6 Best Submersible Well Pumps For Private Wells (June 2023)

Read this guide to learn about the best submersible pumps available for private wells today, based on durability, quality of design, reliability, and value for money.

🥇 Best Submersible Well Pump

📊 Comparison Chart of Best Submersible Well Pump in 2023

ProductHallmark Industries
Hallmark Industries Deep Well Submersible Pump
Flotec
Flotec Submersible Deep Well Pump
Red Lion
Red Lion Submersible Deep Well Pump
Vevor
Vevor Deep Well Submersible Pump
Grundfos
Grundfos Submersible Water Well Pump
Schraiberpump
Schraiberpump Deep Well Submersible Pump
Ranking1st2nd3rd4th5th6th
Ratings5/54.5/54.5/54.5/54/54/5
Price$$$$$$$$$$$$
Horsepower1/2 to 3 HP1/2 HP-1 HP1/2-1 1/2 HP1/2-3 HP1/2-1 HP3/4-3HP
Flow Rate13-35 GPMUp to 20 GPM12-22 GPM24-42 GPM5-10 GPM21-92 GPM
Power sourceACAC/DCCorded ElectricCorded ElectricAC/DCAC
Depth150-625 ft300 ft548 ft630 ft300 ft700+ ft
Wirings232-3 n/a22
Warranty1 year3 years3 years3 years2 years1 year

⭐ Reviews – Best Submersible Well Pump 2023

This pump is available in the following sizes/configurations (scroll 👉 to see more options)

ConfigBuy on Amazon
25 GPM 1/2 HP, 110V
25 GPM 1/2 HP, 230V
3", 13 GPM 3/4 HP, 230V
33 GPM, 1 HP, 110V
25 GPM, 1 HP, 230V
30 GPM, 1 HP, 230V
33 Gpm 2HP, 230V
4" 35 GPM 2 HP, 230V
35 GPM 3 HP, 230V

Key Features:

  • Lightweight and powerful – The Hallmark Industries submersible well pump combines practicality with durability thanks to its lightweight, powerful design. You can buy this pump in powers ranging from 1/2 to 3 HP, so there’s a suitable pump for most well depths and sizes.
  • Built-in control box – Most of the well pumps sold by this manufacturer have a built-in control box, meaning that you don’t have to worry about paying for and installing an external control box.
  • 13-35 GPM – You can buy this submersible well pump in flow rates from 13 to 35 GPM. The ideal flow rate range for the average household is 15-25.
  • Wiring included – The well pump comes with around 10-12.5 feet of wiring (depending on the pump you buy), which you will need to splice to additional wire to get it up to the power source.

Best For:

Folks who want to spend their money sensibly on one of the most popular and highly-reviewed submersible well pumps for residential use, favored for its durability, affordability, and handy built-in control box.

Pros:

  • It’s great to see so many features on this pump that promote durability and should enable you to get decades of use out of your purchase. The entire pump is made from strong and heavy-duty stainless steel, and has built-in thermal protection which reduces the likelihood of motor failure.
  • We appreciate this pump’s reliable operation. It switches on and off smoothly, and doesn’t rattle the casing during its cycles, which is a promising sign for long-term reliability.
  • The Hallmark Industries customer service is genuinely helpful and easy to access. The headquarters are in Chicago and you can use the support line 9-5 on weekdays, so it’s easy to get help if you need it.

Cons:

  • Some of the pump configurations don’t come with a check valve, so you’ll need to purchase one separately, and some use a plastic check valve with might reduce the pump’s reliability (we recommend buying a separate valve made from brass).
  • The warranty is only 1 year, which doesn’t seem like long for a pump that should last decades.

This pump is available in the following sizes/configurations (scroll 👉 to see more options)

ConfigBuy on AmazonBuy at Walmart
1/2hp 110 V
2-Wire 4 Inch, 1/2 HP
3-Wire 4 Inch, 230V 0.7 HP
3-Wire 4 Inch, 230 V 1 HP
3-Wire, 230V 1/2 HP
3-Wire 4 Inch,1 HP

Key Features:

  • 3-wire design – The Flotec Submersible Pump uses 3 wires, rather than 2 wires, which means that the motor is connected by a black, red, yellow, and green (ground) wire and a separate control box is used to house the starting components.
  • Durable stainless steel housing – All pump configurations use durable corrosion-resistant stainless steel housing that’s intended to last for upwards of 10 years.
  • Up to 20 GPM – This Flotec pump comes in flow rates up to 20 GPM, so it’s suitable for the majority of residential uses.
  • 3 year warranty – The 3-year warranty is great from this brand, but check where you buy from. The warranty might not be honored when buying from certain manufacturers.

