Well Water – How Much Does it Cost to Have a Well Pump Professionally Installed vs. DIY?

WATER IS GAME CHANGER!!

Hey dr jones!

I’ve been through both scenarios—hiring a pro and attempting a DIY well pump installation—and I can share a bit about both options to help you decide.

1. Professional Installation Costs:

The cost to hire a professional well drilling company can vary depending on your location, the depth of the well, and the type of pump system you need. On average, professional well pump installation typically costs between $1,500 to $4,000 or more, with the well drilling itself potentially adding another $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the depth (deeper wells are more expensive).

This includes:

• Well drilling 
• Installation of the well pump
• Wiring, electrical connections
• Pressure tank installation

If you're just adding or replacing a pump to an existing well, the cost might be on the lower end of that range, especially if the well is already drilled and just needs the pump setup.

2. DIY Well Pump Installation:

It’s absolutely possible to install a well pump yourself, but it’s a bit more complex than it might first appear. Here are the main factors you’ll need to consider:

Tools and Equipment Needed:

• Submersible or Jet Pump: These are the two most common types of pumps used for wells. A submersible pump is placed down in the well, while a jet pump is typically placed above ground.
• Pipe: PVC pipe is commonly used for the vertical shaft that runs from the well to the surface.
• Pressure Tank: To store water and maintain pressure in your system.
• Wiring & Electrical Work: You’ll need to wire the pump and connect it to a breaker box. Make sure you’re familiar with electrical work or hire an electrician to handle this part.
• Tools: Basic hand tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.), a pump hoist (if using a submersible pump), and potentially a winch or pulley system for pulling the pump out of the well.

Skills and Knowledge Needed:

• Basic Plumbing & Electrical: You’ll need to understand how to handle PVC pipe fittings, connectors, and how to wire the pump to your electrical system. If you're not comfortable with electrical work, definitely have an electrician handle that part.
• Understanding Well Depth & Pump Sizing: You’ll need to calculate the right size pump for the depth of your well and the amount of water you need. A pump that’s too small won’t provide enough water, and one that’s too big could burn out or waste energy.
• Water Table & Flow Rate: Understanding your well’s flow rate (how many gallons per minute it can provide) is essential to choose the correct pump and avoid over-pumping.

Cost of DIY Installation:

• For a DIY install, your biggest expenses will be the pump itself, PVC piping, a pressure tank, and any electrical supplies. All in, expect to spend between $500 to $2,000, depending on the pump type, materials, and depth of your well.
• Pro Tip: If you’re doing the digging yourself (or if the well is already drilled), this can save a lot of money.

.We built a "Derick" about 12 feet high and hand drilled with an auger for many days a nd may feet (i think 30 total)  The whole kept filling with water and we coud not go any deeper and gave up

Challenges of DIY:

• Well Depth: If the well is deep, hauling a submersible pump out of the well can be physically challenging. You may need specialized equipment (like a hoist or pulley system) to pull the pump from the well, especially if it’s over 100 feet deep.
• Electrical Connections: If you're not familiar with electrical work, you might need professional help to safely wire the pump to your power system.
• Water Quality and Testing: Once installed, you'll need to test your water quality and ensure the system is functioning properly. You don’t want to skip on this part, especially if your well draws from a deep aquifer.

Conclusion: DIY or Professional?

Highly recomment just saving up and hiring a pro drilling company - they pull the permits and leave with running water

Hope that helps! If you have more specific questions about pump types or how to size a system, feel free to ask. Good luck with your project!