utility costs will thank you too, as their superior energy consumption profile makes them the economic choice for the savvy homeowner.

Jet Pumps: Above-Ground Efficiency for Shallow Wells

Unlike their underwater relatives, jet pumps take a different approach to water delivery, preferring to stay high and dry above ground while still getting the job done beautifully. We love how these workhorses create a vacuum that pulls water through the suction pipe—simple yet effective engineering at its finest!

Their above-ground positioning makes maintenance a breeze—no pulling pumps from murky depths when issues arise. While they won't match submersibles for extreme depths, their electric motor and jet ejector combination delivers impressive water pressure for cost-effective operation in moderate-demand homes.

Hand Pumps: Manual Reliability Without Electricity

When the power grid fails and modern electric pumps fall silent, hand pumps stand ready as stalwart guardians of water access.

We've found these mechanical sentinels offer an elegant simplicity that electric counterparts can't match.

Consider these advantages of hand pumps:

• Requires only manual cranking, making them a reliable option when electricity becomes a luxury
• Serves perfectly as a backup system for homesteads concerned with self-sufficiency
• Accesses shallow wells up to 25 feet with steadfast dependability
• Features minimal maintenance requirements due to straightforward mechanical design
• Provides a cost-effective solution with impressive longevity

While they demand more physical effort than their powered cousins, hand pumps deliver as a sustainable water source that never abandons you in crisis.

For those mastering preparedness, these time-tested devices deserve consideration in your water security strategy.

Choosing the Right Pump: Depth, Capacity, and Budget Considerations

Moving beyond the reliability of hand pumps, selecting the perfect water well pump transforms from a simple choice into a thoughtful matching process.

We'll need to evaluate three critical factors: depth, capacity, and budget considerations.

For wells deeper than 25 feet, submersible pumps reign supreme, while shallow well jet pumps excel in depths under 25 feet.

Your household's water demand dictates capacity needs—typically 8-12 GPM for an average home, adding 1 GPM per additional fixture.

Don't overlook Total Lift Head (TLH) when determining necessary pump power.

Budget-wise, weigh the tradeoffs carefully.

Submersible pumps command higher upfront installation costs but offer efficiency and quieter operation.

Jet pumps provide easier serviceability since they're above ground, though they'll likely consume more electricity over time.

Your decision shapes your water experience for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Type of Well Pump Is Best?

We can't crown a single "best" well pump. Your ideal choice depends on your well depth, water needs, and budget. Submersibles excel for deep wells, while jets offer easier maintenance.

What Type of Water Pump Is the Best?

We can't crown a single "best" water pump for everyone. It's about your specific needs—submersibles excel for deep wells, jet pumps work for shallow ones, and solar options shine for sustainability.

What Are the Two Major Categories of Pumps and What Are the Differences?

We've got two main pump types: submersible pumps that efficiently push water from underwater, and jet pumps that create vacuum action from above ground. They differ in efficiency, lifespan, maintenance needs, and depth capabilities.

Is It Better to Have a Higher HP Well Pump?

We'll say this: higher HP isn't always better! While it offers increased flow for larger homes, we'll waste energy if we oversize. Let's match our pump to our actual water demands.

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.