Submersible Well Pump: Complete Buyer’s Guide

Submersible well pumps operate as sealed electric motor and pump units situated beneath the waterline within the well casing, often found 25 to 400 feet below ground. Their function differs from jet pumps, which draw water from above; instead, submersibles push water upward under pressure. This efficiency in pushing overcomes pulling’s drawbacks, making them prevalent in U.S. residential well systems.

This guide covers the full picture for homeowners who are buying, replacing, or troubleshooting a submersible pump. Use the sections below to find exactly what you need.

What is a submersible well pump?

A submersible well pump is a self-contained unit (motor and pump together) dropped down into the well casing on a pipe and safety cable. The motor sits below the water table, where it stays cool and draws water upward through the pipe to your pressure tank.

Common mistake.

Pumps for home use run on 230 volts, common in most setups, though some shallow wells work with 115 volts. A half-horsepower model handles depths up to 200 feet; go for a three-quarter or one horsepower when you have deeper wells or high water demands. Always check the pump’s PSI rating, especially if something’s amiss; it must align with your system needs. If your pump fails to start, trips the breaker, or loses prime, suspect a faulty motor or wiring issue. Ensure that drain lines are clear, plugged lines can trip breakers and create unexpected complications.

Video: “How Does My Private Well System Work?” by PrivateWellClass

Is this guide for you?

:

• Your well is deeper than 25 feet (the standard for any drilled well)
• You’re replacing a failed pump and want to choose the right replacement
• You’re deciding between a submersible and another pump type

This guide isn’t for you if:

• Your pump still works but you have low pressure: go to our
  well pump pressure switch guide
  first
• Your well is 25 feet deep or shallower: see our
  types of well pumps
  breakdown, which includes shallow-well options
• Your pump failed and you need to diagnose the cause: start with the
  well pump repair guide
  

Submersible vs jet pump: which do you need?

Submersible pumps reign in US private residential wells deeper than 25 feet, commanding over 90% of installations. Operable down to 400 feet, they outshine jet pumps past 80-100 feet with two-pipe systems or at about 25 feet with single-pipe setups. For wells exceeding 25 feet, verify the submersible pump hasn’t lost prime, water not drawn from the tank could trigger the breaker.

Worth knowing.

For a side-by-side breakdown with cost comparisons and specific scenarios where jet pumps still make sense, see our
submersible vs jet pump comparison
.

Types of well pumps: at a glance

Three main categories:

Install a submersible pump for installations targeting depths from 25 to 400 feet; it’s the go-to choice for most new setups. For shallower dug wells not surpassing 25 feet, use a single-pipe jet pump, an above-ground motorized option. Wells deeper than 25 feet but not more than 80 feet require a two-pipe deep well jet pump with its motor above ground and in-well assembly to handle the pressure effectively.

For anything deeper than 25 feet, you’re looking at a submersible or two-pipe jet. At 80 feet or more, submersible is the only option that performs reliably. See our full
types of well pumps guide
for details on each.

How to size a submersible well pump

The two numbers that determine which pump you need:

GPM (gallons per minute): This measures the pump’s output. For a four-person household, aim for 10-20 GPM to handle simultaneous use of multiple fixtures, like toilets, showers, dishwashers, and laundry machines. One oversight often trips homeowners: undersizing the pump leads to disappointing performance.

HP and depth: Horsepower determines how far the pump can push water upward. A 1/2 HP pump handles most wells under 200 feet. Deeper wells or homes with irrigation systems often need 3/4 HP or 1 HP.

Our
well pump GPM sizing guide
walks through the calculation step by step so you get the right size the first time.

Best submersible well pump brands

We found four brands that dominate residential submersible pump installations in North America:

• Grundfos: premium option with the longest warranties (5-10 years). Motor efficiency is genuinely better than the competition. Costs more upfront but parts are widely available.
• Franklin Electric: the most commonly installed residential submersible in the US. Contractors prefer it because parts are everywhere and motors are reliable. Solid choice for most homes.
• Goulds Water Technology: professional grade. You’ll often see these on replacement jobs where the homeowner wants something that will outlast the house. Goulds also makes quality jet pumps.
• CountyLine: budget option. Adequate for light-demand wells, but the warranty and build quality reflect the price. Fine for a vacation property or seasonal use.

We recommend Franklin Electric or Grundfos for most primary residence applications. For a full brand comparison with specific models and pricing, see our
best well pump brands guide
.

What does submersible pump installation cost?

Submersible pumps for a well installation can range from $300 to over $2,000, depending on factors like depth, specific model requirements, and local labor costs. Deeper wells naturally drive up the price due to the additional materials, more pipe, more cable, and extended labor needed for extraction and reinstallation.

The electrical connection at the pump head requires watertight connectors and, in most jurisdictions, work by a licensed electrician. That’s not a place to cut corners.

For a full cost breakdown by depth range and pump size, see our
well pump installation cost guide
.

Warning signs your pump needs attention

Three situations we hear about most from homeowners:

Short cycling: The pump turns on and off every few seconds. Usually points to a waterlogged pressure tank or a failing pressure switch, not the pump itself. Check the pressure tank first before assuming the pump is the problem.

Plugged drain? Try freeing it with a plunger before considering other issues. A tripped breaker can cut power to your water system, causing immediate loss of water and pressure. Ensure the breaker hasn’t tripped; if it’s clear, the pump could have failed or the pressure switch might be malfunctioning.

Discolored water or sediment: Sand or grit in the water often means the pump screen is clogged, or the pump is set too close to the bottom of the well. Persistent discoloration needs professional inspection.

For full diagnostic steps on any of these problems, use our
well pump repair guide
.

FAQ

How long do submersible well pumps last?

A well-installed submersible pump from a reputable brand (Grundfos, Franklin Electric, or Goulds) typically lasts 15-25 years. Quality of installation matters as much as brand: a pump set too close to the bottom of the well, or without a proper check valve, will fail years early. Annual water testing and a pressure tank inspection every 5 years extend pump life significantly, according to
EPA guidelines for private wells
.

Can I replace a submersible well pump myself?

Pulling and reinstalling a submersible pump is physically demanding and requires well-pulling tools (a hand pump or power puller, safety cable clamps, and pipe wrenches). The electrical connections at the pump head must be watertight. Many states require a licensed electrician or well contractor for the electrical portion. If you have the tools and experience, the mechanical side is doable for a capable DIYer on a shallow well. For anything over 100 feet, hire a contractor.

What size submersible pump do I need for my well?

Size by well depth and household demand. Most homes need 10-20 GPM minimum. Well depth under 200 feet: 1/2 HP is sufficient. Wells 200-400 feet deep or households with irrigation: consider 3/4 HP or 1 HP. Always check your well log for the well’s yield (GPM), since you can’t pull more water than the well produces, regardless of pump size. See the
National Ground Water Association’s well guidance
for additional sizing context.

Why is my submersible pump running but not pumping water?

Check the pressure gauge first; if it fails to rise during pump operation, the system likely isn’t getting water. Listen for normal pump sounds at the pressure tank. The pump might be airlocked, this occurs after a power outage or if the water level is below the intake. A stuck check valve above the pump could block flow too. Or, the worn or seized impeller on the motor may spin without moving any water. Ensure the pump isn’t just running but actively priming. Failing that, it will need a professional inspection.