Well Pump Types Explained: Submersible, Jet, and Hand Pumps
The type of pump you need depends primarily on your well depth. Choosing the wrong pump means poor performance, wasted energy, and a shorter lifespan. Here's a straightforward guide to every well pump type, when to use each, and what they cost.
Quick Comparison
| Pump Type | Best For | Cost | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Submersible | Deep wells (>25 ft) | $400 – $2,000 | 8–15 years |
| Shallow well jet | Wells <25 ft deep | $300 – $800 | 4–8 years |
| Deep well jet | 25–110 ft wells | $400 – $1,200 | 4–8 years |
| Hand pump | Backup / off-grid | $150 – $600 | 20+ years |
| Constant pressure | Consistent pressure needs | $2,000 – $4,000 | 8–12 years |
Submersible Pumps ($400–$2,000)
The most common pump for residential wells. A submersible pump sits inside the well casing, fully submerged in water near the bottom of the well. Water is pushed up through the pipe to your pressure tank.
Advantages:
- Most efficient — pushes water up rather than pulling it
- Quiet operation — underground, out of sight and sound
- Self-priming — no issues with losing prime
- Works at any depth
- Long lifespan (8–15 years)
Disadvantages:
- Expensive to repair — must be pulled from the well ($500–$1,500 just for the pull)
- Difficult to diagnose problems without pulling it
- Higher upfront cost than jet pumps
Signs of failure: Sputtering water, reduced pressure, sand in water, high electric bills, pump running constantly.
Shallow Well Jet Pumps ($300–$800)
Designed for wells 25 feet deep or less. Jet pumps sit above ground (usually in a basement or pump house) and use suction to pull water up through a single pipe.
Advantages:
- Easy to access for maintenance and repair
- Lower cost than submersible pumps
- Simple installation
Disadvantages:
- Limited to shallow wells (physics limits suction to ~25 feet)
- Noisier than submersible pumps
- Can lose prime, requiring manual repriming
- Shorter lifespan (4–8 years)
Signs of failure: Frequent loss of prime, motor overheating, clicking on and off rapidly, weak pressure.
Deep Well Jet Pumps ($400–$1,200)
For wells 25 to 110 feet deep. Uses a dual-pipe system — one pipe pushes water down to a jet assembly at the bottom of the well, creating suction that pulls water up through the second pipe.
Advantages:
- Above-ground installation — easy to service
- Works for medium-depth wells
Disadvantages:
- Less efficient than submersible pumps at the same depth
- More complex plumbing (dual pipe system)
- Can lose prime
- Limited to ~110 feet
Signs of failure: Same as shallow jet — loss of prime, motor issues, pressure problems.
Hand Pumps ($150–$600)
Manual pumps requiring no electricity. Primarily used as backup systems or for off-grid properties. Modern hand pumps (Simple Pump, Bison Pump) can be installed alongside your electric submersible pump in the same well casing.
Advantages:
- Works during power outages — no electricity needed
- Extremely long lifespan (20+ years)
- Can share the well casing with an electric pump
- Zero operating cost
Disadvantages:
- Manual labor required
- Low flow rate (1–5 GPM depending on depth)
- Not practical as a primary pump for modern households
- Deeper wells require significantly more effort
Constant Pressure Systems ($2,000–$4,000)
A constant pressure system uses a variable frequency drive (VFD) to adjust pump motor speed based on water demand. Instead of cycling between a low and high pressure setting (like traditional systems), it maintains a steady, consistent pressure.
Advantages:
- Consistent water pressure — no fluctuation when multiple fixtures run
- Smaller pressure tank needed
- Reduced stress on plumbing
- Energy efficient — pump only works as hard as needed
Disadvantages:
- Highest upfront cost
- VFD controller adds a failure point
- Requires a compatible submersible pump
- More complex to troubleshoot
Signs of failure: Pressure fluctuations, VFD error codes, motor humming without pumping, electrical issues.
How to Choose the Right Pump
| Your Well Depth | Recommended Pump |
|---|---|
| Under 25 feet | Shallow well jet pump |
| 25–110 feet | Deep well jet pump or submersible |
| Over 110 feet | Submersible pump (only option) |
| Any depth, want consistent pressure | Submersible + constant pressure VFD |
| Backup / off-grid | Hand pump (alongside electric pump) |
When in doubt, a submersible pump is almost always the best choice for wells over 25 feet. They're more efficient, quieter, and last longer than jet pumps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common type of well pump?
Submersible pumps are by far the most common for residential wells. They work at any depth, are highly efficient, and last 8–15 years. Nearly all new wells deeper than 25 feet use submersible pumps.
How long does a well pump last?
Submersible pumps last 8–15 years on average. Jet pumps last 4–8 years. Hand pumps can last 20+ years with minimal maintenance. Lifespan depends on water quality, usage, and whether the pump is properly sized for the well.
Can I replace a jet pump with a submersible pump?
Yes, and it's a common upgrade. Submersible pumps are more efficient and reliable. The switch requires installing the pump inside the well casing and running new wiring, but most well service companies handle this routinely.
How do I know what size pump I need?
Pump sizing depends on well depth, well yield (GPM), and household water demand. A typical household needs 8–12 GPM. Your well driller or pump installer will size the pump based on your well's specifications.
Do I need a hand pump as a backup?
It's not required but it's a smart investment if you live in an area with frequent power outages and don't have a generator. A hand pump provides basic water access (drinking, cooking) without electricity.