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How Much Does Well Pump Replacement Cost? [2026 Data]

As the central piece of equipment in a private well system, a well pump moves water from an underground well to the inside of your home. Well pump replacement costs depend on the type of pump, well size, local labor rates, and other factors. Homeowners should hire a professional for the job to ensure safety and efficiency. Well pumps typically need replacing every 10 to 15 years. The average well pump replacement cost is $1,901, but the total depends on many different factors, from the type and size of the pump to the depth of the well. You’ll also need to account for other factors, including local labor rates, new pipework, and wiring needs. Ultimately, this project can cost anywhere from $200to$5,800. A faulty well pump can contaminate your tap water, so don’t delay getting a well pump replacement. Well pump prices can range from $400 to $6,500 without the added costs of installation, new pipework, or wiring. The exact price range largely depends on the type of pump you need.

Additional Well Pump Replacement Cost Factors

It's not as straightforward as picking the pump that falls within your budget. When it comes to this project, several factors affect 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 take less effort to install, therefore costing less. The deeper and wider the well, the more you'll pay for the pump and the labor necessary to complete the job.

Pipework

As you check your well pump, examine 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 pipework repaired or replaced with a standard well pump replacement. The amount of pipe you need impacts how much you'll pay for materials and labor.

Labor

Installing a new well pump takes expertise from a professional. 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.

Electrical Wiring

If you need new wiring or electrical repairs, this will also increase your total cost. Expect to pay $50 to $100 per hour.

Why You Should Hire a Well Pump Pro

Well pump contractors may charge $45 to $150 an hour, but given the complexity and specialization of the work, it’s well worth the cost. Replacing a well pump is not a job you should tackle on your own; always hire a local well pump professional.

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a well pump pro

There are so many reasons to work with a licensed and trained well pump installer. Here are just a few: Working on a well pump is dangerous work that requires specialized knowledge and equipment, such as hoists, spoolers, and down-hole tools. Most wells are submerged 25 to 400 feet (and sometimes deeper) into the ground, making extraction and installation challenging. The pump type and well depth/size will greatly affect what equipment is needed and how the job must be done; these are not easy determinations for novice homeowners to make. In addition to replacing the well pump, you may need a plumber and an electrician to tackle related tasks. A contractor can get the proper permits and recommend the right type of repair. Mistakes can be costly; if the pump is improperly installed, you could have reduced water flow, contamination risks, system damage, and higher electric bills. We highly advise against trying to replace a well pump on your own. The work is dangerous, and simple mistakes could be costly.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Well Pump

How do you know when it’s time to replace your home well pump? Some signs that you should consider well pump replacement include the following: 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. That said, you should call a licensed well pump contractor to help diagnose the problem.

How to Save Money on Well Pump Replacement

While hiring a pro to is often the best way to tackle a well replacement project, you can cut costs and save money with a few different methods: 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 issues 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 cut down on overall labor. Compare quotes if you have time to shop for the best deal—not only for labor, but also the materials. We recommend getting quotes from at least three different pros. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.