Replacing a well pump is often quite necessary for homeowners that rely on well water. If the pump is old or broken, or is simply not functioning well enough, it usually requires replacement to provide clean water and reliable supply. There are several factors such as type of pump, depth of well, and your area that can affect the price of replacing a well pump.
This guide will be discussing average costs associated with replacing well pumping equipment, including the different types of pumps in use. Factors that contribute to the charging amount and ways to save when replacing will also be discussed. With these insights, you should be able to identify your need for a well pump replacement and maybe even make an informed decision.
What Is a Well Pump?
Pumps are apparatuses that help bring water from the well into the house. It is the most important apparatus in the well system, delivering clean drinking water for various purposes such as cooking, cleaning, and bathing. A well pump functions by developing pressure so that water can flow from the well into your home’s plumbing. There are different types of well pumps that you may need depending on the well’s depth and your home’s water requirements.
In general, replacing a well pump is needed every 10 to 15 years, but this may be less or more depending on the type of pump used, the well’s condition, and, of course, the kind of maintenance it receives.
Average Well Pump Replacement Costs
Starting from $400 up to $2,500, a well pump replacement will cost, with the average being about $1,800. The factors involved in the cost of replacing the well pumps include the pump type chosen, well depth, installation complexity, and the labor rates in your area. For example, submersible pumps are on the more expensive side for well pumps, while jet pumps tend to be less costly.
| National Average Cost | $1,800 |
| Minimum Cost | $200 |
| Maximum Cost | $20,000 |
| Average Range | $1,000 to $2,500 |
Well Pump Replacement Cost by State
Well pump replacements costs differ state by state. Here is the average cost of replacing a well pump across states:
| State | Average Cost Range |
| California | $800 – $2,000 |
| Florida | $500 – $1,500 |
| Texas | $400 – $1,200 |
| New York | $600 – $1,800 |
| Michigan | $500 – $1,500 |
| Ohio | $400 – $1,300 |
| Georgia | $450 – $1,500 |
| Colorado | $600 – $1,700 |
Factors That Affect the Cost of Well Pump Replacement
The price of installing or replacing a well pump depends on the following: the type of pump, the well size, depth, and location, which can affect the entire price.
1. Well Size and Depth
The size of the well and its depth are, therefore, the most important determinants of the costs of the installation of well pumps. The labor and material required to install a pump in a shallow well is considerably less than those needed for a deep well. The cost of shallow well pumps is also lower compared to deep well pumps, which are designed to work at greater depths.Â
Shallow well pumps are typically used for wells shallower than 25 feet, while deep well pumps can be used for wells that are 150 feet deep or deeper.
2. Pump Type
The choice of pump is the most significant factor affecting the price of a well pump install. These prices are the actual prices by type of pump:
- Shallow Well Pumps: These pumps are designed for wells that are less than 25 feet deep. Jet pumps range from $100 to $500. Deep well jet pumps are designed for depths exceeding 25 feet and cost between $675 and $745
- Submersible Pumps: These are currently the most popular and efficient kind of pump and are priced between $250 and $1,200. It is placed in the well entirely, thus forcing water to the top, making it quite an efficient pump.
- Solar Pumps: Even higher cost payoffs are solar well pumps, which utilize solar rather than electrical power. They range in price from $2,000 to $4,000. These pumps are very good for homes that use no grids or into areas that probably would suffer blackouts.
- Hand Pumps: These are pumps that can be operated independently of any electricity source, starting at $150 and ranging up to $2,000, excluding even the toughest.
3. Labor Costs
Costs for labor incurred during the installation or replacement of the well pump can average anywhere from $250 to $800, with more complicated installations costing as much as $1,000. The average time taken to install or replace a pump is 6 hours; however, if new wells need to be drilled, this can add costs of around $5,500.
4. Geographic Location
The geographical position of the home can increase the overall cost of the well pump. Areas within the cities and suburbs have a higher cost of installation due to the higher cost of material and labor. For instance, installation for well pumps in Portland, Oregon, costs as high as $5,110, while Chicago, Illinois, might put you back by a meager $1,470.
Additional Costs to Consider
In some instances, extra charges may be incurred when installing a well pump. These include:Â
- Pipework: New pipework may be required when changing from one pump type to another or when replacing old pipes with new ones. The average cost of installing pipework is about $0.90 per foot for PEX (cross-linked polyethene) and $6.25 per foot for copper pipes.
