Submersible versus above ground, which is best?

Choosing between a submersible pump and an above-ground (jet) pump depends heavily on your well depth, water table, budget, and maintenance preferences. Each has distinct advantages:

1. Submersible Pumps

Submersible pumps sit entirely underwater inside the well casing and push water up to the surface.

• Pros:

  • Deep Well Capability: Highly efficient for wells deeper than 25 feet (and can easily handle hundreds of feet down).

  • Quieter Operation: Because they are submerged deep underground, you won't hear them running.

  • Higher Efficiency & Pressure: Since they push water rather than pull it, they maintain stronger water pressure and rarely lose their prime.

  • Less Maintenance: Being underwater keeps the motor cool and lubricated, reducing mechanical wear. They are also protected from freezing and surface weather.

• Cons:

  • Costly Repairs: If the pump fails, pulling it out of a deep well usually requires a professional crew and specialized equipment.

  • Harder to Inspect: You can't visually check the unit without pulling it up from the casing.

2. Above-Ground (Jet) Pumps

Jet pumps sit outside the well (in a wellhouse, basement, or utility room) and use suction to "pull" water up.

• Pros:

  • Easy Accessibility: Because the unit is sitting on the surface, routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and replacement are much simpler and can typically be done without a service crew.

  • Lower Initial Cost: They are generally more affordable to purchase and easier to install.

  • Good for Shallow Applications: Excellent for water sources less than 25 feet deep (shallow well jet pumps) or slightly deeper with a dual-pipe setup (convertible jet pumps).

• Cons:

  • Suction Limits: They rely on atmospheric pressure to draw water up, meaning they struggle or fail entirely if the water table drops below 25 feet.

  • Noisy: The motor sits right on the surface, making a noticeable hum or whine when running.

  • Prone to Losing Prime: They require a foot valve to hold water in the suction line; if air gets in, they can lose their prime and require manual re-priming.

  • Weather Vulnerability: If kept in an uninsulated outdoor wellhouse, they are vulnerable to freezing during cold winters and can overheat in extreme summer heat.

Summary: Which should you choose?

• Go with a Submersible Pump if: Your well is deeper than 25 feet, you want high-pressure water for a modern household, you prefer a zero-maintenance setup, or you live in an area with harsh freezing winters.

• Go with an Above-Ground Pump if: You have a very shallow water source (under 25 feet), you prefer being able to service and repair the pump yourself without pulling heavy pipes, or you are working with a tight initial budget.