The Types of Well Pumps, Explained

Well pumps come in three meaningfully different types, and the split is maximum head, not branding or price. If your well is deeper or your water demand is higher, the type changes first. Measure casing diameter, expected lift, and fixture demand before you choose a type.

Well Pump Types Among the Listings We Screened

Counted over the 107 listings this site screened; a listing that does not state the figure a type is defined by is not counted under any type.

Where these choices show up in our reviews

Prices across these 3 run from $109.99 to $208.99; each one has a full review here.

Shallow Well Jet Pumps for 100-foot-and-under wells

Shallow well jet pumps are the 100-foot-and-under type, with a median motor size of 0.8 HP in the listings we screened. They suit shallower wells and lower lift needs, where a simpler jet setup can cover household demand without moving into deeper-well hardware. If your well depth stays within that band, focus on lift and outlet compatibility before anything else.

Why shallow well jet pumps suit shallow wells

These pumps give up depth margin. A shallow well jet pump is the wrong type once the well needs more vertical lift, because maximum head is the deciding limit here. The lower price band also reflects that narrower role, so paying for this type only makes sense when the well itself stays shallow.

Deep Well Jet Pumps for 100- to 150-foot wells

Deep well jet pumps cover the 100- to 150-foot range and carry a median horsepower of 1 HP. They suit wells that need more lift than a shallow jet pump can address, but do not yet call for a submersible layout. If your well sits in that middle depth band, this type is the jet-pump step that matches the job.

How deep well jet pumps balance depth and price

The compromise is that deep well jet pumps still rely on jet-pump plumbing, so they remain a middle ground rather than the deepest-reaching option. Their price band sits above shallow models and below many submersibles, which makes them the choice when depth matters more than compact placement. Franklin Electric submersible motors are the benchmark many installers compare against for motor reliability, and these jet pumps are judged against that reference point when buyers want a simpler non-submersible layout.

Submersible Well Pumps

Submersible well pumps are the 150-foot-and-deeper type, with 1 HP as the median motor size in the listings we screened. They suit deeper wells, longer runs, and higher-demand setups where the pump needs to work lower in the well. If your well depth or total lift pushes past the jet-pump range, this is the type to examine first.

Why submersible well pumps trade access for performance

Submersible well pumps give up easy access, because the pump sits in the well instead of above it. That tradeoff is why they usually occupy the higher price band among the three types. Goulds Water Technology and Grundfos well pumps are the higher-end reference points for performance and longevity, and the submersible listings here are the closest match to that tier in the category.

When a submersible pump is the right choice

Use a submersible pump when depth, not convenience, is the deciding factor. The wrong choice here costs time and money in a replacement if the pump cannot handle the well’s lift requirement. If your system also needs multiple fixtures at once, compare the pump’s flow rating with your household demand before you settle on horsepower alone.

Well Pump Type Comparison

Which type of well pump fits your well?

Choose by depth first, then by demand. If your well stays within 100 feet of lift, a shallow well jet pump belongs in the conversation. If the lift sits between 100 and 150 feet, a deep well jet pump is the middle option. If the lift reaches 150 feet or more, a submersible well pump is the type to check.

How casing diameter and outlet size affect installation

Then confirm the casing diameter and discharge size before you order anything. A 4-inch well casing is the dominant fit standard buyers need to match, and the wrong diameter or outlet size creates a return or a rebuild. If your pressure tank or switch is already sized poorly, the system can short-cycle even when the pump type itself is correct.

Why total dynamic head decides the pump type

When the well depth and the household demand point in different directions, depth wins first. A pump that cannot handle the total dynamic head may run without giving usable pressure at the tap. That is the mistake that costs the most time, because the fix starts over with a different type.

Reviewed by the Predicament Measures editorial team.