How Much Does a Well Pump Replacement Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $975 - $2,803
The average cost to replace a well pump is $1,883, but most spend between $975 - $2,803 depending on the pump size you need.
If you get that nasty eggy smell when you turn on the faucet, along with low or uneven water pressure, you probably need a new well pump. Well pump replacement costs vary considerably but typically fall between $975 and $2,803. Variables include pump size, well depth, and replacement method. If your well is your primary water source, it's important that you replace a faulty pump ASAP.
- Average
- $1,883
- Low end
- $200
- high end
- $5,600
Well Pump Replacement Cost Factors
It's not as straightforward as just picking the pump that falls within your budget. When it comes to this project, several factors determine your overall well pump cost.
Well Size
Determining what size well pump you need starts with the size of the well itself. Shallow and narrow wells require smaller pumps and less effort to install, costing less. The deeper and wider the well, the more you'll pay for the pump and the labor necessary to complete the job.
Pump Type
Your type of pump is the biggest variable regarding the cost of replacement. Shallow pumps and hand pumps can cost as little as $150 to $225, while high-pressure, high-capacity solar pumps can set you back $6,500 or more.
Pipework
As you check your well pump, also check the pipework for damage. If you're replacing a jet pump with a shiny new submersible pump, you'll likely need to add or replace pipework, too. You may also need some pipework repaired or replaced with a standard well pump replacement. How much pipe you need impacts how much you'll pay for materials and how much you'll pay for labor.
Wiring
Just like pipework, if you need new wiring or electrical repairs, this increases your total cost. A local electrician can give you an accurate quote based on the amount of work and the complexity of the job.
Labor
Installing a new well pump takes expertise from a professional. Labor costs play a big part in the overall cost of this project. Generally, labor fees for replacing a well pump can run between $250 and $1,000, depending on the complexity of the project. Typical labor rates range from $45 to $150 per hour.
Well Pump Replacement Cost by Type of Pump
Well pump prices range from $150 to $6,500 without the additional cost of installation, new pipework, or wiring.
| Well Pump Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Hand pump | $150–$1,500 |
| Submersible well pump | $275–$1,550 |
| Shallow jet pump | $230–$1,000 |
| Deep well jet pump | $440–$1,200 |
| Solar well pump | $1,800–$6,500 |
| Constant-pressure pump | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Windmill water pump | $5,000–$21,000 |
Explore more about each type of well pump:
Hand well pumps cost $150 on average and require physical labor to operate. On the plus side, you’ll get some A+ biceps.
Jet well pumps cost between $230 and $1,000. These are budget-friendly options for shallow wells that are 25 feet deep or less.
Deep well jet pumps cost $440 to $1,200 and work up to 150 feet deep.
Submersible well pumps cost between $275 and $1,550. You’ll also have to pay for new pipe work if you choose a submersible.
Solar well pumps cost $1,800 to $6,500 and are great for people who don’t want to rely on local electricity supplies.
Constant-pressure pumps cost $2,000 to $5,000 and are more of a luxury pump with unique controls.
Windmill water pumps cost $5,000 to $21,000 and are great for off-grid homes.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Well Pump
So, how do you know when it’s time to replace your home well pump? It’s easy to assume that it’ll go bad after so many years, but what should you look out for in the meantime? Some signs that it’s time to consider well pump replacement include:
Low (or no) water coming from your faucets
Well pump running non-stop
Noises coming from the pump
Higher than usual utility bills
Sediment in your water
Air in the pipes
Dirty and/or foul-smelling water
If you notice any of these problems, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to replace your well pump ASAP. But, it does mean that you should call a licensed well pump contractor to help diagnose the problem.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Before replacing the well pump yourself, hire a local well pump contractor to confirm that your well pump is actually the problem. You'll still need to pay for the pump (between $150 and $6,500 for most) and any pipes that need replacing, starting at around $200. Labor costs between $250 and $1,000, depending on the scope of the job, so you might save on this cost by installing yourself.
However, hiring a pro is definitely the safer option. This project can be dangerous. Most well pumps are submerged between 25 and 400 feet underground. Pair that with the fact that there are electrical components at play, and you can be in a heap of trouble before you even realize it if something goes wrong. The cost of money saved is nothing compared to the cost of your health and safety, so call in a pro if you think you need a replacement.
How to Save Money on Well Pump Replacement
t's understandable that you'd want to save money on this project. While hiring a pro to take this on is often the best way to go, there are a few things you can do to help cut the cost and save some money:
Consider repairing versus replacing, if the cost makes sense. You can also use existing piping in most cases, which will save you in replacement costs.
Keep records of any issues you're having to save on diagnosis time. If you can provide your repair person with a list of specific problems and when they started, you might be able to save money on overall labor.
Compare quotes if you have time to shop for the best deal for not only the labor of this project but also the materials.
Don't wait. If you start noticing problems stemming from your well pump, it's better to take action sooner rather than later. It could be the difference between a simple repair and a full replacement.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
With regular servicing, a well pump usually lasts between eight and 15 years. Variables include level of usage, frequency of servicing, and pump quality. You may also be able to hire a local well pump repair service to fix your pump rather than replace it.
However, often the cost to fix significant problems is as much as or greater than replacing the damaged pump with a new one.
Age is certainly a factor in well pump failure. The older your pump, the more likely it is to fail.
Beyond age, other factors can cause your well pump to fail, too. Things like poor water quality can cause sediment buildup in your pump. Without proper cleaning, your pump can seize up and fail. Having a dry well for too long can also cause your pump to fail, as it keeps working even though there's no water for it to pull.
Ideally, you should conduct a mechanical inspection and a bacterial or well water inspection yearly. While you might be able to push it off to every other year, it’s best to have peace of mind, especially when it comes to something that you use so frequently.
If you experience repeated gastrointestinal illness in the household, it's important to test the well water more regularly for quality and cleanliness to check for bacteria.
If your well pump is running continuously (meaning without turning off or stopping), it's a sign that your well pump is starting to break down. The length of time your well pump should cycle is dependent on many factors, like the tank size, pressure setting, and even the amount of water in your well. Generally, your well pump should cycle, or go from running to not running every few minutes.