How long does a well pump last really? Like other machines, a suitable well pump ages and will eventually need to be replaced. Deciding whether to repair your well pump or replace it depends on several factors.
A new well pump fitted by professionals should last you many years, but not many homeowners have enough information about the condition and age of their well pump to know if it needs replacing.
Even though water wells are an old part of history, they still hold a place in today’s modern world. Did you know approximately 13 million households in the United States of America still use wells as a source of drinking water?
But unlike the old water wells, the modern-day systems are much more advanced. They use an electromechanical well pump to draw water from the well and transport it into the house.
Now the real question is, how long does a good pump last? Well, several factors affect its longevity. By analyzing these factors, you can quickly determine when you need a new pump.
How Long Does a Well Pump Last?
5 to 15 years
A well pump can last on average between 5 to 15 years depending on the type of pump, and how well the pump is maintained. There are also several factors that can increase or decrease the longevity of your well pump.
Everything You Need to Know About Well Pumps
With the advancement in technology, the days of using a bucket and a rope to draw water are long gone. The pump technology has put an end to this method. The main point is to find how different well water systems work before picking a pump for your home.
Read on to learn about the different types of water well pumps, how long they last, the factors that determine their life, and how to extend the life of a good pump.
Different Types of Well Pumps
Ranging from different sizes and purposes, there is a wide variety of suitable pumps in the market. But, all these can be narrowed down to the following types:
- Jet
- Centrifugal pumps
- Submersible pumps
What are Jet Well Pumps?
The jet well pumps are more simplified into two categories, shallow and deep. The deep well jet pump draws more than 100 feet of water using a two-pipe mechanism, while the external well pump uses a single pipe mechanism to remove water from 25 feet deep underground.
What are submersible water well pumps?
Submersible well pumps are the most effective type of water well pump. They draw water only when it is needed and are used for shallow and deep wells.
What are centrifugal water well pumps?
The centrifugal well pumps use centrifugal force to generate suction to draw water into your house. It uses a single pipe system and works for no more than 25 feet underground.
How Long for Water Well Pumps Last?
So what is the average lifespan of a water well? The jet well pump will likely last you anywhere between five to ten years. With the proper maintenance approaches, a jet water pump can last you even longer.
While the submersible pump has a longer life span, this water pump is placed underwater within the well. It keeps them cool and reduces tears. The submersible pump will probably last you approximately fifteen years.
Factors that Determine Life Expectancy of a Well Pump
After investing in digging a well, it is essential to understand how long the water well pump will last you. The lifespan of a good pump depends upon the duty cycle, usage, water chemistry, voltage levels, etc. By analyzing these factors, you can know when it needs a replacement.
Water pump duty cycle
The water pump duty cycle plays an integral part in determining when the pump will last. A water duty cycle is when a pump runs during the day. While some pumps run a few times, others are continuously in use. The pumps that work constantly are likely to have a shorter life cycle than those that aren’t used frequently during the day.
Motor Size
The size and quality of the motor that the well pump uses also play a part in determining how long the well pump is going to last you. The more horsepower the engine has, the longer it is going to last. Getting the highest quality motor also extends the lifespan of the water well pump.
Water Sediment
Water sediment is an essential factor in how long the pump is going to last. It acts as a troublesome factor that wears down the moving parts of the pump. If the water fills up with sediment, the pump will need a replacement sooner than areas with little to no sediment.
Quality of installation
For the water well pump to last long, it’s necessary to use the right pump according to the needs of your house.
How to Extend the Life of a Water Well Pump?
No matter how expensive and durable the pump you purchased is, it will only last you a few years. However, there are tips and tricks you can use, so it will last you for more years to come. Check out the tips and tricks below:
Check the valve
A loose valve can cause water to flow back through the pump line when it is not running. It can cause a lot of pressure to damage the water well pump. For best results, a brass check valve can be placed on top of the pump, and it costs around $20.
Torque Arrestor
Your water well pump will start and stop thousands of times. But each time it starts, a startup torque will twist the pump and hang the pipe off. It disrupts the whole installation. It gets to the wires from not twisting or tubbing against the surfaces of the water well. A torque arrestor is a beneficial clamp protecting the pump from twisting and turning.
Bladder Tank
Mostly, the air pressure in the bladder tank is neglected by owners. It is because most people don’t know it’s a part of the regular maintenance too. At least twice a year, the pressure must be checked by professionals.
Prevent multiple starts
Preventing the number of starts is also a way of extending the life cycle of a water well pump. This method is also called short cycling. It is better if the pump is kept on and is continuously running than switching it on and off frequently.
Bottom line on Well Pumps
It would be fair to say that most equipment will deteriorate over time. But what matters the most is, taking care of it does increase its life span. Similarly, If you rely on a water well, it’s always a significant step to look for the right pump to keep the constant flow of water.
A good water well pump should last you 5 to 15 years on average depending on the type and or if taken care of. In urban areas, most people have access to fresh water. However, in rural areas, millions of people rely on wells as their only source of water supply.
Nobody likes throwing hefty amounts of money into investing in water well pumps that don’t last. So why wait for the cost of damage to increase over time due to lack of care? Increase the life duration of your water well pump by giving it the maintenance it needs. So you know your hard-earned money doesn’t go to waste.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if your water well pump is no longer working?
Some common indicators indicate the faculty pump including:
- High electric bills
- Scalding shower waters
- Strange noises coming from the tank
- Frequently fluctuations in water pressure
How long does a water well pump last on average?
Even Though several factors determine its long span, on average, a water well pump lasts around 10 to 15 years.
Do well pumps need maintenance?
Yes, a certified professional must check the water well pump every six months. An annual well test must include a bacterial test as well.
I never knew that there are several water well pumps that are used to draw out water from your well. My aunt mentioned that she’s interested in turning her empty yard into something useable. Maybe we should find a well pump expert so she could get started with this project.