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From showers to dishes to drinking water, water is an essential part of our daily lives. And just as important is keeping that water safe and clean. If, like 43 million other Americans, you get your water from a well, the CDC recommends that you have a well pump service inspect your well every year. This is to check not only for mechanical issues but also to ensure there are no harmful contaminants such as bacteria, arsenic, or lead.
If you’re looking for a well pump service, this guide will help you navigate which is the right company for your needs.
- BEST OVERALL: Mr. Rooter
- BEST IN THE NORTHEAST: Jones Services
- BEST IN THE MID-ATLANTIC: Tri-County Pumps
- BEST IN THE MIDWEST: Steffl Drilling & Pump
- BEST IN THE WEST: Hydrocurrent Well Services
What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Well Pump Services
Your well pump is the critical link between groundwater and your home’s water flow, so making sure it is well cared for can prevent long-term problems. When deciding on who to hire for your well pump service, there are a number of things to consider including cost, licensing, and specific services a company offers. Whether you have a deep water well or a shallow pump, a professional pump service should be able to service both kinds.
Availability and scheduling will come into play as well. If you’ve been putting off your inspection, or if your pump is broken, you’ll need a company that can come sooner rather than later.
Estimates and Pricing
When it comes to the cost of a well pump service, costs vary from company to company and can depend on whether the pump service charges by the hour or a flat rate. For a basic inspection, you’ll likely pay between $100 to $150. If your well pump requires repairs, the price will go up to anywhere from around $340 to $1,500. Should you need replacement of your well pump, expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,500.
The rate for well pump plumbers is typically around $50 per hour. This is usually on top of a service fee of $100 to $150. Expect to pay up to double that for weekend or emergency service.
Most companies will offer an estimate up front, though it isn’t always free. However, some will waive the estimate fee should you end up hiring them.
Availability and Scheduling
The availability of the company will likely factor into who you hire. Services such as routine maintenance or an annual inspection can be scheduled in advance at a time that is convenient for you, but a more urgent problem will require more immediate attention.
Many people prefer a company that is fairly close to their home and offers emergency or same-day repair services along with routine maintenance.
Licensing and Insurance
Although each state has different requirements for licensing for well pump installers, the company you hire should not only be licensed but also bonded and insured.
Contractors liability insurance will protect the company, its employees, your property, and you in case of an accident or injury. A bond is essentially a line of credit a company has that assures they will perform the work or pay for it if they are unable to provide. All the companies on our list are licensed, bonded, and insured.
Customer Support
Whether it’s coordinating a consultation or answering questions after an install, customer support is a big component of the kind of service that well pump companies provide. Because it’s such a specialized field, it’s crucial that the company be available to answer common questions that homeowners have.
Knowing that you can get a hold of someone by phone or online when you need them, including in emergency situations, is an important part of the equation, as well as knowing the customer support extends into the future, even after you’ve paid the bill.
Additional Services
Exactly what services a well pump company provides can vary. For example, if you are putting in a well, you may want to find a company that can do it all: drilling, installation, and maintenance. If you have an existing well, finding a company that does regular maintenance may be all you need.
Some companies offer well plumbing along with general household plumbing services, making it convenient for homeowners to have one trusted plumber.
Keep in mind that not all companies offer emergency repairs, and if they do, they may not offer guaranteed same-day service. However, a broken pump doesn’t wait for Monday morning—it can happen anytime.
Our Top Picks
When evaluating the best well pump companies, we looked for things such as services offered, area of service, pricing transparency, online scheduling, and quotes for rates.
Best Overall
Mr. Rooter
- Service area: Nationwide
- Scheduling: Online and phone
- Emergency service: Yes
- Customer support: Email and phone
- Additional services: Household plumbing, emergency plumbing
Pros
- Nationwide availability
- Transparent flat-rate pricing
- Satisfaction guarantee on workmanship and parts
Cons
- Prices may be relatively high
Why It Made the Cut: Mr. Rooter offers nationwide service, including general plumbing services, making it both convenient and reliable. Mr. Rooter is a nationwide plumbing service that offers well pump and emergency plumbing services. The company offers convenient scheduling and customer support both online or via phone. The flat-rate price transparency means you’ll have your quote before the work starts. Though the prices may be relatively high compared to some other services, the company stands behind its work with a satisfaction guarantee on both parts and labor. Should something go wrong, the company will return and fix the issue free of charge within a certain window; depending on what work was done, the window is typically between 30 and 90 days.
