Well Pump Warranty Guide: What's Covered & How to Protect Your Investment

Your $3,000 well pump fails after 18 months. The manufacturer says it's not covered. This nightmare scenario plays out more often than you'd think—and it's almost always preventable. Understanding your warranty before something goes wrong could save you thousands of dollars.

A new well pump represents a significant investment—typically $1,500 to $4,500 including installation. Yet many homeowners don't fully understand what their submersible pump warranty covers, what can void it, or how to file a claim when something goes wrong. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about well pump warranties from major manufacturers like Franklin Electric, Grundfos, and Goulds.

Why Well Pump Warranties Matter

Unlike appliances you can easily access and replace, a submersible well pump sits hundreds of feet underground. When a pump fails, you're not just paying for a new pump—you're paying for specialized labor to pull the old pump from deep in your well and install the replacement. This labor can cost $500 to $2,000 or more depending on well depth.

A good well pump warranty can save you thousands of dollars if your pump fails prematurely due to a manufacturing defect. However, warranties vary significantly between manufacturers and product lines. Understanding the details before purchase helps you make informed decisions and avoid costly surprises.

Warranty Periods by Manufacturer

The three major submersible pump manufacturers—Franklin Electric, Grundfos, and Goulds (Xylem)—offer varying warranty periods depending on the product line and application. Here's what you can expect from each:

Franklin Electric Pump Warranty

Franklin Electric is one of the most common brands in residential wells, known for reliable motors and wide availability. Their warranty structure includes:

Franklin pump warranty coverage applies to defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. The warranty requires professional installation and proper operating conditions. Franklin's extensive dealer network makes warranty claims relatively straightforward—your installer can often handle the process directly.

Grundfos Pump Warranty

Grundfos, a Danish manufacturer, is known for premium quality and efficiency. Their submersible pump warranty reflects this positioning:

Grundfos warranties are known for being honored reliably, though the company's premium pricing means you're paying more upfront. Their pumps often outlast warranty periods significantly—many Grundfos units run 15-20+ years—which partially justifies the higher cost.

Goulds (Xylem) Pump Warranty

Goulds, now part of Xylem, has been manufacturing pumps for over 170 years. Their residential submersible warranty includes:

Goulds' 5-year residential warranty is notably longer than competitors, making it an attractive option for homeowners prioritizing warranty protection. However, as with all warranties, coverage depends on proper installation and operating conditions.

What's Covered vs. Not Covered

Understanding exactly what your well pump warranty covers—and doesn't cover—prevents unpleasant surprises when you need to file a claim.

What's Typically Covered

Standard well pump guarantee coverage includes:

• Manufacturing defects: Flaws in materials or assembly that cause premature failure
• Motor failure: Electrical or mechanical motor problems under normal operation
• Impeller defects: Problems with pump stages or impeller assembly
• Seal failures: Mechanical seal issues that allow water intrusion (if not caused by external factors)
• Electrical components: Wiring and connections within the pump/motor assembly

What's Typically NOT Covered

Most submersible pump warranty exclusions include:

• Labor costs: The cost to remove and reinstall the pump
• Damage from running dry: Pumping without adequate water supply
• Lightning or power surge damage: Electrical damage from storms or grid problems
• Sand or sediment damage: Wear from pumping abrasive materials
• Corrosive water damage: Failure due to aggressive water chemistry
• Improper installation: Failures traced to installation errors
• Lack of proper protection devices: Running without required overload protection
• Normal wear and tear: Expected degradation over time
• Consequential damages: Water damage, lost crops, or other secondary losses

How to Maintain Warranty Validity

Your well pump warranty is only as good as your ability to claim it. Taking these steps ensures your warranty remains enforceable:

1. Professional Installation

Nearly all manufacturers require professional installation by a qualified contractor. In California, this means a licensed C-57 (Well Drilling) contractor. DIY installation or installation by unlicensed individuals typically voids the warranty entirely.

2. Proper Sizing and Application

Installing a pump in conditions beyond its design specifications voids the warranty. This includes:

• Using a pump rated for less depth than your well
• Exceeding flow rate or pressure specifications
• Installing in water temperatures beyond rated limits
• Using standard pumps in high-sand or corrosive conditions

Professional installers ensure proper pump sizing that keeps your warranty intact.