Best for:

Anyone who prefers the convenience and easy maintenance benefits of a 3-wire pump and wants to buy from one of the most trusted, well-known submersible pump brands.

Pros:

  • 3-wire pumps like this Flotec pump have a few benefits over 2-wire pumps: they make it cheaper and easier to maintain the pump’s starting components and eliminate the need to pull the pump out of the well system when you want to inspect it.
  • This Flotec pump is a particularly good choice for sandy wells thanks to its floating stack design, which is resistant to wear and tear from sucking sand and gravel and reduces sand locking.
  • The installation instructions are thorough and clear from Flotec, and there are diagrams to help you better understand the process visually. Check the manual here.

Cons:

  • Flotec’s well pumps are a bit pricier than similar pumps from other manufacturers – you pay more for the reputable brand.
  • With its 3-wire design, this pump needs a slightly more complex (and likely more expensive) installation than 2-wire pumps.

This pump is available in the following sizes/configurations (scroll 👉 to see more options)

ConfigBuy on AmazonBuy at Walmart
4-inch 2-Wire, 12 GPM 1/2 HP 115V
4-inch 2-Wire, 12 GPM 1/2 HP 230V
4-inch 2-Wire, 12 GPM 3/4 HP 230V
4-inch 3 w/Control Box, 12 GPM 3/4 HP 230V
4-inch 2-Wire, 12 GPM 1 HP 230V
4-inch 3-Wire, 22 GPM 1 HP 230V
4-inch 3-Wire, 12 GPM 1-1/2-HP 230V

Key Features:

  • 1/2 – 1 1/2 horsepower – The horsepower rating for this pump is from 1/2 to 1 1/2 HP. Because of the motor’s efficiency, it requires less power to provide the flow and pressure, so a high-horsepower motor isn’t necessary.
  • 12-22 GPM flow rate – There are different flow rates for the different pump sizes. 12 GPM is the most common, but you can upgrade to the 22 GPM 1 HP pump if you have a bigger well or high water demands.
  • NSF/ANSI/CAN certified – Red Lion’s well pumps have an NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 certification, which means they use food-grade components that won’t contaminate your well water system.
  • 2- and 3-wire options – You can choose between 2-wire and 3-wire pumps depending on your budget and installation/maintenance preferences. We recommend upgrading to a 3-wire pump if you’re buying the 1 HP or the 1 1/2 HP pump.

Best for:

People who want to buy a reliable submersible pump from a trusted manufacturer, and folks who value high quality at a reasonable price.

Pros:

  • You truly get reliability from a renowned brand with this pump. Red Lion has been manufacturing well pumps for almost 100 years, and knows what it takes to build an advanced, efficient submersible pump.
  • We appreciate that the base-level flow rate for this well pump is 12 GPM, which is powerful for most wells of around 100-500 feet deep.
  • There are a few features of the Red Lion pump that reassure us of its durability, including the built-in suction screen, which protects the impellers by keeping debris out, and the built-in check valve that extends the motor life by reducing the likelihood of rapid cycling.

Cons:

  • Again, because of Red Lion’s reputation, you pay more for a pump made by this manufacturer.
  • There are some plastic parts, which is a shame given the price you pay.

This pump is available in the following sizes/configurations (scroll 👉 to see more options)

ConfigBuy on AmazonBuy at Walmart
0.5HP 115V/60Hz, 28gpm
0.5HP 230V/60Hz, 28gpm
1 HP 110 V/60 Hz, 33GPM
1.5 HP 110V/60Hz, with 131ft Cable, 24 GPM
1.5HP 115V/60Hz, 37gpm
1.5HP 230V/60Hz, 37gpm
2HP 230V/60Hz, 37GPM
3HP 230V/60Hz, 37GPM
3 HP 220V/50 Hz, 42 GPM

Key Features:

  • Durable build – The Vevor Deep Well Submersible Pump is built with durability in mind, with a stainless steel body (including the connecting components and outlet) that’s resistant to rust and corrosion.
  • 0.5 HP to 3 HP – You’ll find a pump with the right horsepower for you since there are 5 different horsepower increments to choose from: 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2. and 3 HP. 0.5-1.5 HP should be fine for most residential use cases.
  • High flow rates available – You can buy this pump in flow rates from 24 GPM to 42 GPM, and the heavy-duty thermoplastic impellers are built to provide the intended flow and a high lift.
  • Affordable cost – The smallest pump starts at just over $100, and prices don’t exceed $200 for any model.

Best For:

Anyone with a small budget who wants a great-value well pump that’s similar in design and function to competing higher-priced models.

