Get pumped about this deep dive comparison
Jet pumps use a vacuum effect to pull water from a well.
Submersible pumps rely on pressure and gravity to draw well water.
Jet and submersible pumps differ in cost and efficiency.
If you want your water to get from your well into your house (and we’re sure you do), picking the right well pump is a must. Most water well pumps fall into two categories: jet pumps and submersible pumps. Understand the differences between well jet pumps versus submersible pumps with our easy guide, so you can keep the water flowing in your home.
How jet pumps and submersible pumps work is one of the biggest differences between these two types of well pumps. Both can meet your household water needs, but they differ in well depth, energy efficiency, and overall cost.
| Type of Difference | Jet Pump | Submersible Pump |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Mounted above well | Submersed in well |
| Well depth | Up to 120 feet | Up to 300 feet |
| Energy efficiency | 800–2,000 watts | 500–2,500 watts |
| Average cost | $300–1,500 | $200 – $1,200 |
Jet pumps are one of the most common types of well pumps and are mounted above the well to draw water using suction or vacuum power via two pipes. Equipped with an electric motor that powers an impeller or centrifugal pump, jet pumps create pressure that lifts water from the well and suction that draws it into the system.
As the name suggests, a submersible pump must be submerged in water to operate. A submersible pump is shaped like a cylinder and uses a series of impellers to build pressure and push water through the system.
Well depth is one of the primary factors in choosing between a jet pump or a submersible pump. Jet pumps are available for shallow and deep wells, but shallow jet pumps aren’t usually recommended for wells deeper than 25 feet. Deep jet pumps have a bit more kick that enables them to function in wells up to 120 feet deep.
Submersible pumps can operate efficiently at any depth less than 300 feet, and some models can even deliver water from over 1,000 feet. They work just as well in shallow wells as they do in deep wells, often outperforming jet pumps.
The design of jet and submersible pumps has a significant effect on their respective performance, which includes energy efficiency, water pressure, and noise.
While jet pumps can be powerful enough to pull water from deep wells, they often lose efficiency as the well or water level is deeper. Since submersible pumps use gravity and pressure to push water through the well system, they maintain the same efficiency regardless of well depth.
In some cases, a submersible well water pump may use about half the amount of electricity to pump water in comparison to a jet pump. Compared to a wattage consumption range of 800 to 2,000 for jet pumps, submersible pumps can use as little as 500 watts without energy spikes during low water availability, helping to keep well pump running costs lower.
With different energy efficiency and engineering, jet pumps and submersible pumps have different overall performance. Jet pumps may deliver less consistent water pressure and flow, take up space, and cause extra noise because they’re installed outside the well.
In comparison, submersible pumps are installed in the well itself and have minimal footprint and noise. They’re also self-priming, which means the well pump water pressure and flow should be consistent as long as the pump is submerged in water.
In addition to energy efficiency, the cost of jet pumps versus submersible pumps comes down to the cost of the pump itself, installation costs, and ongoing expenses.
Shallow-well jet pumps carry the lowest costs since they have smaller motors, cheaper materials, and simple installations. Because deep well jet pumps have two pipes instead of one, they can be more complicated and laborious to install, so they’ll have higher installation fees with local well pump contractors. A larger motor and typically more expensive materials, such as stainless steel or cast iron, also means a higher cost for the unit itself, up to about $745.
The unit cost for submersible pumps is typically higher than jet pumps since they’re made of high-quality and durable materials and have a more complex design that seals the motor from water. Installation for a submersible well water pump can also be more expensive than jet pumps since they have to go directly into the well and usually require a local well pump contractor to do the job. Submersible pumps may require additional wiring and piping work, which adds to both the cost of materials and labor.
| Type of Cost | Jet Pump | Submersible Pump |
|---|---|---|
| Unit | $100–$745 | $250–$1,200 |
| Installation | $400–$1,400 | $1,000–$2,500 |
Well pump repair costs generally range from $350 to $1,540, but the type of pump can affect how often and how extensive your maintenance and repair costs are. Jet pumps are considered less reliable, but being on the surface makes repairing or replacing parts easier. Submersible pumps can be more costly to inspect, repair, and maintain, but they generally require minimal maintenance.
The average life span of a well pump is between 15 and 25 years, but a few factors can influence how long your well pump lasts. Excessive water demand and cycle frequency are the main causes of premature wear and tear. The well pump’s motor size as well as material and installation quality can also affect its life span.
Beyond the type of well pump, there are a few other factors to consider when selecting a well pump. Keep in mind the depth of your well, your average water usage, and the PSI of your water-consuming appliances to determine the appropriate motor horsepower and size of your well pump.
A shallow-well pump can pull water up to 25 feet deep. A deep-well pump can pull water up to 90 feet deep. A deep-well submersible pump can pull water up to 300 feet deep. Make sure to consult a pro to find out how deep your well is and get the right pump for your needs.
Call a dedicated well and pump professional to install your new well pump. In some cases, plumbers may have the experience needed for the installation, but it’s always better to go with a specialized pro. Well and pump contractors have hundreds of hours of experience with all different types of wells and pumps.
