A typical household well pump uses 300 to 2,200 watts while running, and costs $10 to $80 per month to operate

The amount of power your well pump draws depends on the pump type, how deep your well is, and how often it runs. A shallow-well jet pump (under 25 feet) uses less power than a deep-well submersible pump. Most residential pumps cycle on and off throughout the day as the pressure tank fills and empties, so they do not run continuously.

Your actual monthly cost depends on your local electricity rate and your household's water use. If you use 100 gallons per day, expect $15 to $40 monthly. If you use 300 gallons per day, expect $40 to $80 monthly. The pump itself is not the only energy consumer — the pressure tank, filters, and any water heater downstream also draw power, though the pump accounts for the largest share.

Key Takeaways

  • Shallow-well jet pumps typically use 750 to 1,200 watts, while deep-well submersible pumps use 1,000 to 2,200 watts during operation.
  • Well pumps cycle on and off based on water pressure in the tank, so they do not run 24 hours a day — most run 2 to 8 hours daily depending on household use.
  • Monthly electricity cost ranges from $10 to $80 based on pump type, well depth, water consumption, and your local utility rate.
  • Older pumps and those with worn impellers use more electricity than newer, well-maintained models for the same water output.

How pump type affects power consumption

Jet pumps sit above ground and pull water up from shallow wells. They typically draw 750 to 1,200 watts while running. They are cheaper to install and repair than submersible pumps, but less efficient at depths beyond 25 feet because the suction becomes harder to maintain.

Submersible pumps sit inside the well casing and push water up. They draw 1,000 to 2,200 watts depending on depth and flow rate. A 1-horsepower submersible pump uses roughly 1,500 watts; a 1.5-horsepower model uses roughly 2,000 watts. Submersible pumps work at any depth and are more efficient than jet pumps, but they cost more to replace if they fail.

Hand pumps and solar pumps use no grid electricity, though solar pumps require an upfront investment in panels and batteries. Hand pumps require physical effort and cannot supply water on demand to a whole house.

Why your pump cycles on and off

Your well pump does not run all day. Instead, it fills a pressure tank — a metal or plastic vessel that holds water under pressure. When you turn on a faucet, water flows from the tank. When pressure drops to a set point (usually around 30 pounds per square inch), the pump turns on and refills the tank until pressure reaches the upper limit (usually around 50 psi). Then the pump shuts off.

This cycle repeats throughout the day. A household that uses 100 gallons per day might run the pump for 3 to 5 hours total. A household using 300 gallons per day might run it for 6 to 10 hours. The pump does not know how much water you use — it only knows when the tank pressure drops below the cut-in point.

Larger pressure tanks cycle less often because they hold more water before the pump needs to restart. A 20-gallon tank cycles more frequently than a 40-gallon tank serving the same household. More frequent cycling means more wear on the pump motor and higher electricity use.

Calculating your monthly electricity cost

To estimate your monthly cost, you need three numbers: the pump's wattage, the hours it runs per day, and your electricity rate.

Find your electricity rate on your utility bill — it is usually listed as cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Multiply the pump wattage by the daily run hours, divide by 1,000 to convert to kilowatts, then multiply by 30 days and your rate. For example: a 1,500-watt pump running 5 hours per day at $0.12 per kWh costs (1,500 × 5 ÷ 1,000 × 30 × 0.12) = $27 per month.

If you do not know your pump's wattage, check the pump nameplate or the well service report. If the nameplate lists horsepower instead, multiply by 750 — a 1-horsepower pump uses roughly 1,500 watts at the wall (accounting for motor efficiency losses).

Factors that increase electricity use

Well depth is the largest factor. A pump lifting water 50 feet uses more energy than one lifting water 25 feet. Doubling the depth roughly doubles the energy required. If you have a deep well, you have less control over this cost.

