Should I replace my well pump before it goes bad?

Author: Harrison Hirthe Sr.  |  Last update: Friday, January 23, 2026

Signs It May be Time to Replace a Submersible Well Pump Diminished water pressure or slower rates of flow out of your taps are among the common signs. So is a spike in your electricity bill, which may betray a harder-working pump. A submersible well pump relentlessly cycling on and off needs to be looked at.

Should you replace a well pump before it fails?

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:

Should I preemptively replace my water pump?

You do not have to replace the water pump preemptively. Water pumps give plenty of warning before you need to replace. You can wait until it starts weeping to replace it. Order the pump when you see the drips.

How do I know if my well pump needs replacing?

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 is the average lifespan 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!

NEVER Replace A Submersible Well Pump Until Watching This!

How much should it cost to replace a well pump?

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?

What makes a well pump go bad?

A pump with a larger, more durable motor should last longer if you care for it well. Power loss can negatively affect a well pump. Other things that can influence how long a well pump lasts include how many times the pump has to run on an average day, the water table height and the amount of sediment in the water.

What wears out a well pump?

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.

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

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.

How to tell if a pump is bad?

Signs Your Water Pump Is Failing
  1. Drop in water pressure.
  2. Clicking sounds coming from the pump.
  3. Water spitting from faucets.
  4. Fluctuations in water temperature.
  5. Unexplained increase in electricity bills.

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.

Should you replace a water pump before it breaks?

Preventative water pump replacement is prudent and logical, particularly when the replacement cost is relatively low. While replacing a part that isn't broken might strike some as unnecessary, it's important to compare it to the cost of replacing a failed water pump.

Why is it so expensive to replace a water pump?

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 well pump last 40 years?

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.

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 I change my well pump myself?

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.

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 much does it cost to put a new pump in a well?

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.

What is the life expectancy of a well water pump?

The average lifespan of a well pump is generally around eight to 15 years. However, where your pump will fall in that pretty wide age range depends on many factors. The single largest factor in your pump's life expectancy is the frequency of your pump's duty cycle.

How do I know if my well pump needs to be replaced?

Three Signs It's Time to Replace Your Well Pump
  1. No Water Is Coming from Your Faucet. ...
  2. Low Water Pressure or "Spitting" ...
  3. Well Pump Runs Non-Stop. ...
  4. Troubleshooting a Well Pump Problem. ...
  5. Contact the Pros at A&T Well and Pump.

What are the signs that a well pump is failing?

When your well pump's life is coming to an end, it will demonstrate some of or all the following symptoms:
  • Fluctuations in water pressure.
  • Constantly running pump.
  • Sputtering water flow in home.
  • Sediment in water lines.
  • Unusual sounds from pump.
  • Changes in water quality.
  • High electricity bills.

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

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

What burns out a well pump?

Unfortunately, many pump burnouts stem from an insufficient water level. This causes the well pipe to begin sucking in air, which in turn causes the pump's temperature to increase beyond safe thresholds. To compensate for a weak well, contractors will often add an extra section of pipe known as the tail pipe.

What is the most common problem of a water pump?

Water pumps are essential for various applications, but they can also experience common problems affecting their performance and reliability. Common problems include overheating, leakage, low water pressure, noisy operation, and cavitation.

How to tell if well is dry or pump bad well pump?

Is Your Water Well Going Dry? Here Are Some Common Warning Signs
  1. Change in Taste of Water. ...
  2. Well Water Appears Muddy. ...
  3. Water Pumps Running for Longer Periods. ...
  4. Faltering of Faucets Leading to Leakage. ...
  5. Change in Water Quality. ...
  6. Bubbles of the Dissolved Gases Appear in Well. ...
  7. Huge Increase in Power/Electricity Bill.

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