How Much Does Well Pump Repair Cost?

Well Pump Repair Costs by Part

The average well pump repair cost depends largely on the part or parts needing replacement. Individual well pump parts vary in price from $20 to $500, or around $100 to $800 with labor.

Common parts you'll need to replace include the pressure switch, foot valve, and motor start capacitor. You'll likely spend less replacing multiple parts at once, which you can easily identify with an annual well inspection. Well inspections cost between $300 and $600.

You'll pay more for parts replaced inside a well than the easier-to-access components inside your home or pump house. You'll also likely pay more for wells 100 feet deep or more.

Well Pump Component Repair Prices

The table below breaks down the costs of the different components for well pumps and the average labor fee to replace them. A well pump pressure switch costs around $30 andis one of the most common replacement parts. On the other hand, jet pumps in deep wells are much more expensive to repair or replace.

Labor Cost to Repair a Well Pump

Labor costs to repair a well pump run $50 per hour on average, but you should also budget for a flat house call fee of about $100 to $150. The callout rate almost always includes the first one or two hours of labor. 

Weekend and emergency (after-hour) rates are usually double, about $100 per hour. Some local well pump companies charge a flat rate rather than hourly, generally about 50% of the total price.

Well Pump Repair Costs Near You

Your geographic location can impact both the cost of materials and the hourly labor rate of plumbers near you. In general, locations with a higher cost of living will yield a higher overall well repair cost, but note that homes with wells are usually in more rural areas. Find the largest city near you to determine your regional well pump repair cost.

Common Well Pump Repairs and Problems

Wells provide clean, usable water to your home, meaning any issues with the well or well pump are important to address quickly. Watch for common issues, including pumps that constantly run or cycle quickly, a drop in water pressure, or no running water at all.

Well pump issues include the following:

• Capacitor failure: $100–$150; if the pump doesn't run, you won't have any running water. You'll want to contact a plumber for this issue immediately.

• Pressure switch failure: $120–$180; these switches often corrode, becoming pitted and burned. Insects, including wasps, can even build nests here and cause a short. This is one of the most common well pump issues, but it's affordable to repair.

• Leaking pipes: $150–$300; leaky pipes may cause a drop in water pressure that causes your pump to run constantly.

• Electrical breaker issues: If the well pump system has no power, it's possibly an electrical breaker issue. Always hire a local licensed electrician for this work due to serious risk of injury. Replacing a circuit breaker costs around $100–$250.

Homeowners may also encounter problems with the air filtration system and pressure tank.

Well Filtration System Issues

A leak or malfunction in the well filtration system can cause a drop in water pressure. Keeping this system running correctly is essential as it removes contaminants from your drinking water. Replacing a water filtration system costs between $1,030 and $3,200. 

Pressure Tank Issues

Pressure tank replacement costs approximately $500 to $1,000. Pressure tanks in your house work together with your water pump to store water and make it available when you need it. Leaving tank issues untreated can lead to further system failures because other parts work overtime to keep up.

Pressure tanks have a vinyl bladder inside that works with the air pressure in the tank. As the pump fills the tank with water, the air inside becomes more compressed. When you open a faucet, that pressure pushes the water out for use. If that bladder becomes punctured or the tank loses pressure, you’ll suffer low water pressure and place extra strain on other components in your well water system.

Hire a licensed plumber whenever you notice issues with your pressure tank.

Signs a Well Pump Needs Repair

How do you know if your well pump needs repair or should be replaced? Here are common signs of well pump malfunction to watch for:

No Running Water

If you turn on the faucet and nothing comes out or flush the toilet but the tank doesn’t refill, there could be something wrong with your well pump. Make sure the city didn’t turn off your water for another reason before calling a plumber.

Change in Water Pressure

While no water at all is an obvious sign of well pump issues, you should also pay attention to the water pressure. If your shower is suddenly giving you less pressure, you may need to hire a plumber to diagnose the problem. Plumbers charge between $45 and $200 per hour.

Air Spitting From Faucet

If your faucet spits air when you turn it on and the air continues to spray out with the water, there could be something wrong with the air bladder. Alternatively, it could mean you need to drill your well deeper to sit fully below the water table, which can be expensive. Drilling a well costs about $1,500 to $12,000.

Strange Sounds From Pump or Tank

Listen for unusual sounds from the pressure tank and the well pump itself. If you suddenly notice a new sound you haven’t heard before, that could mean something is malfunctioning. For example, fast clicking in your pressure tank could indicate a strain on the motor.

Constantly Running Pump

Your well pump shouldn’t have to constantly run to provide water to your home. If you notice that it’s always running, contact a professional for repairs. The issue could be due to a leak, so it’s important to address it quickly.

Changes to Water Quality

Pay attention to how your water looks, tastes, and smells. If there's any change or you notice sand or silt in the water, this could indicate a failing water pump. Don't drink the water for your safety. Wait until a well pump professional has completed repairs.

High Electric Bills

Well pumps run on electricity. If you notice a sudden surge in your electric bill, the water pump could be to blame—though there are plenty of other potential culprits, like an inefficient air conditioner.

Annual Well Pump Inspection Cost

You’ll spend around $100 to $150 on annual well pump inspections, or around $300 to $600for total well inspections, which we recommended.

During a well pump inspection, your contractor will look over your entire system and perform a series of plumbing and electrical tests. These inspections can help you avoid costly water pump failures and high weekend and emergency services rates.

Repair vs. Replace a Well Pump

Should you repair or replace your well pump? This depends on the extent of the problem and the age of your well pump. Because a well pump lasts about 15 years, you may want to replace it instead of repair it if it’s near the end of its life cycle.

However, replacing a well pump is often much more expensive than repairing it. On average, replacing a well pump costs around $950 to $2,630. On the other hand, the average cost to repair a well pump ranges between $350 and $1,500.

DIY Well Pump Repair vs. Hiring a Pro

Diagnosing issues with your well pump can be complicated and usually requires special training and knowledge. Because of this, homeowners should always find a local well pump repair service to tackle any fixes. Furthermore, paying for an annual well inspection is a good idea to ensure your drinking water is safe and avoid costly repairs down the road.