Age and maintenance matter significantly. An older pump with a worn impeller or corroded internal parts has to work harder to move the same amount of water. A pump that has not been serviced in years may use 20 to 40 percent more electricity than a well-maintained pump of the same model. Replacing a worn pump with a new, efficient model can cut electricity use by 15 to 30 percent.

Water demand is the most controllable factor. Longer showers, more laundry, and outdoor watering all increase pump run time. Fixing leaks — especially slow toilet leaks — can reduce daily water use by 20 to 50 gallons and lower electricity costs by $5 to $15 per month.

Pressure tank condition affects cycle frequency. A tank with a failed air bladder or low air charge causes the pump to cycle more often. A tank that has lost its air charge may cycle every few minutes instead of every 30 minutes, tripling electricity use. Having the tank pressure checked and recharged during annual maintenance prevents this.

Ways to reduce well pump electricity use

Fix leaks first. A running toilet can waste 200 gallons per day and cost $20 to $40 per month in electricity alone. Check for dripping faucets, leaking outdoor spigots, and slow toilet fills.

Have the pressure tank serviced. A technician can check the air charge and bladder condition. Recharging a tank costs $50 to $150 and can cut electricity use by 10 to 20 percent if the tank has lost pressure.

Consider a variable-frequency drive (VFD) pump controller. This device adjusts pump speed to match water demand instead of running at full power. VFD controllers cost $800 to $2,000 installed but can reduce electricity use by 25 to 40 percent on systems with variable demand. They work best in homes with fluctuating water use throughout the day.

Upgrade to a high-efficiency pump if your current pump is more than 15 years old. Modern pumps are 10 to 20 percent more efficient than older models. The payback period is typically 5 to 10 years depending on your electricity rate and water use.

Comparing well pump costs to municipal water

If you are deciding between a well and municipal water, electricity is only one cost to consider. A well pump costs $10 to $80 per month to run. Municipal water costs vary widely — from $30 to $100 per month depending on your location and usage tier. However, municipal water includes treatment, testing, and infrastructure maintenance. A well requires you to pay for pump maintenance, tank replacement, and water testing out of pocket.

Over 20 years, a well pump and tank system costs $2,400 to $19,200 in electricity alone, plus $3,000 to $8,000 in maintenance and repairs. Municipal water over the same period costs $7,200 to $24,000 depending on your area. The total cost of ownership is similar, but wells offer independence from rate increases and municipal shutdowns, while municipal water offers predictable costs and professional maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours per day does a well pump typically run?

Most residential well pumps run 2 to 8 hours per day, depending on household water use and pressure tank size. A family of four using 100 to 150 gallons per day typically sees 3 to 5 hours of pump runtime. Larger families or those with outdoor watering may see 8 to 12 hours.

Does a well pump use more electricity in summer?

Yes, typically 20 to 50 percent more. Summer brings outdoor watering, more showers, and higher water use for cooling. Winter use is usually limited to indoor household needs. If you water a lawn or garden, summer electricity costs can double compared to winter.

What is the difference between a 1-horsepower and 1.5-horsepower pump in terms of electricity cost?

A 1-horsepower pump uses roughly 1,500 watts; a 1.5-horsepower pump uses roughly 2,000 watts. If both run the same number of hours, the 1.5-horsepower pump costs about 33 percent more per month. However, a larger pump may cycle less often because it fills the tank faster, offsetting some of the extra cost.

Can I reduce electricity use by installing a larger pressure tank?

Yes, a larger tank reduces cycle frequency because it holds more water before the pump needs to restart. Upgrading from a 20-gallon to a 40-gallon tank can reduce electricity use by 10 to 15 percent. Tanks larger than 80 gallons show diminishing returns for most households.

Should I turn off my well pump when I am away for a week?

No. Turning off the pump and then restarting it can damage the motor and pressure tank. If you are away, the pump will straightforward sit idle and use no electricity. If you are concerned about leaks, have the system inspected before you leave rather than shutting it down.