Deep Well Pump vs Shallow Well Pump: Which One Do You Need?
If you're looking to draw water from a private well, the first question you need to answer is: how deep is your well? The answer determines whether you need a shallow well pump or a deep well pump — and choosing the wrong one means no water at all.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know so you can make the right call.
What Is a Shallow Well Pump?
A shallow well pump (also called a jet pump) sits above ground and uses suction to pull water up from the well. It works by creating a pressure difference that draws water through a pipe.
Key specs:
- Works for wells up to 25 feet deep (some models up to 30 feet)
- Installed at ground level — easy to access for maintenance
- Typically self-priming
- Lower upfront cost
Best for:
- Shallow wells, springs, ponds, or cisterns
- Properties where the water table is close to the surface
- Homeowners who want easy DIY installation
Limitations:
- Cannot lift water from depths beyond 25–30 feet
- More vulnerable to freezing if not properly insulated
- Can lose prime if air enters the line
What Is a Deep Well Pump?
A deep well pump (submersible pump) is installed inside the well, submerged underwater. Instead of sucking water up, it pushes water upward through the pipe — which is far more efficient for greater depths.
Key specs:
- Works for wells from 25 feet to 400+ feet deep
- Installed underground inside the well casing
- Quieter operation (motor is submerged)
- More energy-efficient for deep applications
Best for:
- Deep wells where suction-based pumps can't reach
- High-volume water demand (homes, farms, irrigation)
- Applications requiring consistent water pressure
Limitations:
- More complex installation — usually requires a professional
- Harder to access for maintenance or repairs
- Higher upfront cost
Deep Well Pump vs Shallow Well Pump: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Shallow Well Pump | Deep Well Pump |
|---|---|---|
| Well depth | Up to 25–30 ft | 25 ft to 400+ ft |
| Installation location | Above ground | Inside the well (submerged) |
| Installation difficulty | DIY-friendly | Usually requires professional |
| Noise level | Moderate | Very quiet |
| Energy efficiency | Good for shallow use | Better for deep wells |
| Maintenance access | Easy | Difficult |
| Upfront cost | Lower | Higher |
| Ideal use | Shallow wells, ponds | Deep wells, high-demand homes |
How to Choose: 3 Questions to Ask
1. How deep is my well?
- Less than 25 feet → Shallow well pump
- More than 25 feet → Deep well pump (submersible)
2. How much water do I need?
- Light household use → Either type works for shallow wells
- High demand (irrigation, farm, multiple bathrooms) → Deep well submersible pump
3. Do I want easy DIY installation?
- Yes → Shallow well jet pump
- No problem hiring a pro → Deep well submersible pump
Can You Use a Shallow Well Pump on a Deep Well?
No. A shallow well jet pump physically cannot draw water from more than 25–30 feet below the surface. If your well is deeper, a submersible pump is your only option. Using the wrong pump type will result in no water flow and potential pump damage.
What About a Two-Line Jet Pump?
Some jet pumps are designed for depths of 25–90 feet using a two-pipe system. These are a middle-ground option — still above-ground installation, but with deeper reach. However, they're less efficient than true submersible pumps at those depths and are less commonly used today.
The Bottom Line
| Your situation | Recommended pump |
|---|---|
| Well is 25 ft or shallower | Shallow well jet pump |
| Well is deeper than 25 ft | Deep well submersible pump |
| Not sure of well depth | Measure first, then decide |
The most important step before buying any pump is to know your well depth. Once you have that number, the choice becomes straightforward.
Explore Our Water Pump Collection
At JUNHE PUMPS, we carry a range of FOTING shallow well jet pumps built for reliable home and property use. Browse our selection to find the right pump for your setup.
Have questions about your well setup? Leave a comment below or contact our team — we're happy to help you find the right pump.