Pros:

  • Price is the biggest selling point for this pump. It’s up to half the price of similar water pumps sold by other brands.
  • The Vevor submersible pump has many of the same features as its more expensive competitors, including a durable stainless steel construction and built-in filtration mesh that protects the impellers from sediment.
  • It’s good to see all the necessary safety features that promote longevity, too, like the built-in overheat protection, which prompts the motor to automatically stop in abnormal situations.

Cons:

  • This is another well pump that uses a plastic check valve, which, from our own experience, just won’t last. We recommend installing a good metal valve near the pump.
  • The cord length could be longer.

This pump is available in the following sizes/configurations (scroll 👉 to see more options)

ConfigBuy on Amazon
5GPM 1/2HP 200-240V
3", 10GPM 1/2 HP 115V
10GPM, 2 Wire, 1/2 HP 230 V
4.4GPM 3/4 HP 230V
3″, 10GPM 1HP 200-240V

Key Features:

  • Varied flows & horsepower – The Grundfos Submersible Water Well Pump comes in flow rates from 5 to 10 GPM, with a horsepower rating of 1/2 to 1 HP.
  • Protected performance – The stainless steel pump has overload protection to prevent clogging from debris, and is water lubricated to protect the pump if the well water supply runs low.
  • Suitable for private wells & small-scale irrigation – You can use this pump in a private well or a small-scale groundwater irrigation setup.
  • 2-year warranty – Your purchase is protected by a 2-year warranty when you buy a submersible well pump from Grundfos.

Best for:

People who can afford to stretch their budgets to consider a premium, top-of-the-range pump that’s sold by another big name in the submersible well pump industry.

Pros:

  • The Grundfos Submersible Water Well Pump is one of the best submersible well water pumps made today, using state-of-the-art hydraulics for an efficient, low-cost performance.
  • There are a few unique features of this pump that you won’t find from competitors, like the soft-start, the dry-run protection and motor burnout protection, the over- and under-voltage protection, and the impellers’ wear resistance.
  • We love the variable speed driver motor, which matches water demand by altering the pump speed so you get guaranteed constant pressure.

Cons:

  • Grundfos pumps are very expensive (some more than $1,000), so they’re out of many people’s budgets.
  • The manufacturer recommends installing a Grundfos CU 301 control box along with this pump, which is an additional expense.

This pump is available in the following sizes/configurations (scroll 👉 to see more options)

ConfigBuy on AmazonBuy at Walmart
4″, 21 GPM 3/4HP 115V
4″, 21 GPM 1HP 230V
4″, 22 GPM 1HP, 230v
4″, 21 GPM 1.5HP 230v
4″, 22 GPM 1.5HP 230v
4″, 21GPM 2HP 230v
4″, 22 GPM 2HP, 230v
4″, 92 GPM 2HP 230V
4", 21 GPM 3HP 230V
4", 22 GPM 3HP, 230v
4", 71 GPM 3HP, 230V

Key Features:

  • 21-92 GPM pump – You can buy this Schraiberpump submersible water pump in flow rates from 21 GPM to 92 GPM. The most common flow rates for residential use are the 21-22 GPM models.
  • 2-wire & 3-wire options – Most Schraiberpump pumps are 2-wire pumps, meaning that they don’t need a separate starter, so hookup is quick and easy and requires less wire. Schaiberpump also sells a couple of 3-wire options that come with a separate control box.
  • Built-in check valve – The pump prevents backflow of water into the pump and backspin of the impellers, but you’ll need to buy a separate external check valve if you plan to pump into a pressure system.
  • 2-year warranty – All submersible well pumps made by Schraiberpump are backed by a decent 2-year warranty (note that damage caused by sediment isn’t covered under the warranty terms).

Best For:

Anyone looking specifically for a 2-wire pump who wants lots of flow rate and horsepower options to choose from, making it easy to find the ideal pump size and flow for different water needs.

Pros:

  • You get great value for money from this pump. It’s not the cheapest on this list, but it’s priced competitively with most other similar pumps.
  • We love that there are so many 2-wire options to choose from, but you get the same key quality and durability features regardless of the pump type you buy.
  • The 2-wire design is more affordable and means you don’t need a separate control box, so it’s quicker and easier to install.

Cons:

  • You’ll need to buy your own external spring-loaded check valve for this system, which comes at an extra cost.
  • The wiring is a little flimsy considering the high motor power, which makes us question durability.

🧾 Buyer’s Guide: How To Buy The Best Submersible Well Pump

In this section, we’ve covered everything you need to know to buy the best submersible pump for your requirements.

