By SCWS Team
January 30, 2026 · 12 min read
Picture this: You're standing in your garage at midnight, staring at a silent pump that was working fine yesterday. No water. No idea what went wrong. Or maybe you're about to invest thousands in a new well and someone mentioned "submersible" while another contractor insists on "jet pumps." Confusing? Absolutely. But here's the good news—in the next 12 minutes, you'll understand well pumps better than most homeowners ever will. Let's demystify the technology that literally keeps your water flowing.
Quick Comparison: Well Pump Types at a Glance
- Submersible Pumps: Best for wells 25-400+ feet deep, most efficient and reliable
- Shallow Well Jet Pumps: For wells under 25 feet, economical for shallow water tables
- Deep Well Jet Pumps: For wells 25-110 feet, above-ground installation with dual-pipe system
- Convertible Jet Pumps: Flexible option for 0-90 feet, can switch between shallow and deep configurations
- Booster Pumps: Increases pressure in existing systems, not a primary well pump
Understanding How Well Pumps Work
Before diving into specific types, it helps to understand the basic principle. All well pumps move water from underground aquifers to your home, but they do it in different ways. Some pumps push water up from below (submersible), while others pull it up using suction (jet pumps). The depth of your well largely determines which method works best.
In Southern California, where wells often range from 200-600 feet deep, submersible pumps are the most common choice. However, in areas with shallower water tables or for specific applications, other pump types may be more appropriate. Let's explore each type in detail.
Submersible Well Pumps
Submersible pumps are the workhorses of the well pump industry and the most popular choice for modern residential wells. As the name suggests, these pumps are installed underwater, deep inside your well casing.
How Submersible Pumps Work
A submersible pump consists of a sealed motor directly connected to a series of impellers inside a cylindrical housing. The entire unit sits at the bottom of your well, submerged in water. When activated, the motor spins the impellers, which push water up through the drop pipe to your pressure tank at the surface.
Because the pump pushes water rather than pulling it, submersible pumps can work at extreme depths—some models can lift water from over 400 feet below ground. This makes them ideal for deep wells common throughout San Diego County.
Advantages of Submersible Pumps
- Highly efficient: No energy wasted on suction; all power goes to pushing water up
- Self-priming: Always submerged, so they never lose prime
- Quiet operation: Installed deep underground, virtually silent in your home
- Long lifespan: Typically 8-15 years with proper sizing and water quality
- Deep well capability: Can pump from depths exceeding 400 feet
- Protected from freezing: Located well below frost line
- Space saving: No above-ground equipment besides pressure tank
Disadvantages of Submersible Pumps
- Difficult to access: Repairs require pulling the pump from the well
- Higher initial cost: More expensive than jet pumps upfront
- Repair costs: Service calls involve specialized equipment and labor
- Seal failures: If motor seal fails, pump must be replaced
✅ Best For: Submersible pumps are the best choice for wells deeper than 25 feet, which includes most residential wells in Southern California. If your well is 100+ feet deep, a submersible pump is almost always the right answer.
Shallow Well Jet Pumps
Shallow well jet pumps are above-ground pumps that work on the principle of suction. They're designed for wells where the water level is less than 25 feet below the pump—a physical limitation imposed by atmospheric pressure.
How Shallow Well Jet Pumps Work
A jet pump uses an impeller to create a vacuum that draws water up through a single pipe from the well. The impeller also drives water through a small jet or venturi that increases suction power. This design works well for shallow applications but cannot overcome the physical limits of suction lift.
The pump, motor, and pressure tank are all installed in your home or pump house, making maintenance straightforward. A single suction pipe runs down into the well.
Advantages of Shallow Well Jet Pumps
- Easy access: Above-ground installation means simple maintenance
- Lower cost: Less expensive than submersible pumps
- Simple installation: Single pipe, straightforward setup
- Easy troubleshooting: All components visible and accessible
- DIY-friendly repairs: Homeowners can often make simple fixes
Disadvantages of Shallow Well Jet Pumps
- Limited depth: Maximum practical lift of 25 feet
- Less efficient: Suction requires more energy than pushing
- Noisy: Motor runs in or near your home
- Priming issues: Can lose prime and require re-priming
- Freeze risk: Above-ground components vulnerable to cold (less concern in SoCal)
- Shorter lifespan: Typically 4-10 years
✅ Best For: Shallow well jet pumps work well for properties with high water tables where water is consistently within 25 feet of the surface. In San Diego County, this is relatively rare, but some coastal areas may have shallow wells suitable for jet pumps.
