How Long Does a Well Pump Last? An SC Well Man's Answer

How long does a well pump last? Most give you 10 to 15 years. Grundfos, one of the big pump makers, says to expect more than 10 on average. We've pulled pumps that ran far longer and pumps that died young. The number on the calendar matters less than what the pump lived through. Austin Drilling has been pulling pumps in South Carolina for 66 years, and here's what we see.

How long does a well pump last in South Carolina?

A submersible pump down in the well usually lands in that 10 to 15 year range. An above-ground jet pump tends to give out sooner. It sits in the weather and works harder to pull water up.

But our water is hard on equipment. Clemson Extension says more than 20% of South Carolinians drink from a private well. Plenty of those wells carry iron, minerals or sand. Some run acidic. Clemson notes that water below a pH of 6.5 can corrode pipes and fixtures. A pump sitting in that water every day feels it too.

What kills a well pump early?

Starts kill pumps. Every time the motor kicks on, it takes a jolt. A waterlogged pressure tank makes the pump start over and over, sometimes every few seconds. That's short cycling, and it can wear out a young pump in a few years.

Running dry is next. A pump that loses its water runs hot and cooks its seals.

Then there's what's in the water. Sand grinds the impellers. Iron and hard water leave scale behind. Acidic water eats at metal. And lightning finds rural wells more often than people think, usually at the control box.

My pump is only 8 years old. Why is it acting up?

One homeowner wrote us exactly this. Their water started coming in slow, on and off, and the system was only 8 years old. Is the pump dying? It might be, but often it isn't.

At that age, the pump is usually the victim, not the cause. The usual suspects are a pressure tank that lost its air charge, a worn pressure switch, or a check valve letting water slide back down the well. Fix the pump and leave the tank alone, and the new pump starts dying the same way. Our page on pressure tank problems walks through what a bad tank looks like.

Should you replace an old pump before it fails?

If it's past 15 years and showing signs, plan for it. Watch for low pressure, a pump that runs longer than it used to, a higher power bill or sputtering faucets. Our list of signs your well pump is failing covers the rest.

If it's old but quiet and the water is good, there's no rule saying you have to pull it. Some homeowners would rather pick the day than wake up to no water on a Saturday. That's a fair choice. Ask us to check it and we'll tell you straight. Our well pump replacement cost guide explains what goes into the price when the day comes.

How can you make a well pump last longer?

Keep the pressure tank healthy. Test your water so you know what the pump is sitting in. Treat sand, iron and low pH instead of letting the pump eat it. Fix a running toilet or a dripping outside spigot, since small leaks keep the pump cycling. And have a well company look at the whole system every few years, not only when it quits.

FAQ

How long does a well pump last on average?

Most last 10 to 15 years. Hard water, sand, short cycling and running dry can cut that short.

How long does a submersible well pump last?

A submersible usually lasts longer than a jet pump because it sits underwater, out of the weather.

Why did my well pump die so young?

Usually something else wore it out. A waterlogged tank, a bad switch, a low well or rough water are the common causes. Find that before you replace the pump.

Is a 20-year-old well pump worth repairing?

Usually not. At that age a repair buys time on a motor that's already worn. Austin Drilling will tell you honestly if a repair makes sense.

Call Austin Drilling before the water stops

If your pump is getting older or acting strange, call before it quits. Austin Drilling handles pump service across the Midlands and Upstate. West Columbia is (803) 926-5402 and Newberry is (803) 926-7080, Monday through Friday, 7am to 6pm, Saturdays by appointment. Tell us how old your pump is and what it's doing, and we'll keep your water on.