Best in the Northeast
Jones Services
- Service area: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania
- Scheduling: Phone
- Emergency service: Yes
- Customer support: Phone
- Additional services: Heating, cooling, household plumbing, electrical
Pros
- Pricing and financing options available on website
- Diagnostic fees waived if same-day service cannot be completed
- Membership service plans available for regular maintenance at lower costs
Cons
- The homeowner may have to pay for the estimate
Why It Made the Cut: Jones Services offers an array of services beyond plumbing along with up-front pricing and customer financing. Jones Services covers New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania and wins for best in the Northeast in part because of its easy-to-find prices right on the website. It also offers customer financing which you can apply for on the company’s site. While it may charge you for the estimate, it offers a same-day guarantee: If the company can’t make an emergency repair visit the same day, you don’t pay. Jones Services stands out with its unique membership plan which includes regular maintenance at lower costs. Because it offers additional services including general household plumbing, cooling, heating, and electrical, this could save customers money in the long run.
Best in the Mid-Atlantic
Tri-County Pumps
- Service area: Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia
- Scheduling: Phone
- Emergency service: Yes
- Customer support: Email and phone
- Additional services: Water treatment, household plumbing
Pros
- Technicians specialize in various types of well systems and pumps
- Eco-conscious solutions like solar pumps offered
- Real estate inspection and testing available
Cons
- Website is somewhat user-unfriendly
Why It Made the Cut: Tri-County Pumps specializes specifically in well and pump services including real estate testing and inspection. Tri-County Pumps specializes in well and pump services including home inspection, water testing and treatment, well pump services, and repairs. The company’s technicians are trained in a wide array of pump systems including solar pumps and other environmentally friendly and off-grid options, including eco-friendly products like solar pumps. They also perform testing and inspection for home sales and purchases, which not all companies offer. Tri-County Pumps also offers septic systems and household plumbing services. Though the website is somewhat difficult to navigate, you can call with questions and to schedule a visit.
Best in the Midwest
Steffl Drilling & Pump
- Service area: Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa
- Scheduling: Online or phone
- Emergency service: Yes
- Customer support: Email and phone
- Additional services: Well drilling and maintenance, abandoned well sealing
Pros
- Technicians can seal abandoned wells
- Initiatives to support and protect groundwater supplies
- Technicians specialize in residential, agricultural, municipal, and commercial well water solutions
Cons
- Limited scope of residential services offered
Why It Made the Cut: From drilling wells to repairing pumps, Steffl Drilling & Pump offers a full array of well-specific services for both residential and commercial customers. In addition to offering residential drilling, well installation, and maintenance, Steffl Drilling & Pump services commercial and agricultural clients. Its services also include geothermal drilling and installing and maintaining sprinkler pumps. Steffl can also seal abandoned wells, which is a niche service that not all plumbing or well service companies offer. The company is passionate about maintaining clean groundwater reserves. While you won’t find the company available for all your residential plumbing needs, it does offer the full A to Z range for all things related to wells.
Best in the West
Hydrocurrent Well Services
- Service area: California
- Scheduling: Email or phone
- Emergency service: No
- Customer support: Email and phone
- Additional services: Pump design, control panels, water treatment
Pros
- Four generations of well-service experience
- In-house pump design
- Initiatives to support and protect groundwater supplies
Cons
- No emergency services offered
Why It Made the Cut: The California-based Hydrocurrent Well Services goes back four generations and offers in-house pump design, which allows for more customization and better efficiency. Family owned for four generations, Hydrocurrent Well Services specializes in well pump servicing and water treatment, including the in-house design, building, and installation of custom pumps. These pumps allow for better efficiency because the system will be adjusted to a property’s particular needs. Hydrocurrent Well Services supports and protects groundwater supplies by installing and maintaining wells in such a way that keeps water clean and usable while also maximizing groundwater supply. While it doesn’t offer any emergency services, customers can easily book and find support online or by phone.
