How Long Does a Well Pump Last? (And Signs Yours Is Failing)

A well pump is one of those things you never think about until the water stops. So how long should yours last, and how do you know when it's getting close? Here's what we tell customers who ask.

The short answer

Most well pumps last somewhere between 8 and 15 years. Submersible pumps, the kind that sit down in a drilled well, often run 10 to 15 years. Above-ground jet pumps, common on shallow wells, tend to land a little lower. Those are averages, though, and Florida has a few things that can move the number in either direction.

What shortens a pump's life in Florida

• Lightning and power surges. Florida leads the country in lightning, and a surge can take out a pump or its control box in an instant. See our lightning damage repair page if you suspect a strike.
• Sand and sediment. Grit in the water wears impellers and seals faster, especially in shallow sandy wells.
• Short-cycling. A waterlogged pressure tank or a bad switch makes the pump start and stop constantly, and all that starting is what wears a motor out.
• Iron and scale. Mineral buildup, common in Central Florida water, can clog a pump and the plumbing around it. Whole-house water treatment helps the pump and your fixtures both.
• A mismatched pump. A pump that's too big or too small for the well and the household works harder than it should.

Signs your pump is on the way out

• Air spitting or sputtering at the faucets
• Water pressure that sags or swings
• The pump running constantly, or clicking on and off rapidly
• A jump in your electric bill with no other explanation
• Cloudy or sandy water that wasn't there before
• Strange noises from the pump or pressure tank

Any one of these can have a simple cause, like a tank or switch rather than the pump, which is exactly why it's worth having it looked at before you replace anything.

Repair or replace?

If a pump is young and the problem is a tank, switch, or wiring, a repair usually makes sense. If it's near the end of its expected life and losing performance, replacement is often the better value, since paying to pull an old pump twice in a year or two costs more than doing it once. We'll give you the honest math, not a scare tactic. Our approach is on the pump repair and replacement page.

Common questions

How long does a submersible well pump last? Often 10 to 15 years, though sediment, surges, and short-cycling can shorten that.

Can I extend my pump's life? Yes. Keep the pressure tank healthy, address sand or iron in the water, and protect against surges. Those three things prevent most early failures we see.

Is a running pump always a bad pump? Not always. A pump that runs nonstop is often a waterlogged tank or a stuck switch, which is a cheaper fix than a pump.

Not sure how much life your pump has left? Call us and we'll take a look. The answering service is live 24/7.