Understanding How Submersible Pumps Work

There’s a lot of confusing data and lingo in the submersible well pump world, so it’s good to learn the basics of how submersible pumps work before you start your search.

Submersible pumps are well pumps that are designed to be installed underground, at the bottom of the well. They’re about 2-4 feet long, with a cylindrical shape and a diameter of 3-5 inches.

These pumps contain a motor and an electric cable, which travels from the power source to the pump’s underground location.

The key distinguishing performance feature of a submersible well pump is that it uses centrifugal force to push water to the surface of the ground.

This is different from above-ground jet pumps, which suck water up from the well.

When the pump is switched on, its impellers rotate, sucking water inside the pump. This water is then pushed up the well and into your home’s well pressure tank.

When the pressure tank is full and the pump switches off, electricity to the pump is shut off until the pressure tank needs to be refilled once more.

Components of a well water system

How To Buy The Right Submersible Pump Size

Submersible pumps come in a plethora of sizes, and buying the right size pump is essential to ensure you get the correct flow of water for your household size and water needs.

Why do different submersible pump sizes exist? Because the water table has varying depths and homes have their own unique plumbing systems and water delivery needs. A single pump size wouldn’t work properly for all well setups, which is why you should put a lot of research and effort into working out the correct well pump size for your well.

If you’re hiring a professional contractor to drill your well, they should provide this information for you. But if you’re installing the pump yourself or you just want to understand how to size a pump, here’s what you need to know:

GPM and TDH

The two numbers that are the most helpful in helping you to correctly size a well pump are

  • GPM – Stands for gallons per minute, refers to the volume of water that a household plumbing system needs to supply to meet water demands
  • TDH – Stands for total dynamic head, refers to the total amount of system pressure where water can flow upward through a system before resistance from gravity takes over

How To Determine GPM

Let’s start by looking at how to determine your required well water pump flow rate.

You can use one of the two following methods to get a rough estimate of your water demand and the most suitable GPM rating for you:

Method 1: Count Your Fixtures

A quick and easy way to determine flow rate is to count the number of fixtures, including sinks, washing machines, showers, outside hose outlets, toilets, pools, and dishwashers, in your home.

Assign 1 gallon per minute to every picture. So, if you have a total of 10 fixtures in your home, you’ll need a 10 GPM flow rate to meet your household’s water needs.

Method 2: Base Flow Rate On Peak Demand

Another method is to base your required flow rate on your home’s peak demand over 7 minutes (the average time period of maximum water usage in a washing machine, shower, etc.).

A 2-bathroom home has an average 98-gallon peak demand, which requires an incoming flow rate of 14 gallons per minute. You can search online to find your ideal GPM for the number and bathrooms and bedrooms your home has.

Keep in mind that the actual flow rate provided by your chosen well pump depends on the depth at which the pump is installed. The deeper the well, the lower the flow rate once the water reaches the pressure tank.

So, a well water pump with a 14 GPM flow rate at 40 feet deep will likely have a reduced flow rate of 12 GPM at 80 feet deep.

water Flow rate

How To Determine Total Dynamic Head

Total dynamic head (TDH) is more difficult to measure but is equally important to get right if you want to accurately size a submersible pump for your well.

TDH measures the total resistance encountered by a pump, which means that static water depth, frictional losses in the pipe, well depth, and water travel distance must all be considered.

The sum for calculating TDH is:

Drawdown + Frictional Losses in Pipe Vertical Lift + Operating Pressure = TDH

Some of the key terms that will help you to understand how to calculate TDH are:

  • Drawdown level/pumping level – The level that water sits at when the pump isn’t on. This level typically drops when the pump is switched on. You will need to work out the distance (in feet) from the top of the well to the drawdown level.
  • Friction loss in pipe – The resistance encountered by the water when flowing through the pipes in your plumbing. Friction loss depends on your pipe length, width, and materials.
  • Vertical lift – The distance (in feet) from the top of the well to the highest point that water will rise to (the top of the pressure tank).
  • Operating/service pressure – Operating pressure, or service pressure, is the water pressure in your home and typically ranges between 30-80 PSI.

Reading The Manufacturer’s Curve Chart

You can now bring all this information together to determine the best-sized pump for your home by referencing the manufacturer’s curve chart.

All good manufacturers should share a curve chart for each of their pump configurations that tells you the pump’s performance capabilities based on testing.

You can use a curve chart to determine how many gallons per minute a pump is capable of pumping, how many feet, and the ideal operating performance for efficiency. Compare this information to your GPM and TDH findings to choose a pump that’s suitably sized for your home.

