How to Choose Between a Submersible and Jet Pump for Your Well

For homeowners and businesses relying on private wells, selecting the right pump is crucial for ensuring a reliable water supply for daily needs like drinking, bathing, and irrigation. The pump is the heart of your well system, moving water from the aquifer to your home or business. Two primary options dominate the market: submersible pumps and jet pumps. Each has unique features, advantages, and limitations, making the choice dependent on factors like well depth, water yield, and soil conditions. This decision is especially critical for low-yield wells, where the wrong pump can exacerbate supply challenges. Understanding the differences between submersible and jet pumps will help you choose the best option for your well’s performance and longevity.

Understanding Submersible and Jet Pumps

Submersible pumps are designed to operate underwater, placed deep within the well, typically near the bottom. Encased in a waterproof housing, these pumps push water up through pipes to the surface, relying on a series of impellers to generate pressure. Their submerged position makes them efficient for deep wells, as they don’t need to pull water over long distances. Submersible pumps are quiet, durable, and less prone to cavitation—a condition where air bubbles form in the pump, reducing efficiency and causing damage.

Jet pumps, by contrast, are installed above ground, often in a well house or basement. They use suction to pull water from the well, created by a jet or venturi mechanism that generates a vacuum. Jet pumps come in two types: shallow well jet pumps, suitable for wells less than 25 feet deep, and deep well jet pumps, which can handle depths up to 100 feet or more using a dual-pipe system. Jet pumps are versatile but noisier and more susceptible to cavitation, especially in low-yield wells.

The key difference lies in their operation: submersible pumps push water, while jet pumps pull it. This fundamental distinction influences their suitability for different well types, water demands, and environmental conditions.

Well Depth: A Primary Consideration

Well depth is the most significant factor in choosing between a submersible and jet pump. Shallow wells, typically less than 25 feet deep, are well-suited for shallow well jet pumps. These pumps are effective in areas with high water tables and permeable soils, like sandy regions, where water is close to the surface. Their above-ground installation makes them easy to access for maintenance, a plus for homeowners with simple well systems.

For wells between 25 and 100 feet, deep well jet pumps are an option, using a dual-pipe system to increase suction capacity. However, their efficiency decreases with depth, and they require precise setup to avoid cavitation, especially in low-yield wells where water levels may fluctuate. Deep well jet pumps are best for moderate-depth wells in stable aquifers.

Submersible pumps excel in deep wells, typically over 100 feet, where pushing water is more efficient than pulling it. They’re ideal for wells tapping confined aquifers, often found in clay-heavy soils, where water is deeper but more consistent. Submersible pumps handle depths up to 400 feet or more, making them the go-to choice for deep well systems. If your well is shallow but has low yield, a submersible pump may still be considered for its efficiency, though cost and installation complexity increase.

Water Yield and Soil Type

Water yield—the amount of water your well produces—is another critical factor. Low-yield wells, common in clay or silty soils with slow aquifer recharge, require a pump that maximizes available water without overpumping. Submersible pumps are generally better for low-yield wells, as their submerged design minimizes cavitation and maintains consistent pressure, even with limited water. They’re less affected by soil-driven fluctuations, such as clay’s restrictive flow or sand’s rapid depletion, ensuring steady output.

Jet pumps, particularly shallow well models, work well in high-yield wells with permeable sandy soils, where water is abundant and close to the surface. However, in low-yield wells, jet pumps can struggle, as their suction mechanism is sensitive to low water levels, increasing the risk of cavitation and pump damage. Deep well jet pumps are less reliable in low-yield scenarios, as their efficiency drops with depth and fluctuating aquifer levels.

Soil type influences yield and pump choice indirectly. Sandy soils support shallow wells and jet pumps but may lead to low yield during droughts. Clay soils, with deeper confined aquifers, favor submersible pumps for accessing stable water sources. A well contractor can assess your soil and aquifer conditions to recommend the best pump for your yield needs.

Installation and Maintenance Costs

Cost is a major consideration when choosing a pump. Jet pumps are generally more affordable upfront, with shallow well models being the least expensive due to their simple design and above-ground installation. Deep well jet pumps cost more because of the dual-pipe system and increased complexity. Installation is relatively straightforward, especially for shallow wells, and maintenance is easier, as the pump is accessible without pulling it from the well.

