Well Pump Options: Jet or Submersible

If you’ve been researching well pumps online you might have noticed that there’s two common types of pumps – the jet and the submersible pump. What’s the difference between these two options?

Jet pump – The jet pump is primarily used when the water table is high. Because the water is already so close to the surface, it can be collected much more easily. A jet pump is powered by an electric motor, which helps it to suction water up out of the earth. If your water table is more than 25 feet deep, a jet pump can still be used, it would just need to be configured for a deep-well system.

Submersible pump – If your water table is much lower, suction simply won’t do the trick. A submersible pump is located right inside the well rather than above it. The motor in this style pump drives water up the pipes and into the plumbing system of the home. Submersible pumps are generally more efficient than jet pumps, and last quite a long time. However, any repairs will need to be done by a professional plumber since it requires pulling the pump from the well casing.