Knowing how many years should a well pump last is important because it can be a signal that it's time for a new piece of equipment. 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!
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.
Generally, a well-pump replacement will cost between $950 and $2,650, with an average of $1,800. Other factors like pump type and pipework will impact your final cost. What are the signs that a well pump is going out?
It is not always necessary to replace the entire well when the pump fails. In many cases, replacing the pump itself is sufficient. However, there are some factors that might lead a well company to recommend a new well:
While it is possible to replace a well pump yourself, it is generally not recommended. A number of factors need to be taken into account when replacing a well pump. If any are not handled properly, it could result in serious damage to your plumbing system, water pipes or water line.
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.
So to recap; homeowner's insurance does not normally cover pump replacement or servicing. If it does, it's probably due to weather anomalies that would also have ended up damaging a significant portion of your home. You'll need to check your specific policy for a weather peril clause.
HOW LONG DOES A WELL PUMP REPLACEMENT TAKE? The length of time it takes for a complete well pump replacement varies. The experienced well pump plumbers of Team Austin have most well pumps installed in 8-10 hours.
Visually check the well cover, pressure tank, pump, and pipes on a regular basis. This is to ensure that they are intact and not damaged. Look for rust, corrosion, cracks, or visible leaks.
Starter borehole pumps can run for up to 24 hours. However, your everyday borehole pump will run between 6 & 8 hours.
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.
Malfunctioning Well Pump Pressure Switch
A malfunctioning switch can cause the pump to run too often or too long and potentially burn out the motor. In addition, if the switch allows the pressure to go too high, it can put excess stress on the tank and pipes, potentially causing them to crack or even burst.
A useful method for getting water to your home or other structure, wells and well pumps can be complex to install or replace. Advanced DIY skills are often needed to complete this type of project, as well as a little assistance.
Always use licensed or certified water well drillers and pump installers when a well is constructed, a pump is installed, or the system is serviced. An annual well maintenance check, including a bacterial test, is recommended.
A new well pump can cost anywhere from $1000-$2000 based on the type of installation.
While a well pump can last 40 years or more with exceptional care and maintenance, most pumps have a typical lifespan of 8 to 15 years. Regular inspection and servicing can help extend the pump's lifespan.
Most well pump replacement projects fall between $975 and $2,575, but many factors can add additional costs. A small hand pump can cost as little as $200, while a high-end constant-pressure well pump could set you back as much as $5,000.
If so, you may already have an idea about the answer to the whether a plumber can handle well maintenance & repairs. Yes, some do, but that doesn't mean they do enough of them to be efficient or effective.
Your well pump may have stopped working due to a lack of power. Sometimes resetting a breaker or replacing a fuse affected by a power surge or brownout can fix this. If the well pump circuit breaker has tripped, the well pump itself may be failing.
Check the wellhead (the part of the well that's above ground) and the well cap (the part that covers the wellhead) several times a year. Look at the wellhead casing and cap for any cracks or openings that shouldn't be there. The cap keeps rainwater, insects, and small animals from getting into the well.
Check the well pressure gauge.
Go to your pressure tank and look for the gauge. If it reads zero, you have confirmation that the problem is coming straight from your well water system-either your well itself isn't producing water, or your well pump is not working properly.
Poor Water Pressure
Another clear sign that you may need a new pressure tank is when you observe irregular or weak water pressure. A common symptom is when the water flow in showers or faucets spikes momentarily before diminishing. Too little or too much air in your tank can cause this fluctuation.