If you have a well in your yard, a fundamental part of many homes, you might be considering the size and depth of your wells, and wondering whether you need to replace your well pump, especially the pump motor. The decision to replace a pump is significant as it’s not only about the pump but also about the ground where your well is located. It is important for you to plan for this in advance, as it can be quite an expense to replace, especially taking into account the tank and pipes that might also need replacement. Consider the possible problems that can occur such as sediment build-up or wear and tear, and assess your needs before making a decision. A skilled plumber could assist in making this assessment easier.
How much does a well pump cost? The average cost of a well pump, depending on the location of the well, will typically fall between $900 and $2,600, but the actual price can vary based on a number of factors like the pump type and the corresponding pump motor to handle your specific needs.
You need to make sure you find the right pump for your well, but you also do not want to overpay. Take a look at some of the most important factors you should consider when you are looking for a replacement option, reviewing different models available in the market, and do not hesitate to reach out to an expert who can help you with your well pump replacement and deal with any associated problems.
Jet Pumps and Submersible Pumps
Without a doubt, one of the first factors that will play a role in the price of your well pump is the type of pump that you need considering the size and depth of your wells. If you are looking for a well pump that will work with your backyard well, you may want to go with a jet pump or submersible pump to minimize your well pump replacement cost. A professional plumber can recommend the best pump type for your needs.
These are two of the most affordable options available, and while the price can still vary significantly depending on the one you choose, you can find diverse models of a deep well jet pump or a submersible pump for under $1,000. These options are usually enough to address most needs without a sizeable investment.
On the other hand, if you have a particularly large well, or if the well is relatively new, you may be looking for a slightly different pump model. Here, potential problems such as sediment build-up due to a larger tank size and differing pipe systems could impact your choice. For example, if you need a windmill, solar, or constant pressure pump, the price will jump significantly, and its location and installation needs might tear a hole in your budget. It is not unusual for these types of pumps to run several thousand dollars.
If you find yourself in a pinch, you can always go with a hand pump. This is the cheapest option, but this is not necessarily the best option for your well, as it requires a tremendous amount of work to operate.
What Are the Different Types of Well Pumps?
We have alluded to some of the most common types of well pumps above, but you might be curious about some of the biggest differences between them based on your specific well’s needs.
Modern Submersible Pumps
Submersible pumps are the evolved successors of jet pumps, boasting a heftier price tag. They are typically composed of materials like cast iron, stainless steel, and sometimes thermoplastics. These pumps are designed to be fully sealed, resulting in substantial savings on repair and utility costs for homeowners. Although the initial investment may seem steep, submersible pumps are cost-effective over time, particularly for certain models.Constructed with durable plastic material designed to withstand pressure, the pumps generate pressure more quickly than jet pumps and are generally quieter and more energy-efficient. However, in some cases, it’s important to research product reviews before investing in any equipment to ensure quality and longevity.
Constant-Pressure Pumps
Constant-pressure well pumps, equipped with a variable frequency drive (VFD) system, are among the most expensive pump options. The VFD system ensures a steady, uniform water pressure throughout your home’s plumbing system, irrespective of the simultaneous operation of faucets, toilets, and showers, despite the inclusion of plastic pipes and fittings. This sophisticated system may come with higher repair costs, but it promises uniform water pressure.
Wind-Powered Water Pumps
Windmill water pumps, while having a high initial cost, are an ideal choice for off-grid living or regions with regular power outages. Unless you already have a tower installed, these pumps can be costly to set up, with tower installation alone costing thousands of dollars. You cannot merely estimate the cost, excluding that of the windmill and its corresponding pumping equipment.
Solar-Driven Pumps
Solar pumps, another excellent choice for off-grid living, harness the sun’s power to operate submersible or jet pumps. Pairing solar energy with a high-end submersible model is an effective solution, unless you reside in a region with frequent poor weather, which might negatively impact the efficiency of solar-powered utilities by blocking the sunlight needed to power the equipment.
Manual Hand Pumps
For a truly off-grid experience, a traditional hand pump is unbeatable. Although manually pumping enough water for a single shower might be exhausting, you’ll never lose access to your well due to weather or utility disruptions. Additionally, hand pumps, with their reasonable horsepower encased in hardwearing plastic cases, are among the most affordable options available. However, if repairs are needed, these can be complex and can involve labor intensive processes such as wiring or fixing the damage on a pressure tank.