Our Verdict
Based on overall convenience, nationwide locations, and availability Mr. Rooter is the top pick for the best well pump service. With transparent pricing, financing, and membership discounts, Jones Services is a wallet-friendly way to keep your well pump running smoothly.
How We Chose the Best Well Pump Services
To determine the best well pump services, we researched dozens of contenders across the U.S. with a focus on companies that had a multi-state presence. The final list is based on evaluating relevant factors for each service, including services offered, specializations, eco-friendliness, sustainability, convenience, availability, and emergency same-day service options.
Before You Hire One of the Best Well Pump Services
While it may be tempting to just search “well repair near me” and pick the first one, it’s always a good idea to make sure your well pump service has been properly vetted. Having an expertly installed and maintained well is essential to keeping the water supply steady and your drinking water safe.
Well and pump service is a specialized business adjacent to household plumbing. Not all landowners need a well drilled or maintained, but if you own or are considering buying a house on well water, you will eventually be in the market for a well pump service.
While many will want to leave this service to the professionals, there are skilled homeowners who may prefer to choose their own well pump and install it, as well as perform some of the routine maintenance, including testing, treating, and repairs.
Cost of Using One of the Best Well Pump Services
The national average range for well pump service and repair can vary from about $340 to $1,500, depending largely on exactly what service you need.
For example, if you have a pressure switch failure, the fix for that ranges from $120 to $175. A leaking pipe can cost $150 to $300 to repair. If your well filtration system malfunctions, expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000. A total pump replacement ranges from $1,000 to $2,500.
A basic inspection will set you back $100 to $150. Most pump plumbers will charge a service fee of $100 to $150 plus $50 an hour for labor. Double these costs for emergency, same-day services. Many well pump services charge a flat rate and offer transparent, up-front pricing so you know what your fees are going to be before the work begins.
The Advantages of Using One of the Best Well Pump Services
Professional well and pump services specialize in making sure your water supply is clean and contaminate-free and that your pump maintains enough pressure to keep the water flowing. Unless you are highly skilled, this is not the type of service homeowners typically DIY.
Whether for showers, laundry, or watering crops, a well pump needs to function at its optimum. Hiring a dependable, vetted service is a key component to ensuring that will happen. Here are a few of the services that well and pump services offer.
- Help avoid costly repairs by performing regular maintenance
- Ensure your drinking water is safe
- Make sure you have the right well pump to accommodate your system’s needs
- Perform emergency or same-day services to make sure your family won’t go too long without water
FAQs
Deciding on the right well pump service without breaking the bank may seem challenging, but investing in a quality pump and a reputable service can save money in the long run. Here are some frequently asked questions about well pump companies to help guide you in your decisions.
Q. How often should a well pump be serviced?
Your well pump should be serviced annually to ensure it continues to run properly and so you can stay on top of any necessary repairs.
Q. How can I tell if my well pump needs to be serviced?
If your water pressure drops, your tank is making clicking noises or other loud sounds, faucets sputter, or your shower water goes from normal to scalding hot, your well pump may be failing.
Q. How much does well pump service cost on average?
The average cost for annual maintenance is $100 to $150. Repairs and replacement can add to that cost significantly and can range between $350 to $1,400 or more.
Q. Does homeowners insurance cover well pump repairs?
Your homeowners insurance may only cover well pump repairs if the well pump is damaged because of a covered peril such as lightning, fire, vandalism, or a major storm. If your well pump needs repairs because of normal wear and tear, neglect, or mechanical or electrical failure, your insurance will most likely not cover it.
Q. How long does a well pump repair take?
Total replacement of a well pump will typically take 3 to 4 hours, so a repair will likely take less time than that.
Q. Why is my well pump not building pressure?
You may have an electrical failure, such as a faulty pressure switch.
Q. What are some of the most common well pump issues?
Electrical failure at the controller or pressure switch; leaks in the pump’s mechanical seal, piping, or pressure tank; corrosion; bad valves; and broken water lines are some of the most common well pump issues.
