Are you one of the 15% of American households that rely on private wells for your drinking water? That’s a huge 43 million people who don’t just rely on a well, but the absolutely critical well pump that does all the hard work in extracting that water from the underground source and delivering it to your tap. Is yours on the blink? Let’s dive into the likely well pump replacement cost:
Defining the costs: How much is a new pump for a well?
How often do you think about your well pump? If the answer is “almost never”, then you probably have also spent just about no time wondering about the well pump cost. Well (mind the pun), you’re probably looking at somewhere between an easy-to-swallow $500 and a much more expensive $2,400 as the overall average cost for well pump replacement. We know that’s a big and fairly unhelpful range, but that’s because the actual number on the bill depends on numerous factors.
What are those factors affecting the cost of replacing well pump infrastructure?:
1. The pump type
The main two are submersible pumps and jet pumps – and then those two basic types diverge into several more categories. To keep it general, though, submersible pumps tend to be more expensive than jet pumps, and the kind you need will depend on the depth and setup of your well. For a ballpark figure, submersible pumps often range from $400 to $1,200, while jet pumps can be priced between $300 and $900.
2. The well depth
The deeper the well, the more powerful the well pump needs to be – making it more expensive. So, how much does a well pump cost? As a general rule of thumb, shallow well pumps might cost between $300 and $800, whereas deep-well units can range from $600 to $2,000.
3. The pump’s capacity
How is that power measured? It’s basically all about the amount of water it can handle moving from the ground to your tap per hour. So the bigger the home, or the more significant your water demands, the more costly it will be. Pumps for standard residential needs generally range from $300 to $900, while those designed for larger homes or higher demands can push prices upwards of $1,000 to $2,500.
4. The labor costs
This one really depends on where you are in the USA, but even more decisive is the complexity of the job. Don’t look to slash the cost by hiring anyone other than a truly reputable professional, because proper installation is key to a sustainable well pump that isn’t going to need repairs – or a total do-over. But bear in mind that even among top-rated well pump installers, labor rates will differ by as much as $50-200 per hour. You can get a quick quote free from a reliable plumber near you to check well pump installation labor costs.
5. The required materials/equipment
Depending on the type, capacity, and brand, you’re looking at a meager $300 all the way up to $1,200 for the pump itself. But apart from that, there are also the pipes, wiring, fittings, and other factors, and depending on the complexity of the installation and the quality of the materials, that will add $100-$300.Â
6. The well’s accessibility
If it’s hard to access due to the surrounding landscape or other obstructions, expect it to be a bigger and more expensive job. So, how much is a new well pump in such situations? Expect a potential several hundred more of your hard-earned dollars.
7. The permit fees
In some parts of the US, replacing a well pump can even require a permit. So, how much does a well pump cost in terms of permits? To get a better idea of what that might be, check with your local authorities, but it could be a nominal fee like $50 or something bigger – up to $400.
8. The water treatment & testing
After replacing the pump, you might want – or it might be required – to test and treat the water to ensure its quality. Depending on the necessary or desired treatments, it will add a little bit (something like $50) or perhaps even ten times that much!
9. The warranty & service plans
Some companies offer extended warranties or service plans that can impact the overall price. So, how much is a well pump with these additional coverage options? While they might increase the upfront cost by up to a couple of hundred bucks or so, they can save much more money than that in the long run by covering future repairs or maintenance.
10. The need for emergency services
The good news: most of the best plumbers in California, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and across the USA will be able to help you 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. Because the lack of drinking water is most certainly an emergency. However, brace yourself for 20-50% more on that bill.
Best Plumbers: For quality, affordable well pump replacement
Do you need to replace a well pump? It can be a daunting thought – especially when trying to nail down such a wildly variable cost. Just remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best in the long run, because quality work is without doubt the easiest way to prevent future problems and save money down the line.
On the lookout for some of the best plumbers to assist with your well pump replacement needs? Consider checking out Best Plumbers Club – the totally-unique plumber’s network offering a selection of top-tier, hand-curated plumbers near your Stateside location. By giving us your details and clicking ‘Get A Quote’, you’re most of the way there to get a truly skilled locally-based professional who provides seriously quality service. The peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re in good hands for that new well pump cost? Priceless. Try Best Plumbers Club today.