Confused? Speak to a licensed professional. A professional well pump installer can help you determine the right submersible pump for your needs.

2-Wire vs 3-Wire Pumps

There are two wire options that you’ll come across when shopping for submersible pumps: 2-wire pumps and 3-wire pumps.

The key difference between tow two is that a 2-wire pump isn’t accessed by a control box, while a 3-wire pump is. Having a separate control box is advantageous because it means that accessing some of the pump’s major components can be done above-ground, so maintenance and repairs are easier.

A 2-wire pump houses these components underground, in the pump, which means that installation is quicker and easier, and breakdowns aren’t as common due to all the components being stored in the same location.

Three-wire well pump

Consider Your Well Depth & Horsepower Requirements

You already know how to choose a pump with the right flow rate, but what about horsepower?

Submersible well pumps for residential use are typically in three horsepower options:

  • 1/2 HP
  • 3/4 HP
  • 1 HP

You can also find pumps with 2 HP and 3 HP settings if you have a very large or deep well, or you need a pump for commercial use.

In a deep well, the pump must work harder to lift water to the surface compared to a shallower well. So, an increased horsepower is required.

As horsepower increases, so does the pump’s flow rate potential at greater depths. You can use the manufacturer’s curve chart to work out the best HP for your submersible pump based on what you already know about your GPM and TDH.

Understanding Pump Voltage

There are three common voltages for submersible well pumps:

  • 230 volts
  • 110 volts
  • 115 volts

230V is the standard voltage for a submersible pump and is recommended in most cases. However, pumps that are intended for shallower wells don’t require the same power and may do fine with 110V or 115V.

If you’re not sure, we advise buying a 230V pump to ensure you have sufficient power for supplying water from your well at all times.

Consider Your Budget

Your budget is one of the most important factors to consider when you’re deciding on a suitable submersible well pump.

Smaller submersible pumps cost as little as $150-$350, while larger pumps may cost upwards of $1,000.

Remember, you’re probably not only paying for the pump – you will also need to budget for professional installation.

The average cost of buying and installing a submersible well pump is $1,000-$2,750.

It’s a good idea to get a quote from a professional well pump installer before you buy the pump, so you can be certain up-front that the installation is within budget.

Comparing Submersible Pumps To Jet Pumps

Submersible pumps are only one of the well pump options to choose from. If you’re still trying to decide between submersible and jet pumps for your well, consider the following:

  • Durability – Submersible pumps are designed to be durable and require minimal maintenance because of their inaccessibility once they’ve been installed. Jet pumps can last up to 20 years, while submersible pumps last 25+ years.
  • Maintenance – Jet pumps tend to be easier to maintain because they’re installed above ground. However, they often require more maintenance because they’re prone to cavitation (caused by excess air in the components).
  • Priming – Jet pumps need to be primed before use, while submersible pumps don’t need priming because they’re already submerged under water.
  • Design – Submersible pumps have a more efficient design than jet pumps because they push water upwards rather than sucking it from ground level. This reduces their mechanical workload and reduces their likelihood to develop technical issues.
  • Well suitability – Jet pumps are intended for shallower wells less than 25 feet below ground, while submersible well pumps can be used in wells as deep as 300 feet, sometimes even deeper.
  • Sound level – Jet pumps are noisier because they’re installed at ground level, while submersible pumps are deep below the ground, so noise isn’t an object.
Submersible versus jet pump

❔ Best Submersible Well Pumps: FAQ

What size submersible pump do I need for my well?

The right size submersible pump for your well depends on factors including your daily water demands, your well depth, the pump horsepower, and the size, material, and length of the pipes carrying water to your home. You can determine the most suitable pump size by working out your required flow rate (in GPM) and your total dynamic head (TDH).

Is it better to have a higher HP well pump?

The higher the pump’s HP, the better suited it is to a deeper well. However, you don’t necessarily need to buy the highest horsepower pump you can find. A good HP range for residential use is 1/2 HP to about 2 HP. It’s unlikely that you’ll need a 3 HP pump for your private well.

What is the best brand of submersible pump?

Some of our top recommended brands for submersible well pumps are Hallmark Industries, Flotec, Red Lion, Vevor, Grundfos, and Schraiberpump. Make sure your chosen brand has enough industry experience, positive customer feedback, and professional recommendations to be considered reputable and reliable.

What is better: 2 or 3-wire submersible well pump?

A 3-wire pump is generally considered the better option if the pump motor is 1.5 HP or higher, which will ensure that the motor starts and runs properly. A 2-wire setup is usually fine for less powerful pumps. Speak to your local well contractor if you’re unsure.

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