How long does a well pump last? The short answer
A submersible well pump lasts about 10 to 15 years on average. That is an average, not a promise. Some pumps quit sooner, and some keep running well past it.
Where your pump lands in that range depends on things you mostly cannot see: how far down the water sits in your well, how deep the pump hangs, what is in the water, and how hard your household works it.
What shortens a well pump’s life
Static water level and depth
The static water level is where the water sits in the well when nothing is running. When that level is low, or the pump hangs deep, the pump has to push water a long way up to the house. More lift means more work on every cycle. A well that draws down hard during heavy use can also leave the pump short on water.
Water quality and sediment
Sand and grit act like sandpaper on the parts inside a pump. Acidic (low pH) water can be hard on metal over time, and heavy iron or minerals can build up. Water treatment protects your fixtures and pipes in the house, but the pump down in the well still sees the raw water.
Usage
A big family, lawn watering, livestock waterers, or a garden hydrant all add run time. More starts and more hours mean more wear.
Short cycling from a bad tank
This one often goes unnoticed. When a pressure tank loses its air charge or the bladder fails, the pump clicks on and off in quick bursts every time you open a tap. Every start is hard on the motor. A pump that short cycles for months can wear out years early. A healthy pressure tank is the best friend your pump has.
Power surges and storms
Lightning, surges and power flickers can damage a pump motor or the controls that run it. You cannot do much about the weather, but it explains why a pump sometimes fails right after a storm.
Is there any maintenance for a well pump?
Honestly, no. Submersible pumps are sealed units, so there is nothing to service on a calendar. It sits sealed down in the well, and there is nothing to oil, adjust or clean.
What you can do is protect it from up top. The big one is keeping your pressure tank balanced to your switch setting, so the pump runs in long, steady cycles instead of short bursts. Our guide on how to check and set your pressure tank walks through it with a tire gauge. Beyond that, fix running toilets and leaks quickly, and have odd noises or pressure changes looked at before they turn into a no-water morning.
Signs your pump is near the end
- Pressure that is weaker than it used to be, or fades during a shower.
- The pump running longer than normal, or not shutting off.
- Sputtering, or air spitting from faucets.
- Cloudy or sandy water that was not there before.
- The well breaker tripping.
- A higher electric bill with no other explanation.
- A pump that is already 10 years old or more and starting to act different.
None of these prove the pump is failing. A bad tank, a worn pressure switch or a line leak can cause the same symptoms. For more, read signs your well pump is failing, and if your breaker keeps popping, see why a well pump keeps tripping the breaker.
Repair or replace an older pump?
If a pump is young and something simple failed, a repair often makes sense. If it is near or past the 10 to 15 year mark, replacing it can be the smarter choice, since much of the work is getting the pump out of the well either way. We lay out the options plainly and you decide. We install Gould, Myers and Grundfos pumps, including constant pressure systems, and our pump installs come with a 5-year warranty.
We start with a free diagnosis, so you know what you are dealing with before anyone talks about replacing anything. Learn more about well pump repair and replacement, or call 703-791-3981. If you are out of water right now, call our emergency line at 703-776-0996.