The typical range for well pump installation is $942 to $2,629, with a national average of $1,785. The main factors affecting well pump costs are well size, pump type, power, quality, labor costs, and geographic location. Some signs that it’s time to replace a well pump are inconsistent water pressure, a dry or low well, unusual noises, dirty water, high electric bills, spitting faucets, or extremely high water temperatures. It’s generally recommended that a professional perform a well pump installation or replacement, as there are a number of safety risks associated with this task.
When I was researching well pumps for my own home, I found the cost range surprising but understandable once I dug into the factors. For instance, deeper wells need more powerful pumps, which naturally bumps up the price. I also learned that hiring a pro isn’t just about convenience—it’s about avoiding mishaps like electrical hazards or improper installation that could wreck the system. If you’re noticing issues like sputtering faucets or skyrocketing electric bills, don’t wait too long to act. A local contractor I spoke with mentioned that ignoring these signs can lead to bigger repair costs down the line, sometimes doubling the expense if the pump fails completely.
Water is Life
Water is life. And well water offers clean, fresh water that is higher in minerals than most other water sources. Well water is also the most cost-effective source for delivering water to a home. But how does fresh, underground water get from the well to the faucet? Typically powered by pressure, well pumps push water from a well into storage tanks where it’s held until needed. For a homeowner who is considering using a well as their home’s main source of water and debating whether to install a new one or replace an existing one, either by choice or necessity, the first question is usually the same: How much does a well pump cost? According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, the average new well pump cost is $1,785, though prices range from $942 to $2,629. Several factors influence the final cost of a well pump installation, including the well size and depth, the type of pump, and the home’s geographic location. This guide will help readers learn about new well pump price estimates, the difference between the most common types of well pumps, and signs an existing pump is in need of repair or replacement.
I’ve always appreciated how well water feels cleaner and tastes better than city water, likely because of those natural minerals. The mechanics behind well pumps are pretty fascinating too—think of them as the heart of your water system, constantly working to keep the flow steady. One thing I didn’t realize until I started looking into it is how much geography plays a role in costs. For example, a friend in a rural area paid significantly less for their pump installation than someone I know in a suburban neighborhood, mostly because labor and material costs vary so much. If you’re new to well systems, it’s worth chatting with neighbors or local well owners to get a sense of what to expect in your area.
Factors in Calculating Well Pump Cost
How much is a new well pump? There are several factors that influence well pump cost, including the well’s size and the type of pump being installed. Such factors determine whether an installation will be under four figures or exceed an average well pump budget. Homeowners will also want to keep in mind that local averages may be different from the national average well pump installation cost of $1,785. A home’s geographic location is another important factor that determines the final price of a well pump installation. The following factors will help homeowners estimate the cost of a well pump replacement or new installation.
Well Size and Depth
Well size and depth have a significant influence on well pump cost. Installing a well pump in a shallow well will require less work compared to installing one in a deeper or wider well. Pumps designed for more shallow wells are typically more affordable than those designed for deeper wells. When the cost of materials and labor is combined, installing a well pump in a shallow well will almost always be less expensive than installing one in a deep well. Shallow pumps are designed for wells less than 25 feet deep, while deep pumps can be used in wells as deep as 150 feet.
Pump Type
The type of pump chosen for an installation or replacement is the most influential factor regarding the cost to replace water pumps on a residential property. Shallow well pumps are the more affordable option, costing as little as $100. For example, jet pumps cost between $100 and $500 for shallow models, whereas deep well jet pumps cost between $675 and $745. Jet pumps are typically replaced with submersible pumps. These models cost between $250 and $1,200. However, new pipework is typically required with deep well submersible pumps, and this can add an additional $250 to $2,500 to the budget. Solar well pumps are costly, with a price range between $2,000 and $4,000; however, they offer substantial energy savings over time. Finally, there are hand well pumps to consider. These are much more affordable, starting at $150.
Pump Power and Quality
Homes with different water usage requirements will need pumps with different power levels. Pumps are measured using a metric acronym known as GPM, or gallons per minute. The higher a pump’s GPM, the more water it pulls. As one may suspect, pumps with higher GPMs tend to cost more. For example, a pump with a GPM of 3 requires a ½-horsepower (hp) pump at a depth of 15 feet or a 1-hp pump at 250 feet depth. A pump with a GPM of 15 requires a 1-hp pump at a depth of 15 feet and a 1½-hp pump at 250 feet. To estimate a home’s GPM, the homeowner can add one GPM for every water fixture in the home, including toilets, faucets, showers, washers, dishwashers, and refrigerators. Quality can also influence price. A lower-quality pump may cost less than a higher-quality pump, even if it has a motor with more horsepower. Finding the best water pump requires finding a balance between power requirements and quality while staying within budget.
Labor
Well water pump installation requires experience and knowledge. This allows contractors to charge competitive labor fees. On average, homeowners will pay between $250 and $800 for labor costs to replace a well pump. Complex projects can rack up a labor bill as high as $1,000. Generally speaking, new well pump installations are easier and may have smaller labor costs compared to costs for a replacement. If a new well is being added to the property, well drilling costs $5,500 on average. It may help to know that an average well pump installation takes 6 hours and that a replacement also typically takes about 6 hours. The best well pump services and plumbers will be transparent about their labor costs but generally charge between $45 and $150 per hour.