- Wiring: New wiring between the circuit breaker and the pump typically costs between $162 and $525. Safety and efficiency concerns may require electrical work.Â
- Pressure Tank Replacement: Sometimes, it may be advisable to replace the pressure tank along with the pump. The price range for replacing a pressure tank is anywhere from $800 to $3,800. Usually, it is advisable to replace both the pump and the pressure tank together to avoid malfunctioning down the road.
New vs. Replacement Pump Installation
When a well pump fails, homeowners need to decide whether to repair or replace a fallen well pump, homeowners have their answer. Minor issues like damaged hardware and a few engine troubles are fixable in the range of $300 to $1,300, while major mechanical problems or pumps nearing their life expectancy would require for full replacement, costing somewhere along the lines of $1,785.
Well Pump Repairs
If only a part of the pump needs to be replaced, it’s usually cheaper than replacing the whole pump. Commonly, these pump parts may need repair or replacement and include motor, pressure switch, booster pump, etc., which cost anywhere from $50 to $1,400.
Types of Well Pumps
Understanding the various types of well pumps will help homeowners in making the right choice based on their needs:Â
- Jet Pump: For shallow wells (less than 25 feet). Costs between $100 and $745.
- Submersible Pump: Used in wells from 25 to 400 feet deep. Costs range from around $250 to $1,200.
- Solar Pump: It is powered by solar energy, making it ideal for homes off the grid. The price range is between $2,000 and $4,000.Â
- Hand Pump: For manual labor and cost of $150 to $2,000.Â
- Windmill Pump: A green option with a price range from $4,200 to $19,600.Â
- Constant-pressure pump: Supplies uniform pressure to large homes. Prices range from $2,000 to $5,000.
DIY vs. Professional Well Pump Replacement
Replacing a well pump yourself may be tempting to save on labor costs; however, it is generally discouraged. Well pump replacement is a challenging and complicated task, especially for deep-well submersible pumps. It is easy to damage the pump or something else in the water system without the proper tool and expertise.
Moreover, a professional will install the system safely and efficiently, ensuring that it works as it should. Though an experienced plumber or well specialist may charge an hourly or flat rate for the job, investing in their expertise will surely pay off.
How to Save Money on Well Pump Installation
Purchasing a replacement for your well pump can be characterized by high costs: Cost-Saving Tips
- Regular Maintenance: You should keep your well pump working well and through regular and frequent inspections, a preventative feature can be ensured to avoid future replacements.Â
- Get Multiple Quotes: Call contractors for quotes on replacing a well pump and compare them to find the best deal
- Choose the Right Pump: If your well is not too deep, a shallow well pump may be used instead of a submersible one, saving the high costs of the latter.Â
- Check for Warranties: Some well manufacturers offer a warranty on their wells. An example is when the pump develops a fault during the stipulated warranty period, in which case, reinstallation can be done without incurring extra costs.Â
- Find Discounts: Sometimes, hardware stores or even contractors offer promotional discounts on well pump replacements for a certain period, such as during off-peak seasons.
Conclusion
Replacing a down-the-well pump indeed requires a huge investment but, at least, allows you to enjoy the fruit of a dependable water supply system. The general price ranges of your well pump replacement depend on several conditions. Some of them are the type of pump, depth of the well, and the complexity of the installation. House owners are expected, on average, to pay anywhere from 200 to 1,500 dollars in such a price range for complete replacement, though there are exceptions to the rule.
Make sure to consult with a professional to determine the best option for your well pump needs and to get a more precise estimate for replacement.
FAQ’S
Q1. How Expensive Is It to Replace a Well Pump?
The price for a well pump replacement generally ranges from $400 to $2,500, with the median being around $1,800. Elements like the type of pump, depth of well, and labor rates tend to affect the overall price.
Q2. How Long Do Well Pumps Usually Last?
Well pumps typically last about 10 to 15 years, although the actual life span of pump varies with type, maintenance and usage.Â
Q3. How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Drilled Well Pump?
The cost of replacing a drilled well pump ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 and it sounds very much like a saying in the family: well depth and complexity will probably not remain unaffected by the installation.
Q4. How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Well Pump Switch?
The cost of replacement for a well pump switch usually ranges between $100 and $300, based on the type of switch and labor rates associated.