Submersible pumps have higher upfront costs due to their advanced design, waterproof construction, and installation requirements. Installing a submersible pump involves lowering it into the well, often requiring professional equipment and expertise, especially for deep wells. Maintenance, while less frequent due to their durability, is costlier, as repairs require retrieving the pump from the well. However, their longevity—often 15-25 years compared to 10-15 years for jet pumps—can offset initial costs, particularly for deep or low-yield wells.

For low-yield wells, the higher efficiency of submersible pumps may justify their cost, as they reduce the risk of overpumping and extend well life. Budget constraints and long-term water needs should guide your decision, balanced against installation and maintenance expenses.

Efficiency and Performance

Efficiency impacts both operating costs and water delivery. Submersible pumps are more energy-efficient, as pushing water requires less power than pulling it over long distances. Their submerged design reduces friction losses, delivering consistent pressure even in deep wells. This efficiency is critical for low-yield wells, where maximizing every gallon is essential. Submersible pumps also operate quietly, a benefit for homes with wells near living spaces.

Jet pumps are less efficient, particularly deep well models, as suction requires more energy and is affected by depth and pipe length. They’re noisier, which may be a drawback if installed near occupied areas. In low-yield wells, jet pumps can lose prime—failing to maintain suction—if water levels drop, disrupting supply. Regular priming and maintenance are needed to prevent this, especially in less permeable soils like clay.

Performance also depends on water demand. Households with high usage, such as large families or irrigation needs, benefit from submersible pumps’ ability to handle continuous operation. Jet pumps are better suited for moderate demands in shallow, high-yield wells, where their lower cost and accessibility outweigh efficiency concerns.

Practical Factors

Environmental conditions influence pump choice. In areas prone to flooding, jet pumps are vulnerable, as above-ground installations can be damaged by water exposure. Submersible pumps, fully submerged, are unaffected by surface flooding, making them ideal for flood-prone regions. In cold climates, jet pumps require protection from freezing, often needing insulated well houses, while submersible pumps are naturally insulated by the well’s depth.

Practical factors, like space and access, also matter. Jet pumps need a dedicated above-ground space, which may not suit properties with limited room. Submersible pumps, installed inside the well, require no surface space but demand clear wellhead access for maintenance. Local regulations may specify pump types or installation standards, so consult your health department or well contractor to ensure compliance.

The Well Harvester: A Solution for Low-Yield Wells

Low-yield wells, often found in clay or silty soils, face challenges like low pressure or intermittent supply, particularly during peak demand. The wrong pump can worsen these issues, but selecting the right one is only part of the solution. The Well Harvester is a transformative low yield well solution designed to optimize water output. Its patented system adjusts water extraction to match aquifer recharge rates, preventing overpumping and ensuring a consistent supply. Whether paired with a submersible pump, the Well Harvester enhances performance, delivering reliable water for homeowners and businesses.

Making the Right Pump Choice

Choosing between a submersible and jet pump depends on your well’s depth, yield, and specific needs. Jet pumps are ideal for shallow wells with high yields and permeable soils, offering affordability and easy maintenance. They suit small households or properties with moderate water demands but may struggle in low-yield wells or deeper systems.

Submersible pumps are better for deep wells, low-yield wells, or high-demand properties, providing efficiency, durability, and consistent performance. Their higher upfront cost is offset by longevity and reliability, especially in clay-heavy or drought-prone areas. For low-yield wells, submersible pumps paired with solutions like the Well Harvester can maximize water availability.

Consult a licensed well contractor to evaluate your well’s depth, soil type, and aquifer conditions. Reviewing water demand, budget, and local regulations will further guide your decision. By choosing the right pump, you can ensure a dependable water supply tailored to your property.

Powering Your Well with the Right Pump

The choice between a submersible and jet pump shapes your well’s performance, efficiency, and reliability. Well depth, water yield, soil type, and practical factors all play a role in determining the best option. For low-yield wells, selecting the right pump and integrating advanced solutions can overcome supply challenges.

Don’t let pump choice limit your water supply—contact us today to learn how the Well Harvester can enhance your well’s performance. Ensure a steady water future, no matter your well’s conditions.