Deep Well Jet Pumps
Deep well jet pumps extend the jet pump concept to greater depths by adding a second pipe and moving the jet assembly down into the well. This clever design allows jet pumps to work at depths from 25 to about 110 feet.
How Deep Well Jet Pumps Work
Unlike shallow jet pumps, deep well jet pumps use a two-pipe system. One pipe delivers pressurized water down to a jet assembly (called an ejector) located in the well. The ejector creates a venturi effect that amplifies suction, pulling additional water up through the second pipe to the surface.
The pump itself remains above ground, but the ejector assembly is installed below the water level in the well. This dual-pipe configuration allows the pump to draw water from significantly greater depths than the 25-foot suction limit of single-pipe systems.
Advantages of Deep Well Jet Pumps
- Greater depth: Can pump from 25-110 feet
- Above-ground access: Motor and pump easily serviceable
- Lower pump cost: Less expensive than submersible units
- Visible operation: Easy to monitor and troubleshoot
Disadvantages of Deep Well Jet Pumps
- Depth limitations: 110 feet maximum—too shallow for many SoCal wells
- Lower efficiency: Uses more electricity than submersible pumps
- Lower flow rates: GPM decreases significantly with depth
- More complex plumbing: Two-pipe system requires more installation work
- Ejector maintenance: Downhole component can be difficult to service
- Noise: Above-ground motor creates operating noise
✅ Best For: Deep well jet pumps suit wells in the 25-100 foot range where homeowners prefer above-ground equipment for easy maintenance. However, in this depth range, submersible pumps are often more efficient and increasingly cost-competitive.
Convertible Jet Pumps
Convertible jet pumps offer flexibility by working as either shallow or deep well pumps depending on how they're configured. This makes them popular for situations where well depth may change or isn't precisely known.
How Convertible Pumps Work
A convertible pump comes with interchangeable jet assemblies. For shallow wells (under 25 feet), you install the jet directly on the pump body using a single pipe. For deeper wells (25-90 feet), you install an ejector kit down in the well with a two-pipe configuration, similar to a dedicated deep well jet pump.
Advantages of Convertible Pumps
- Flexibility: Adapts to shallow or deep configurations
- Future-proof: Can convert if water table changes
- Single investment: One pump for different applications
- Above-ground maintenance: Easy to service pump and motor
Disadvantages of Convertible Pumps
- Jack of all trades: Not optimized for either application
- Depth limitation: Still maxes out around 90 feet
- Complexity: More components and potential failure points
- Lower efficiency: Not as efficient as dedicated pump types
✅ Best For: Convertible pumps are useful for properties where water table depth fluctuates seasonally or where precise well depth is unknown. They're a practical choice for wells under 90 feet when versatility matters.
Booster Pumps
Booster pumps are different from the other types because they don't pull water from a well directly. Instead, they increase pressure in an existing water system. They're important to mention because they're often confused with well pumps or used alongside them.
How Booster Pumps Work
A booster pump takes water that's already at the surface—from a storage tank, municipal supply, or well system—and increases its pressure for distribution throughout your home. They're installed in-line with your plumbing and activate when pressure drops below a set threshold.
When You Need a Booster Pump
- Uphill delivery: Pushing water to a higher elevation on your property
- Long pipe runs: Maintaining pressure over long distances
- Low well production: When well pump can't keep up with demand alone
- Storage tank systems: Moving water from atmospheric storage tanks
- Irrigation systems: Providing adequate pressure for sprinklers
✅ Best For: Booster pumps supplement your main well pump system when you need higher pressure or flow to specific areas. They're essential for properties with significant elevation changes or large irrigation demands.
Submersible Pump vs Jet Pump: Which Is Better?
This is the most common question we hear when discussing well pump types. Here's a direct comparison to help you decide:
| Factor | Submersible Pump | Jet Pump |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 400+ feet | 25-110 feet |
| Efficiency | Higher (pushing water) | Lower (suction/lifting) |
| Noise Level | Silent (underground) | Audible (above ground) |
| Maintenance Access | Difficult (requires pulling) | Easy (above ground) |
| Initial Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Operating Cost | Lower (more efficient) | Higher (less efficient) |
| Lifespan | 8-15 years | 4-10 years |
| Priming Required | No (always submerged) | Yes (can lose prime) |
Our Recommendation: For most Southern California wells, which typically range from 200-600 feet deep, submersible pumps are the clear winner. They're the only practical option at these depths, and their efficiency advantages offset the higher initial cost over time. Learn more about typical well depths in our guide to well depth by San Diego location.