Geographic Location
The average cost for pumps, materials, and labor varies across the country, affecting the overall cost. Homeowners will likely pay more for a well pump in metropolitan and suburban areas than they will in rural areas since the cost of materials and labor is typically higher. The following table shows the average well pump cost in a variety of U.S. cities.
| Location | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Chicago, Illinois | $1,470 |
| Dallas, Texas | $2,100 |
| Manhattan, Kansas | $1,050 |
| Orlando, Florida | $2,590 |
| Portland, Oregon | $5,110 |
| Raleigh, North Carolina | $1,270 |
From my own digging, I found that well depth can vary wildly even within the same region, which makes getting a site-specific quote crucial. For example, a neighbor with a 50-foot well paid a lot less than someone down the road with a 200-foot well, even though they’re only a few miles apart. When it comes to pump types, I’ve noticed folks often overlook hand pumps because they seem old-fashioned, but they can be a lifesaver in remote areas with no power. On the power front, calculating your GPM is a handy trick—counting fixtures like the article suggests really helped me figure out what size pump I needed without overspending. For labor, I’d recommend asking contractors upfront about their hourly rates and whether they foresee any complications, like tricky well access, that could jack up the bill.
Additional Costs and Considerations
When installing water pumps and tanks, homeowners will not necessarily incur the following potential costs. However, they may still benefit from understanding how influential each one is. This can help prevent expensive surprises and ensure that a well pump installation stays on budget.
Pipework
When homeowners are switching from one type of pump to another, it’s likely that pipework will need to be added or replaced. In other scenarios, pipework may need to be replaced due to age or damage. In older homes, pipes may not be made of safe plastic materials like PVC. If there are signs of corrosion or there is a risk of lead contamination, some homeowners decide to replace pipework during a pump installation. It can be difficult to estimate the cost of pipework when it comes to well pump replacement. The material, length, and accessibility of the pipework location all influence the cost. The average cost for pipe installation is $0.90 per foot for PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) pipe and $6.25 per foot for copper pipe.
Wiring
Similar to replacing pipework, replacing a well pump could involve updating or replacing wiring. In some scenarios, wiring can be damaged while a new pump is being installed, especially if the well is quite deep. In other instances, the wiring is outdated or beginning to show signs of wear and tear. Damaged electrical wires are dangerous at any time but especially when they are near a water source. It’s worth noting that it’s possible to run a well pump without electricity. Depending on a homeowner’s budget or water needs, however, this isn’t always an option. In most new installations, wiring is part of the process. On average, hiring an electrician can cost anywhere from $162 to $525. The total cost will vary based on how much work is required and how complicated it is.
Pressure Tank Replacement
A well pump replacement isn’t always enough. Sometimes the system’s pressure tank is the culprit behind water issues. In many scenarios involving a combination pump or pressure tank, replacing one component and not the other can be cost-prohibitive. In fact, many problems with a pump or well can stem from a malfunctioning tank. To test a system’s tank, homeowners can run the water from any fixture in their home. If the pump kicks on every time the water is running, it’s likely that the tank isn’t holding pressure. If a tank does need to be replaced, a homeowner can expect to pay between $800 and $3,800. The cost to replace a well pump and pressure tank together may be significantly higher.
I learned the hard way that skimping on pipework can cause headaches later. A friend of mine opted for cheaper piping during a pump replacement, only to deal with leaks a year later because the material wasn’t up to par. If your home is older, definitely check for lead or corroded pipes—replacing them now could save you from health risks or costly repairs. On wiring, I’d suggest asking your electrician to inspect the existing setup before starting the job; sometimes, a quick fix can prevent bigger issues. For pressure tanks, a contractor I spoke with recommended budgeting for a tank replacement alongside a pump if both are aging, as it can save on labor costs in the long run. Testing your tank, like the article suggests, is a simple trick—turn on a faucet and listen for the pump. If it’s constantly running, you’ve got a problem.
New vs. Replacement Pump InstallationWhen a well pump begins to fail, it’s difficult to know right away whether a repair or a replacement will be the most cost-effective approach. It’s recommended that homeowners have a pump professional come out and inspect the system to suggest the best solution. When there is hardware damage or small engine problems, a repair is likely the best approach; repairs tend to cost between $300 and $1,300. But when a major mechanical or engine issue is causing a pump to perform poorly or fail entirely, a total pump replacement is likely, and all the more so when a pump is nearing the end of its expected lifespan. Well pump replacement costs $1,785.
Deciding between repair and replacement can feel like a gamble. I’ve found that getting a professional opinion early on is key—my neighbor tried to DIY a repair and ended up needing a full replacement anyway because the damage was worse than he thought. A good rule of thumb I picked up from a local well expert is to consider the pump’s age. If it’s over 10 years old, replacement often makes more sense than sinking money into repairs that might only buy you a year or two. Also, keep an eye on repair costs; if they’re creeping close to half the price of a new pump, you’re probably better off replacing it.
Well Pump Repairs
In some cases, only a part of the well pump will need to be replaced, not the entire system. This is almost always cheaper than the cost to})