Jet Pump Replacement: Signs You Need a New Well Pump
Given that replacing your pump can be expensive, what are some of the biggest signs that could indicate that you need a new well pump or even a booster pump? In addition to signs like dirty water and air in the system, the DROP team has developed an app to help identify potential problems. Some of the top signs include:
1. The Water Is Dirty
Of course, one of the first signs that could indicate that you need to replace your well pump is dirty water. Damage to the wiring or pressure switch can cause this. If you turn on your faucet and have dirty water coming out of it, it could be a sign that the pump is failing. If the water is dirty, you should not use it. You need to take a closer look at the well pump to see if something is wrong with it.
2. Air in the Faucets
If you have air coming out of your faucets, it could be a sign that something is wrong with your well pump. This issue might be due to a faulty pressure switch or booster pump. Having air bubbles coming out of your faucet can be frustrating, but this is an issue that you can address by finding the right well pump as a replacement option.
3. Low or Inconsistent Pressure
If you feel like the pressure coming out of your faucet is not consistent, it might be a sign that the pump is a bit faulty. A potential culprit could be a failing pressure tank or inconsistent piping. You might also hear the faucet sputtering from time to time, and you may have a hard time maintaining your water pressure when multiple appliances are running at the same time.If that is the case, you may want to inspect your well pump which plays a critical role in the electrical flow of your property, to see if something is wrong with it.
4. Strange Noises
If you hear some strange noises coming from your well like the pump working at its highest horsepower, you need to take a closer look at the well pump. It might be a project to consider, checking whether the electrical components are functioning correctly. There could be something wrong with one of the internal components, and you want to address the issue before it gets out of hand. Remember, any damage that needs repairs should not be ignored. It’s important to have all the relevant information about your pump’s settings, including the sizes of its elements. A hardware issue might void the warranty if left unattended.
In the end, these are just a few of the many signs that could indicate that something is wrong with your well pump. The exact lifespan of your pump varies significantly depending on the age of your well and the type of pump that you choose, but you should reach out to an expert who can help you find the right replacement option.
Can You Replace Your Well Pump on Your Own?
If something is wrong with your well pump, you might be thinking about replacing it on your own. If the well is relatively simple, the pressure tank is easy to understand, and you have plenty of experience, you may be able to replace your well pump on your own. Just ensure to be careful about the various sizes and configurations involved in this DIY project.
On the other hand, this is a significant investment, and you want to make sure the job, including wiring and other labor, is done properly. Therefore, it is always better to reach out to an expert who can investigate the problem with your well pump, let you know if it is time to replace it, and install the warranty-protected replacement option for you. While it is true that you will have to pay a professional if you want them to handle services such as pump repairs, it may actually save you money in the long run due to the higher flow efficiency.
You will not necessarily have to worry about the pump breaking, and you might be able to get several extra years of use out of your well pump. For all of these reasons, consider reaching out to an expert who can replace your well pump for you – one that aligns well with the electrical capacity of your property.
How To Maintain Your Well Pump
So, once your well pump is installed, how do you make sure it lasts as long as possible? The use of our DROP app and services can help monitor the health of your pump. Some of the most important tips to keep in mind include:
- Clean: Make sure you clean the cooling fans from time to time. If you allow your well pump to overheat, it will probably burn out much more quickly.
- Watch for Corrosion: You need to use anti-corrosion products to protect and preserve your well pump. An expert should be able to let you know which products are best for protecting your well pump.
- Servicing: You may want to get your well pump serviced from time to time as well. That way, you can make sure it runs as well as possible and prevent future issues from developing.
If you keep these tips in mind, you can reduce your chances of dealing with well pump issues in the future. Remember, maintenance is always better than costly repairs and will help preserve the health and horsepower of your pump. Fostering the right flow of water will eventually keep the system running at optimal efficiency.
Use the Best Pump Controller from DROP
At DROP, we want to make sure that you get the most out of your well. That is why we provide you with an exceptional pump controller that places you in control of your well pump. We have a wide variety of products and services in different sizes that can help you protect your water supply, so take a closer look at our pump controller today. Reach out to us to speak to our team and gather more information!
