Deep Well Pump Guide: Types, Sizing & How to Choose

October 23, 2024 |

A deep well pump moves water out of wells deeper than about 25 feet, where a surface suction pump can no longer lift it. For most deep wells, a submersible pump set below the water level is the best choice: it pushes water up from 100 to 400+ feet, runs quietly, and needs no priming. A deep well jet pump is a lower-cost option for wells up to about 100 feet. Choose by well depth, flow rate (a typical household needs 6–12 gallons per minute) and horsepower, then confirm the pump fits your well diameter.

How a deep well pump works

Surface pumps pull water with suction, which limits them to shallow wells. Deep well pumps get around that limit in two ways. A submersible pump sits inside the well underwater: a sealed motor drives a stack of impellers that pushes water up the drop pipe to your pressure tank, so it can serve wells hundreds of feet deep. A deep well jet pump stays at the surface and uses a jet assembly in the well to help lift the water. It works at moderate depths but loses efficiency as the well gets deeper.

Deep well pump types compared

Type	Best for	Typical depth	Advantages	Trade-offs
Submersible pump	Wells deeper than 100 ft; homes, farms and light commercial use	100–400+ ft	Efficient, durable and quiet (sound is muffled underwater); no priming needed	Harder to install and pull because it is lowered into the well
Deep well jet pump	Moderate-depth wells where easy surface service matters	Up to about 100 ft	Easier to install and maintain; the pump stays out of the well	Less efficient in very deep wells; needs priming

How to size a deep well pump

Well depth: the most important factor. Past 100 feet, a submersible is the practical choice.
Flow rate (GPM): a typical household needs 6–12 GPM. Add demand for livestock, irrigation or a commercial process.
Horsepower and head: higher horsepower handles more depth and flow but draws more power. Size to your total dynamic head (lift plus pressure and friction losses), not just the biggest motor.
Well diameter: the pump has to fit the casing. Compact 3-inch pumps such as the Grundfos SQ are built for narrower casings; 4-inch pump ends cover larger wells.
Power supply: confirm voltage (115V or 230V) before you order.
Efficiency: an energy-efficient pump costs more up front and less to run, which pays off on a well that runs every day.

Deep well pump options from Environmental Equipment + Supply

Pump	Fits / flow	Best for	Price (purchase)
Grundfos SQ Pump	3-inch submersible; 5 to 30 GPM; 100–115V or 200–240V	Home water wells, light commercial, irrigation and tank applications; built-in low-voltage, lightning and dry-run protection	1,369–2,315
Grundfos SQE Pump	Companion to the SQ; see the SQ vs. SQE comparison	Homeowners comparing SQ, SQE, SP and Redi-Flo models. See our Grundfos submersible pump comparison	1,628–2,750
Franklin 3200 Series	4-inch wells; reduced-diameter pump end; 5, 7 or 10 GPM; 1/2 to 1.5 HP; 115V or 230V	Tight or encrusted 4-inch wells and deeper set depths; stainless steel or thermoplastic	752–1,905
Grundfos 4in Groundwater Pump Ends	4-inch pump ends	Building or replacing a 4-inch submersible system	673–3,062

Prices are the current ranges on envisupply.com and vary by model. Sales of Franklin 3200 pumps are final, and Grundfos SQ sales are final unless there is a warranty issue, so confirm depth, flow and voltage with our team before ordering.

Rent or buy?

A pump that supplies a home, farm or facility is a purchase. Rentals make sense for temporary work, such as sampling or purging groundwater from deep monitoring wells. For example, the Royal Eijkelkamp MP 1/Redi-Flo2 rents for $100 per day, $450 per week or $1,575 per month and reaches up to 275 feet of total dynamic head. If you need equipment for a short project, browse our rental pumps.

Installation and maintenance basics

Permits: check local requirements before installing or replacing a well pump.
Casing inspection: have the casing checked before installation so debris and contaminants stay out.
Power: run a reliable supply close to the well, with weather protection.
Priming: jet pumps need priming; submersible pumps do not.
Service: have the pump inspected and serviced professionally once a year, and protect it from freezing in cold climates.

For help with low pressure, short cycling or no water, see our submersible pump maintenance and troubleshooting guide. For SQ and SQE installs, see the Grundfos SQ/SQE well pump installation and maintenance guide.

Frequently asked questions

How does a deep well pump work?

A deep well pump pushes or lifts water from below the point where suction alone can reach. A submersible pump sits underwater and uses a sealed motor and impellers to push water to the surface. A deep well jet pump stays above ground and uses a jet assembly in the well. Either way, the water is delivered to a pressure tank or storage system.

How deep can a deep well pump go?

Submersible pumps are commonly used in wells from 100 to 400+ feet, depending on the model and horsepower. Deep well jet pumps are generally used in wells up to about 100 feet. Always check the manufacturer’s pump curve for your model. The Grundfos SQ/SQE pump curves show output at each head.

What size deep well pump do I need for a house?

Start with well depth, water level and household demand. Most homes need 6–12 GPM, and the pump has to deliver that flow against your total dynamic head. Because sizing depends on your specific well, contact our team with your depth, casing diameter and voltage and we’ll help you match a pump.

Need help choosing a deep well pump?

Browse our submersible groundwater pumps and full pump catalog, or contact us or call 717.901.8891 to talk with a specialist.