How Long Does It Take to Replace a Well Pump?
Quick Answer
4–8 hours for a professional replacement. Shallow well jet pumps take 2–4 hours, while deep well submersible pumps take 4–8 hours due to the complexity of pulling pipe from hundreds of feet underground.
Typical Duration
Quick Answer
Replacing a well pump takes 4–8 hours for a professional well service company. Shallow well jet pumps above ground are the fastest to replace at 2–4 hours. Deep well submersible pumps, which must be pulled from 100–400+ feet underground, take 4–8 hours or more depending on well depth and complications.
Replacement Time by Pump Type
| Pump Type | Well Depth | Replacement Time | Typical Cost (Labor + Pump) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shallow well jet pump | 0–25 feet | 2–4 hours | $400–$1,000 |
| Deep well jet pump | 25–110 feet | 3–5 hours | $600–$1,500 |
| Submersible pump | 25–400+ feet | 4–8 hours | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Submersible pump (very deep, 400+) | 400–1,000 feet | 6–10 hours | $2,500–$5,000+ |
| Constant pressure pump | Varies | 4–8 hours | $1,500–$3,500 |
Shallow Well Jet Pump Replacement (2–4 Hours)
Jet pumps sit above ground, typically in a basement or well house. Replacement is the most straightforward since no pipe pulling is required.
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Turn off power and relieve pressure | 10–15 minutes |
| Disconnect plumbing and wiring | 20–30 minutes |
| Remove old pump | 15–20 minutes |
| Install new pump and prime | 30–45 minutes |
| Reconnect plumbing and wiring | 30–45 minutes |
| Test, adjust pressure switch | 20–30 minutes |
| Check for leaks and final inspection | 15–20 minutes |
Deep Well Submersible Pump Replacement (4–8 Hours)
Submersible pumps operate at the bottom of the well, submerged in water. Replacing one requires pulling the entire drop pipe assembly — pump, pipe, and electrical wire — out of the well, which is the most labor-intensive part of the job.
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Set up equipment (truck-mounted hoist or tripod) | 30–45 minutes |
| Disconnect pitless adapter and electrical | 20–30 minutes |
| Pull pipe and pump from well | 1–3 hours |
| Inspect well casing and pipe condition | 15–20 minutes |
| Assemble new pump, wire, and pipe | 30–60 minutes |
| Lower new pump assembly into well | 1–2 hours |
| Reconnect pitless adapter and wiring | 30–45 minutes |
| Test pump, check flow rate and pressure | 20–30 minutes |
| Adjust pressure tank and switch | 15–20 minutes |
Why Pulling Pipe Takes So Long
The drop pipe connects the submersible pump to the surface. In a 200-foot well, the technician must extract 200 feet of pipe filled with water — which can weigh over 500 pounds. Pipe is pulled in sections (typically 20-foot lengths), disconnected, and laid aside. The process reverses during installation.
| Well Depth | Approximate Pull Time | Approximate Reinstall Time |
|---|---|---|
| 50–100 feet | 30–45 minutes | 30–45 minutes |
| 100–200 feet | 45–75 minutes | 45–75 minutes |
| 200–300 feet | 1–1.5 hours | 1–1.5 hours |
| 300–400 feet | 1.5–2 hours | 1.5–2 hours |
| 400+ feet | 2–3 hours | 2–3 hours |
Factors That Extend the Timeline
Corroded or Stuck Pipe
Older wells with galvanized steel pipe may have corroded joints that are difficult to separate. Stuck pipe can add 1–3 hours as technicians work to free each connection. In severe cases, the pipe may break during extraction, requiring a fishing operation to retrieve the broken section.
Well Casing Damage
If the well casing is cracked, bent, or has shifted, the new pump may not fit properly. Casing repair or installation of a liner adds several hours and potentially a second-day visit.
Pressure Tank Replacement
The pressure tank is often replaced at the same time as the pump, since both have similar lifespans (8–15 years). Adding a pressure tank replacement adds 1–1.5 hours.
Electrical Upgrades
Older wells may have undersized wiring or outdated control boxes. Upgrading the electrical service to match a new pump adds 1–2 hours.
Signs the Well Pump Needs Replacement
- Pump cycles on and off frequently (short cycling)
- Reduced water pressure throughout the house
- Sputtering or air in the water lines
- Pump runs continuously without shutting off
- Significant increase in electricity usage
- Dirty or sandy water (may indicate pump sitting too low)
- Complete loss of water
DIY vs. Professional
Shallow well jet pump replacement is feasible for handy homeowners with plumbing experience. Deep well submersible pump replacement is not a DIY project — it requires specialized equipment (pump hoists, pipe clamps, torque arrestors) and the physical risk of managing hundreds of pounds of pipe and water. Most states require a licensed well driller or pump installer for submersible work.
Emergency Replacements
When a well pump fails completely, most well service companies offer same-day or next-day emergency service at a premium of $200–$500 above standard rates. During peak seasons (summer droughts, hard freezes), wait times may extend to 2–3 days. Keeping a reserve water supply of 50–100 gallons is recommended for homes on well water.