3. Required Protection Devices

Manufacturers require specific protection devices for warranty coverage:

• Overload protection: Motor overload relays in control box (required)
• Lightning/surge protection: Highly recommended, sometimes required
• Low-water cutoff: Required in some applications to prevent dry running
• Check valve: Prevents backflow that can damage pump

4. Keep Documentation

Maintain these records to support any future warranty claim:

• Original purchase receipt or invoice
• Pump model and serial numbers
• Installation date and contractor information
• Warranty registration confirmation (if applicable)
• Maintenance records

5. Register Your Warranty

Some manufacturers offer or require warranty registration. While registration isn't always mandatory, it can:

• Extend warranty period beyond standard coverage
• Streamline the claims process
• Provide proof of purchase date if receipt is lost
• Enable manufacturer notifications about recalls or updates

Labor vs. Parts Coverage: The Hidden Cost

Here's the reality that catches many homeowners off guard: manufacturer warranties almost never cover labor costs. Let's break down what this means financially:

This is why extended warranties or contractor labor warranties that include labor coverage can be valuable—they cover the cost that typically isn't included in manufacturer warranties.

Extended Warranty Options

Given the significant labor costs involved in any pump replacement, extended warranty programs deserve serious consideration:

Manufacturer Extended Programs

Some manufacturers offer extended warranty programs:

• Franklin Electric: Extended programs through authorized dealers
• Grundfos: Extended warranty options at purchase
• Various: Third-party warranty companies partner with manufacturers

Cost typically runs $100-$400 for an additional 2-3 years of parts coverage.

Contractor Warranty Programs

Many well service contractors offer their own warranty programs that may include:

• Labor warranty: Coverage for installation labor if pump fails
• Extended parts coverage: Beyond manufacturer warranty
• Annual maintenance plans: That include pump coverage
• Package deals: Combining parts and labor protection

Home Warranty Companies

Some home warranty programs cover well pumps, but read the fine print carefully:

• Coverage limits may be lower than actual replacement cost
• Depth limitations (some won't cover pumps below certain depths)
• Pre-existing condition exclusions
• Requirement to use their contractors (who may lack well expertise)

Common Warranty Claim Issues

Understanding why warranty claims get denied helps you avoid these pitfalls:

1. Improper Installation Documentation

Claims are denied when the manufacturer determines installation was improper—wrong wire gauge, incorrect voltage, missing protection devices, or depth set incorrectly. Always ensure your installer provides documentation of proper installation procedures.

2. Environmental Damage

Pump failure caused by well conditions—not the pump itself—isn't covered:

• Sand damage: Abrasive wear on impellers and seals
• Corrosive water: Acidic or high-mineral water attacking components
• Scale buildup: Mineral deposits reducing performance
• Dry running: Operating without sufficient water

A water quality test before installation can identify potentially warranty-voiding conditions.

3. Electrical Problems

Power-related failures are typically excluded:

• Lightning strikes: Direct or nearby strikes damaging motor windings
• Power surges: Grid problems sending high voltage
• Low voltage: Brownouts causing motor overheating
• Phase loss: (Three-phase systems) Single-phasing damage

Installing surge protection and ensuring proper electrical supply protects both your pump and your warranty.

4. Missing Proof of Purchase

Without documentation proving when and where the pump was purchased, claims become extremely difficult. Keep copies of invoices in multiple places.

Questions to Ask Before Purchase

Before agreeing to a pump installation, ask these warranty-related questions:

SCWS Warranty Offerings

At Southern California Well Service, we believe warranty protection should give you genuine peace of mind—not false security. Here's how we approach pump warranties:

Quality Pumps from Trusted Manufacturers

We install pumps from Franklin Electric, Grundfos, and Goulds—manufacturers with proven track records and responsive warranty programs. We'll help you understand the warranty terms for whichever pump best fits your needs.

Professional Installation That Protects Your Warranty

Our licensed technicians follow manufacturer specifications exactly, ensuring your warranty remains valid. We document everything and can provide installation records if ever needed for a claim.

Warranty Assistance

If a pump we installed fails within the warranty period, we handle the warranty claim process. We'll diagnose the problem, document the failure, and work with the manufacturer—you don't have to navigate the process alone.

Workmanship Guarantee

Beyond manufacturer warranties, we stand behind our work. If installation issues arise, we make them right—that's our commitment to every customer.

Making the Most of Your Warranty

To maximize your well pump warranty protection:

1. Choose quality: Premium pumps with longer warranties often cost only slightly more than economy models but provide significantly better protection.
2. Invest in protection devices: Surge protectors and proper controls protect both your pump and warranty.
3. Address water quality issues: If your water is corrosive or sandy, treatment or special pump selection protects your investment.
4. Maintain records: Keep all documentation organized and accessible.
5. Consider extended coverage: Especially for deep wells where labor costs are high.
6. Schedule regular maintenance: Catching problems early prevents warranty-voiding conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions