Types of Well Pumps

Your well pump is the workhorse of your water system—running thousands of cycles per year to deliver water to your home. Understanding how it works, when it needs attention, and what replacement involves can save you money and prevent emergencies.

Types of Well Pumps

Most residential wells in San Diego County use one of two pump types:

• Submersible pumps (most common): Installed inside the well, submerged below the water level. Quiet, efficient, and long-lasting (8–15 years typical). Used for wells deeper than 25 feet—which is virtually every well in SoCal.
• Jet pumps (less common): Installed above ground near the pressure tank. Limited to shallow wells (under 25 feet for single-line, under 70 feet for two-line). Easier to service but less efficient and noisier.

Signs Your Well Pump Needs Attention

1. Sputtering or air in the water — pump may be losing prime or water level is dropping near the pump intake
2. Higher electric bills — a failing pump draws more power as it loses efficiency
3. Reduced water pressure — worn impellers can't maintain the same flow rate
4. Pump runs constantly — could be a leak, low well water, or a worn pump that can't build pressure
5. Frequent cycling — may indicate a pressure tank problem rather than the pump itself
6. Sandy or silty water — pump may have dropped or the well screen is failing
7. Unusual noises — grinding, humming, or clicking from the well area

Well Pump Replacement

Replacing a submersible pump requires pulling the entire pump assembly out of the well—which can mean pulling hundreds of feet of pipe. Here's what's involved:

1. Disconnect power and plumbing at the wellhead
2. Pull the pump, drop pipe, and wiring from the well (requires a service truck with a hoist)
3. Inspect the old pump and well condition
4. Install new pump, pipe, wire, and safety rope
5. Reconnect and test the system

Pump Replacement Costs (San Diego Area)

• Shallow well (under 150 feet): $1,200–$2,500
• Medium depth (150–300 feet): $2,000–$3,500
• Deep well (300–500+ feet): $3,500–$6,000+
• Emergency/after-hours: Add 25–50% premium

The biggest cost factor is depth—more pipe, more wire, more labor to pull and reinstall. That's why wells in mountain communities like Julian, Palomar Mountain, and Pine Valley often cost more to service.

Choosing the Right Pump

We primarily install Franklin Electric and Grundfos pumps—both are industry-leading brands with excellent reliability records. The right pump depends on:

• Well depth and water level: Determines the total dynamic head (TDH) the pump must overcome
• Required flow rate: Based on household size and usage (5–15 GPM for most homes)
• Well yield: The pump should never exceed the well's sustainable production rate
• Power availability: Standard 230V single-phase for most residential. Larger pumps may need three-phase.

Extending Pump Life

• Install a properly sized pressure tank to reduce cycling
• Use a pump protection device (low-water cutoff, cycle sensor)
• Maintain proper voltage—install a surge protector at the control box
• Have the system inspected annually by a licensed contractor