How Much Does Water Well Booster Pump Installation Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $300 - $8,000
A water well booster pump installation costs $1,200 on average, but be prepared to pay $8,000 or more depending on the type of pump.
Boost your confidence in adding a booster pump by budgeting before the project begins. The average booster pump installation cost is about $1,200, but it can range from $300 to $8,000. Why such a big gap? More often than not, it's an issue of labor, but in this case, it's the parts. Water pressure booster costs can vary greatly, depending on why you need one and where you are installing it.
- Average
- $1,200
- Low end
- $200
- high end
- $10,000
Water Pressure Booster Installation Cost Breakdown
The two main components of the installation of a pressure booster are labor and parts. A professional can install the booster in less than two hours if the space is clear and accessible, and there are no other issues. So, the biggest cost of the installation is the parts. A booster can range between $60 and $6,000 based on the type and model you choose.
Types of Booster Pump
The type of booster you choose will depend on your needs. If the problem is new and you have municipal water, the city system may be experiencing a short-term issue. Contact the city and ask for clarification before setting to a new piece of hardware. If the problem isn’t a short-term issue, they may send out a technician to test the water pressure throughout your home.
Well systems may not need a booster. A decrease in pressure could be a sign you need a new well pump or repairs to an existing system.
| Booster Pump Type | Use/Frequency | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Portable/to 3 GPM | Well/Intermittent | $60 – $300 |
| Portable/to 70 psi | Residential/Outdoor | $80 – $200 |
| Hardline/30+ psi | Municipal/1 – 3 floors | $100 – $800 |
| Booster System | Municipal/3+ floors | $2,000 – $6,000 |
Additional Materials
If you are on municipal water struggling with water pressure, a booster might be just what you need. But, some booster models don’t regulate, they just boost. Too much pressure can damage your plumbing and cause ruptures along the system. If you choose a booster that can deliver an increase of 30 psi or more, you may consider a pressure regulator or psi reducer.
If you have a tank and a well, a check valve can stop water from flowing back out of the tank. It’s important to know how much pressure a well pump should have if you have a well. It may be an issue with the pump, in which case a pressure valve won’t fix anything.
| Added Materials | Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Check valve | $14 – $30 |
| Pressure regulator | $60 – $180 |
| PSI regulator | $6 – $40 |
Labor
If you choose to get help with this project from a local well pump contractor, the labor shouldn’t break the bank. In most cases, this project will take about two hours. The average cost of labor for a project like this is $45 to $200 an hour. They may also charge an assessment fee. Remember, a professional can have valuable insight into other issues that can crop up when you adjust just one aspect of your system.
Prep
If you hire a professional to handle the installation for you, be sure to prep the area before the installation date. Clear away any furniture, boxes, and debris within a 10-foot space. If you have a small folding table or surface available, set it up so the contractor can utilize it for their work tools, supplies, and coffee. Not only is this a nice gesture but it will save you in labor costs.
Familiarize yourself with the related power breakers and main water valve. This can save time on labor costs when it comes time to shut them both off.
Location
The location of your water issue can make a big difference in the cost. Crawl spaces, difficult terrain, poor lighting, and hard-to-reach services can add to your cost. Your contractor may bill for the initial assessment and travel time if you live in a remote location. If the issue is just a bad well pressure switch, it could be an easy fix and a costly assessment.
If you hire a contractor, give them as much detail about the site location as possible, so they can spend less time on the assessment.
DIY Booster Pump Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
You can install a booster pump if you have advanced DIY plumbing skills. The only costs will be the pump, tools, and your time. It is a matter of cutting pipes, installing the booster, reconnecting pipes, priming the water supply, and plugging in the electrical supply to a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter). Note: Do not use an extension cord. A GFCI will shut off when exposed to moisture, limiting the chance of electrocution.
With that said, a plumbing project has the potential to lead to other issues if not done correctly. When you hire a professional, you can trust the job is done right, and you can hold them accountable if anything should go wrong down the road. A professional can also advise you on how to get more pressure from a well and get ahead of potential pressure-related problems with your existing plumbing system, like clogs, mineral build-up or faulty pipes.
Cost of Common Water Pressure Booster Installation Add-Ons
If you hire a well pro or plumber to look after installation, they may be able to inspect and review other aspects of your system to diagnose and prevent future issues. Consider adding on one or all of the following, where applicable:
Well inspection: $300–$600
Water quality testing: $5–$400
Plumbing inspection: $100–$1,37
Frequently Asked Questions
A water pressure booster can last for three to 10 years, depending on the model. A cheaper model typically has a shorter lifespan, but there are some exceptions. The quality of materials and construction can play a big part in the longevity of the product. Review the manufacturer's warranty before purchasing for a better idea of lifespan.
A water pressure booster doesn't require special maintenance. Like any house system, inspections should be a regular part of your annual schedule. Check for leaks, faulty valves, pressure loss, and mineral build-up. Pressure loss could be a result of mineral build-up, and you can descale the system with a vinegar and water solution.
There are other ways to increase well water pressure. You can often increase the pressure by adjusting the valve on your pressure tank. The pressure issue may be the result of build-up along the pipes or a clog in the system, so descaling and unclogging your system can help improve the overall pressure.