How to Choose the Best Well Pump for Your Needs
Selecting the right well pump involves evaluating several key factors:
1. Well Depth
This is the primary determining factor. Measure from ground level to the static water level (where water sits when not pumping), not just total well depth. Your pump must be set below the lowest expected water level.
- 0-25 feet: Shallow well jet pump or submersible
- 25-90 feet: Convertible, deep well jet, or submersible
- 90-400+ feet: Submersible pump only
2. Water Demand
Calculate your peak usage in gallons per minute (GPM). Count your fixtures and estimate simultaneous usage:
- Shower: 2-3 GPM
- Toilet: 3-4 GPM (during refill)
- Kitchen faucet: 2-3 GPM
- Washing machine: 3-4 GPM
- Irrigation sprinkler: 2-4 GPM per head
Most homes need 6-12 GPM capacity. Larger properties with irrigation may need 15-25 GPM or more.
3. Well Recovery Rate
Your well can only produce so much water per hour. The pump should match your well's sustainable yield—pumping faster just draws the well down and causes cycling problems.
4. Total Dynamic Head
This measures the total work the pump must do: vertical lift plus friction losses in pipes plus pressure requirements. Professional installers calculate this to size your pump correctly.
5. Well Casing Diameter
Submersible pumps must fit inside your well casing. Standard 4-inch casing accommodates most residential submersibles, but larger capacity pumps may require 6-inch casing.
Professional Pump Installation and Service
While understanding pump types helps you make informed decisions, proper installation is equally important. An incorrectly sized or poorly installed pump will cycle excessively, waste electricity, and fail prematurely. Our well pump installation and repair services ensure your system performs optimally for years to come.
Key installation considerations include:
- Correct pump sizing for depth and demand
- Proper wire gauge for long electrical runs
- Appropriately sized pressure tank to minimize cycling
- Torque arrestor to prevent pump damage
- Check valve placement to maintain prime
- Lightning/surge protection for the control box
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of well pump for a deep well?
For wells deeper than 25 feet, submersible pumps are the best choice. They can pump water from depths exceeding 400 feet and are more efficient than jet pumps for deep applications. Submersible pumps are installed inside the well casing and push water up rather than pulling it, making them ideal for Southern California wells that often range from 200-600 feet deep.
What is the difference between a submersible pump and a jet pump?
Submersible pumps are installed inside the well underwater and push water up to the surface. Jet pumps are installed above ground and use suction to pull water up. Submersible pumps are more efficient, quieter, and work at greater depths, while jet pumps are easier to access for maintenance and less expensive for shallow wells under 25 feet.
How long do well pumps typically last?
Submersible well pumps typically last 8-15 years, while jet pumps last 4-10 years. Lifespan depends on water quality, usage patterns, and proper sizing. Pumps that cycle frequently due to undersizing or high sediment content wear out faster. Regular maintenance and proper installation can extend pump life significantly.
What size well pump do I need for my home?
Well pump sizing depends on well depth, water demand, and pipe distance. Most homes need a pump delivering 6-12 gallons per minute (GPM). Calculate your peak demand by counting fixtures: each bathroom adds 3-4 GPM, kitchen 2-3 GPM, and outdoor irrigation varies. A professional can calculate the exact horsepower and GPM rating needed for your specific situation.
Can I replace my jet pump with a submersible pump?
Yes, you can upgrade from a jet pump to a submersible pump if your well casing diameter allows (4 inches or larger for most submersibles). This upgrade is recommended for wells deeper than 80-100 feet for improved efficiency and reliability. The conversion requires installing the pump, new wiring, and potentially a different pressure tank setup. It's a worthwhile investment that improves water pressure and reduces energy costs.
Need Help Choosing the Right Well Pump?
Every well is different. Whether you need a new pump installation, are replacing a failing pump, or want to upgrade your existing system, our experienced technicians will evaluate your well and recommend the best pump type for your specific situation. Visit our well pump services page to learn more, or contact us for a free consultation.