How long should a well system last?

Author: Gus Russel  |  Last update: Saturday, February 21, 2026

A well lasts 25 to 100 years.

How often do wells need to be replaced?

A well's lifespan is considered to be roughly 20 to 30 years. Over time, yield may decline because of sediment or mineral scale build-up. For some homeowners, however, a well can last many years beyond this lifespan.

What is the life expectancy of a well?

While people might say well's life expectancy should be between 25 and 100 years, there's no way to give an exact answer. However, we can calculate a reliable estimate of your well's life expectancy if we know more about the type of well and conditions where the well might be located.

How much does it cost to replace a well system?

Because of this, the range is $2,500 to $17,000. These costs would include all equipment, material and labor to install a basic well pump all the way to a high capacity deep well installation. For a more concise breakdown on well pump replacement or installation costs, please read on.

How do you tell when you need a new well?

Muddy Water, Cloudy Water, or Water with Sediment

If you have discolored water, or water with sand or sediment coming through your faucet, this is a sign of larger issues with your water well.

How long should a pressure tank last?

Is well covered under homeowners insurance?

Well failure and repair are covered by homeowners insurance if the damage or failure was caused by a covered peril, such as lightning or a hurricane. If the well is attached to your home, it would be covered under your policy's dwelling coverage.

Can a well pump last 30 years?

30 years is a possibility, but it is at the far end of the range for pump lifespan. Anecdotally when I chat with customers who are looking to replace a well pump, less than 10 percent will have pumps older than 25 years. In my experience most are looking to replace pumps around the 10-15 year range.

What is the life expectancy of a well water tank?

A well pressure tank typically lasts between 5 to 15 years, depending on maintenance, water quality, and usage frequency. Key signs that a well pressure tank needs replacement include water pressure fluctuations, unusual noises, and visible leaks.

How much should a well inspection cost?

How Much Does a Well Inspection Cost? An average well inspection ranges from $300 to $500. This depends on the inspector's rates as well as the type of water tests they intend to conduct to check water quality.

Can a well system run out of water?

A well is said to have gone dry when water levels drop below a pump intake. This does not mean that a dry well will never have water in it again, as the water level may come back through time as recharge increases.

Can a well last 50 years?

Wells can often last for 30 to 50 years, though they may have significantly shorter or longer lifespans depending on the environmental conditions near your home. Generally, though, if your well is over 15 or 20 years old, you should be aware that it may soon need new parts or require a total replacement.

Does a well need maintenance?

An annual well maintenance check, including a bacterial test, is recommended. Any source of drinking water should be checked any time there is a change in taste, odor or appearance, or anytime a water supply system is serviced.

How do I know if my well is bad?

Signs of contaminated well water
  1. Murky or cloudy appearance. ...
  2. Visible sediment in water. ...
  3. Oily film on water. ...
  4. Scale or scum buildup in pipes, showerheads, and faucets. ...
  5. Brown, red, or green stains on sinks, clothes, and appliances. ...
  6. Rotten egg, detergent, or chlorine smell. ...
  7. Salty, soapy, metallic, or chemical taste.

How long should a residential well last?

1. Does the home have a drilled well, and if so, when was it drilled? The average lifespan for a well is 30–50 years.

Should I replace my well pump before it fails?

The average lifespan of a well pump is 15-25 years, and you will typically start to notice more issues with your pump as it ages like an increase in repairs, changes in water pressure or increasing utility costs. At a point, the cost of replacement will outweigh repairing your well pump.

How often should a well be flushed?

It is generally recommended to flush your well at least once a year.

What is the average cost to replace a well?

Installing a new well water system ranges from $1,775 to $30,000 or more, depending on the options you choose to power your well pump and the depth and diameter of the well. Drilling is the most expensive part, followed by the cost of the pump.

Where can I get my well water tested for free?

Some counties offer free well water testing, so check with your county first. If they don't, use this EPA website to find a list of state-certified laboratories in your area that do water testing, or contact your county or state health department or your State Certification Officer for assistance.

Can a well pump last 20 years?

With proper well maintenance, your new well pump can last, on average, 8 to 15 years, though many homeowners report their pumps lasting far longer, often between 20 and 30 years!

Can well water ruin a water heater?

Yes, hard water ruins water heaters.

How often should I flush my well pressure tank?

The tanks should be flushed semi-annually to remove accumulated sediments by opening the tank drain valve. These sediments could harbor and shield harmful microbes from chlorination should the well and home plumbing system require disinfection.

Can a well last 100 years?

Water Well Source

While people might say well's life expectancy should be between 25 and 100 years, the answer is—it depends on a few factors. The general geographic location where your well is located affects your well's life expectancy.

How long can a well pump run before it burns up?

Starter borehole pumps can run for up to 24 hours. However, your everyday borehole pump will run between 6 & 8 hours.

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