How to Replace a Failing Well Pump at Home or on Your Farm
Well pump replacement for residential and farm properties means removing a failed pump and installing a new one that fits your water needs. The exact steps depend on whether you have a shallow well jet pump or a deep submersible system. Homeowners can handle some parts, but many jobs require special tools and training. If your water pressure has dropped or your pump keeps turning on and off, replacement may be the best fix.
What You Need Before Starting
Start by finding out what type of system you have. Most homes use either a jet pump above ground or a submersible pump inside the well. Farms often use larger submersible units to handle high water demand.
Before any well pump replacement, gather the right information:
- Well depth and casing size
- Voltage and horsepower of the old pump
- Water usage needs for the house or livestock
- Access to power shutoff and plumbing connections
Turn off all power at the breaker. Water and electricity are a dangerous mix. If you are unsure about wiring, stop and call a pro.
Step-by-Step Replacement Process
The steps below describe a common submersible well pump replacement. Jet pumps follow a different process but still require safe shutdown and reconnection.
- Shut off power and test wires to confirm no electricity is flowing.
- Disconnect the plumbing line from the well head.
- Remove the well cap and lift the pump and pipe from the well.
- Disconnect the old pump from the drop pipe and wiring.
- Attach the new pump, matching wire connections and pipe fittings.
- Lower the new unit slowly back into the well.
- Reconnect plumbing and restore power.
- Test water flow and check pressure settings.
On farm properties, this process often requires a hoist or lifting equipment. Pumps can be heavy, especially in deep wells.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many problems after well pump replacement happen because of small errors.
A few common mistakes include:
- Choosing the wrong pump size
- Reusing old, worn wiring
- Failing to secure pipe connections tightly
- Skipping a check of the pressure tank
If the pump is too small, your home may have weak water flow. If it is too powerful, it can short cycle and wear out fast. Matching the pump to your well and water demand is key.
Residential Vs Farm System Needs
Homes usually need steady water for showers, laundry, and cooking. Farms often use large volumes for irrigation and animals. That means pump size, pipe diameter, and pressure settings may differ.
During well pump replacement for residential and farm properties, the property type shapes the choice. A small two-bedroom home will not need the same setup as a dairy farm with automatic waterers.
If you are upgrading your system, this is also a good time to review the full well pump replacement plan along with any needed updates to your pressure tank or control box.
When to Call a Professional
Some shallow jet pump swaps are simple. Deep wells are not. If your well is over 100 feet deep, special tools are usually required.
Call a professional if:
- You are unsure about electrical wiring
- Your well pipe is stuck or corroded
- You notice damaged casing or water contamination
- The system fails to build pressure after installation
A trained technician can test voltage, check amp draw, and adjust pressure controls. They can also confirm your system meets local codes.
Final Steps and Ongoing Care
After well pump replacement, monitor your system for a few days. Watch the pressure gauge. Listen for odd sounds. Make sure the pump is not turning on too often.
Keep the well cap sealed and the area around the well clean. Test water quality each year, especially on farm properties where runoff may affect groundwater.
Get Help With Your System
If you are dealing with low water pressure or a failed system in Lubbock, TX, we can help. At Top Pump Service, we handle well pump replacement for homes and farms of all sizes. We bring the tools and training needed to do the job safely. Call us at (806) 300-4376 to schedule service or ask questions about your water system.