Is changing a well pump hard?

Author: Prof. Johan Rippin V  |  Last update: Friday, November 28, 2025

Replacing a submersible well pump on your own isn't recommended. This can be a tricky and high-stakes technical job that's best left to the experts.

How difficult is it to replace a well pump?

It could be quite difficult. A deep well with a submersible will first need the power disconnected, the Pitless unit removed, and the existing pump pulled. Then a screen, check valve and perhaps over 100 feet of pipe would need to be lowered, the pump attached and primed, which means hauling in...

How long does it take to change a well pump?

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.

How difficult is replacing a water pump?

Replacing the water pump itself is not very hard, but does take a few hours. The hardest part is removing the fan clutch from the water pump. Once you remove the fan and fan clutch, the rest is a piece of cake. A few warnings you should know: The fan clutch has reverse threads where it connects to the pump!

How expensive is it to replace a well pump?

The average cost to replace a well pump is $1,889, but most spend between $974 to $2,813 depending on the pump size you need. The average well pump replacement cost is $1,889, but the total depends on many different factors, from the type and size of the pump to the depth of the well.

NEVER Replace A Submersible Well Pump Until Watching This!

Does homeowners insurance cover well pumps?

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.

What is the life expectancy of a well pump?

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 you replace water pump by yourself?

Fixing a water pump refers to the process of replacing an essential part of your vehicle's cooling system. It is one of the least complicated procedures to carry out, as far as auto repairs go, so almost anyone who can operate a wrench can do this on their own.

What are the symptoms of a bad water pump?

6 signs your water pump is failing ​
  • Coolant Leak. The water pump has several gaskets that can be damaged or worn out over time. ...
  • Engine Overheating. ...
  • High Pitched, Harmonic Whining Noises. ...
  • Water Pump Rust and Corrosion. ...
  • Steam comes out from under your hood. ...
  • Holes or leakage system on the dry side of the water pump.

Why is replacing a water pump so expensive?

In order to replace the water pump, the timing cover, timing chain and valve covers must be removed. This is a time-consuming and parts & labor-intensive process, which is why the cost of the repair is so high.

Can a plumber replace a well pump?

Professional Assistance: Well pumps are intricate pieces of equipment. It's best to hire trained professionals like Mr. Rooter Plumbing for installation and replacement to ensure safety and efficiency.

How to tell if a well pump is bad?

Some of the most common indicators of a faulty well pump and pressure tank include:
  1. Fluctuations in Water Pressure. ...
  2. Noisy Pressure Tank or Clicking Sounds. ...
  3. Spitting Faucets. ...
  4. Scalding Shower Water. ...
  5. High Electric Bills.

What to do after replacing a well pump?

After you have removed the pump, cover the well hole with a vermin-proof cap to prevent objects from falling in. Turn on a hose or faucet to release all the pressure and drain all the liquids from the pumping system. Check to be sure that the discharge line is held down while you are draining water.

How long does it take to replace a well pump?

Replacing a well pump, whether it's a submersible type or a jet pump, varies in time due to accessibility and installation complexities. Submersible pump replacement typically takes 4 to 6 hours, considering the challenge of accessing the pump and connecting plumbing and electrical systems.

Who to call to replace a well pump?

However, it's always a good idea to hire a certified plumber to repair or replace well pumps and water pumps. Certified professionals are far more likely to get the job done correctly and prevent future issues, which is especially important for ensuring access to clean water for your home.

Will replacing well pump increase water pressure?

Consider a Pump with a Higher Flow Capacity

The flow rate of a well pump is measured in gallons per minute (GPM). If you currently have a well pump with a GPM rating of 8, you may notice that your home water pressure improves greatly after you upgrade to a pump with a 12 GPM rating.

What are the signs indicate that a water pump needs to be replaced?

Signs of a Bad Water Pump
  • Puddles of green (coolant) antifreeze fluid on the garage floor. ...
  • High-temperature readings from the water temperature gauge. ...
  • An awkward, low-pitched grinding sound from the engine. ...
  • Water leaks from the front of the engine.

How much is water pump replacement?

A water pump should last anywhere between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. A water pump replacement costs between $400 and $800 depending on the vehicle and the difficulty involved. Parts can run from $200 to $400, with labor services similarly priced. These estimates do not include taxes or shop materials, and disposal fees.

Do water pumps fail suddenly?

In some cases, the water pump can maintain this type of operation for weeks or months, or even longer, or it could fail immediately after by seizing up.

How much is a new well pump?

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.

How many hours does it take to replace a water pump?

The time it takes to replace a water pump can vary significantly based on the type of pump, its location, and the complexity of your plumbing system. Generally, the replacement process can take anywhere from two hours to a full day.

Can I install my own well pump?

While it's possible to install and maintain a well pump and pressure tank system yourself, there are situations where it's better to hire a professional.

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.

How do you tell if you need a new well pump?

5 Common Indicators of a Faulty Water Well Pump
  1. You Have No Water. If you have no water at all when you turn on your faucet or flush the toilet, there's definitely something wrong with your well pump. ...
  2. Fluctuating Water Pressure. ...
  3. Spitting Faucets. ...
  4. Boiling Hot Showers. ...
  5. Increase in Electric Bills.

Should I replace my well pump before it goes bad?

With proper maintenance, most well pumps will last for many years. However, if you ignore warning signs of a failing pump, you could end up with expensive damage to your home's plumbing system. In some cases, well pump repair may be in order.

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