Dive into a well pump budget
The average cost to run a well pump is $65 per month, but total monthly costs can range from $25 to $250. Designed to draw water from your well and push it through your plumbing system, well pumps require electricity to function properly. A few variables can significantly affect the monthly cost of running a well, such as the condition of your well pump, its efficiency, and local electricity rates.
Since well pumps operate on electricity, most of the monthly running costs show up on your electric bill. Factors such as the well pump type, size, horsepower, and age along with the well depth and local electricity rates can influence your monthly well pump running costs.
There are several kinds of well pumps, and each kind comes with its own costs. Here’s an estimate of how much it would cost to run different kinds of well pumps based on national electricity rates and a running time of eight hours per day:
| Well Pump Type | Power Consumption | Average Cost per Month |
|---|---|---|
| Submersible pump | 500–2,500 watts | $21–$102 |
| Jet Pump | 800–2,000 watts | $33–$82 |
| Centrifugal Pump | 1,000–3,000 watts | $41–$122 |
| Hand Pump | 0 watts | $0 |
Submersible pumps are known to have relatively little electricity consumption as they can push water more efficiently. They are also sometimes equipped with technologies like variable speed drives, insulation materials, and efficient motor design to help increase overall energy efficiency.
In comparison, jet pumps are powerful options that work for wells as deep as 100 feet and can efficiently deliver large quantities of water to your fixtures and taps. Centrifugal pumps typically have the highest energy consumption levels and are meant for deep wells that require high water flow. Hand pumps don’t require any power besides your own two hands.
The size of your well pump can also influence its overall energy efficiency. Well pumps with larger capacities or higher gallons per minute (GPM) measurements push more water through your well system, so they have higher power needs than smaller models. For an average-sized home, a well pump size of 8 to 12 GPM works. If you need a bigger one, it’ll have a larger motor, which will use more power and cost more to run.
Manufacturers rate well pumps in terms of horsepower (HP) rather than watts, but 1 horsepower is equal to about 735 watts. The average household well pump ranges from 1/3 HP to 1 HP or from 750 to 2,400 running watts.
Here’s how much it would cost to run a 10 GPM well pump for eight hours per day (based on its motor size):
| Pump Motor Size | Running Wattage | Average Cost per Month |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 HP | 900–1,050 | $37–$43 |
| 3/4 HP | 1,500–1,800 | $61–$73 |
| 1 HP | 2,000–2,400 | $82–$98 |
With regular wear and tear, your pump can become less effective at pushing water and require more energy to do so. Even if your pump is in great condition, its age can still be a factor in running costs. Older well pumps often have older technology and may lack energy-saving features, like smart control systems and energy-efficient motors, meaning they could hike up your electric bill.
The cost of electricity varies from state to state, which means that your well pump’s running costs will also vary depending on where you live. For example, a well pump in New York at a $0.25 per kilowatt-hour rate may cost more than a well pump in Seattle with a $0.12 per kilowatt-hour rate if they have similar depths, pump types, pump sizes, and other variables.
According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average residential electricity rate in the U.S. is $0.17 per kilowatt-hour. Based on a pump that runs 8 hours per day at about 1,500 watts, that makes the monthly running cost approximately $61.
Since most of your well pump’s running costs come from energy consumption, it’s useful to calculate its estimated consumption ahead of making any major fixes or upgrades to your system.
To calculate your well pump’s approximate energy consumption and costs, follow these steps:
Multiply the wattage of the pump by approximately how many hours the pump runs each day to get the total watts per day.
Convert the watts per day into kilowatts by dividing the figure by 1,000.
Multiply the kilowatts by your local electricity rate for a daily cost.
Multiply the daily cost by 30 or 31 (number of days in the month) to get the cost per month.
Let’s say you use your well pump for 8 hours per day at 1,500 watts. If your local electricity rate is $0.20 per kilowatt-hour, your daily cost is $2.40 and your monthly cost (30 days) is $72.
If you hire a well contractor to install your well pump, they may offer services to help prolong your well pump’s life span and efficiency. Some professionals offer annual well pump inspections that cost between $250 and $550 depending on the well type, depth, and other factors.
To keep your well pump running efficiently and maximize its life span, it’s important to perform the right repairs. Depending on the extent of damage, type of repair, parts needed, and other factors, repair costs can range from $370 to $1,700. Labor also plays a part in these costs. Local well pump contractors charge $50 per hour of labor (plus a flat fee of $100 to $150), but you may be able to DIY some repairs to save on costs.
Although well pumps can add to your monthly energy bill, a few strategies can help reduce your costs.
Like your other household equipment, well pumps and your well system need regular maintenance to ensure optimal efficiency and performance. Whether you’re fixing leaks, swapping worn-out parts, or getting inspections and servicing, regular maintenance can help prevent your pump from overworking.
Whether digging a new well or upgrading an existing setup, consider the most effective well pump for your needs. Properly sized pumps can ensure that your household has all the water it needs without overworking, and some models are designed with energy efficiency in mind. Variable speed pumps, for example, can adjust their speed according to water demand and operate at low speeds without compromising water supply.
Depending on where you live, your electricity may be less costly during designated off-peak hours. In this case, you can manually turn the well pump on during off-peak hours to maximize savings on your energy bill.
Monitoring your water consumption can prolong the life of your well and its various components. It can also help keep your energy bill down. The less water you consume, the less your well pump has to work and consume energy.
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The cost of a well pump replacement ranges from $975 to $2,800, and the average cost is $1,900. The final cost of a well pump replacement depends on factors like well size and depth, pump type, labor costs, new wiring or repairs, and pipe replacements or repairs. Contact a pro for the most accurate quote.
Wells usually replenish at about 5 gallons per minute, but a few variables can influence how quickly they refill. A deep well will take more time to replenish than a shallow well, and any leaks or other damage can slow down the replenishment rate. Other factors, such as a faulty well pump, a clogged well screen, and local geology, can also affect the replenishment rate.
If you notice that your well pump runs continuously, it’s important to take action quickly to avoid further damage. A few common issues may be to blame for a continuously running well pump, such as mechanical damage, a faulty pressure control switch, low water level, prime loss, and leaking pipes and fixtures.
