A typical household well pump uses 300 to 2,200 watts while running, and costs $10 to $25 per month to operate

The amount of electricity your well pump draws depends on the pump type, the depth of your well, and how often it cycles on and off. A shallow-well jet pump uses less power than a deep-well submersible pump. A pump that runs constantly because your pressure tank is failing will cost far more than one that cycles normally. Most homeowners see their well pump add $120 to $300 to their annual electric bill, though this varies by local electricity rates and water usage.

The real cost driver is not the pump itself but how long it runs each day. A pump that cycles four times daily for a few minutes each uses far less electricity than one that runs for an hour straight because the pressure tank is leaking. If your electric bill has jumped and your water usage has not, the pump may be the problem.

Key Takeaways

  • Shallow-well jet pumps typically draw 750 to 1,200 watts, while deep-well submersible pumps draw 1,000 to 2,200 watts depending on depth and flow rate.
  • A pump running 8 to 10 hours per day costs roughly $15 to $25 monthly; one running 4 to 6 hours costs $10 to $15 monthly at average U.S. electricity rates.
  • A leaking pressure tank or a failing check valve forces the pump to cycle more often, raising electricity use by 30 to 50 percent.
  • You can estimate your pump's monthly cost by finding its wattage on the nameplate, multiplying by daily runtime hours, then multiplying by your local electricity rate per kilowatt-hour.

Wattage by pump type and depth

A shallow-well jet pump — used when the water table is 25 feet or less below ground — typically draws 750 to 1,200 watts. These pumps are simpler and less powerful than submersible models, so they consume less electricity. If your well is shallow and your household is small, this is the most economical option.

A deep-well submersible pump — lowered into the well itself — draws 1,000 to 2,200 watts depending on how deep the water sits and how much flow you need. A pump pulling water from 100 feet down uses more power than one pulling from 50 feet. A pump sized for a large household or high-demand use (irrigation, livestock watering) will be at the higher end. The nameplate on your pump motor lists the exact wattage; if you cannot find it, your well contractor or pump manufacturer can tell you.

A variable-speed pump adjusts its motor speed to match demand, using 30 to 50 percent less electricity than a fixed-speed pump over time. These cost more upfront but save money on the electric bill, especially in households with variable water use throughout the day.

How to calculate your monthly electricity cost

Find three numbers: the pump wattage (from the motor nameplate), your daily runtime in hours, and your local electricity rate per kilowatt-hour (from your electric bill). Multiply wattage by daily hours, then divide by 1,000 to get kilowatt-hours per day. Multiply that by your rate and by 30 to get a monthly estimate.

Example: A 1,500-watt pump running 8 hours daily in an area where electricity costs $0.14 per kilowatt-hour would use 12 kilowatt-hours per day (1,500 × 8 ÷ 1,000). Over 30 days, that is 360 kilowatt-hours, costing about $50 per month. If the same pump runs only 4 hours daily, the cost drops to $25 per month.

Electricity rates vary widely by region and utility. Check your electric bill for the rate per kilowatt-hour; it is usually listed as "energy charge" or similar. Rates in the Northeast and California tend to be higher than in the South or Midwest, so two identical pumps in different states will have different operating costs.

Why your pump might be using more electricity than expected

A pump that runs constantly or cycles very frequently is usually signaling a problem. The most common cause is a leaking pressure tank. The tank stores water under pressure so the pump does not have to start every time you turn on a faucet. If the tank leaks or the air charge inside fails, the pump will cycle on and off much more often, sometimes every few minutes. This can double or triple your electricity use.

A failed check valve allows water to drain back into the well when the pump shuts off, forcing the pump to start again to rebuild pressure. You will hear the pump kick on even when no one is using water. A plumber can test the check valve and replace it if needed.

A slow leak in the house plumbing — a dripping toilet, a pinhole leak in a line — will also cause the pump to run more often. Check for leaks by turning off all water use and watching whether the pump cycles on by itself. If it does, you have a leak somewhere in the system.

Seasonal and usage variations

Households with irrigation, livestock, or pools will see much higher pump electricity use in summer. A household using 50 gallons per day might run the pump 4 hours daily in winter but 10 hours daily in summer when outdoor watering is heavy. Budget accordingly if your water use is seasonal.

Households with more people use more water and run the pump longer. A family of two may see 8 hours of pump runtime daily, while a family of six in the same area with the same pump might see 14 to 16 hours. This is normal and expected.

Comparing pump efficiency and long-term cost

An older fixed-speed pump may draw 2,000 watts, while a modern variable-speed pump of similar capacity draws 1,200 watts under typical conditions. Over a year, the difference can be $100 to $200 in electricity savings. If your pump is 15 or more years old and running frequently, a replacement with a more efficient model may pay for itself in 5 to 10 years through lower electric bills.

However, if your pump is running longer than it should because of a failing pressure tank or check valve, replacing the pump will not solve the problem. Have a well contractor diagnose the issue first. A $200 pressure tank replacement will save far more than a $1,500 pump replacement if the tank is the real culprit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours per day should a well pump run?

Most household well pumps run 4 to 10 hours per day depending on household size and water use. A pump that runs 2 to 3 hours daily is doing light work; one running 12 to 16 hours daily is working hard and may indicate a leak or a failing pressure tank. If your pump runs constantly without stopping, contact a well contractor.

Does a well pump use more electricity in winter or summer?

Summer typically brings higher electricity use because households water lawns, fill pools, and wash vehicles more often. Winter use is usually lower unless you have livestock or a heated greenhouse. Seasonal variation of 20 to 40 percent is normal.

Can I reduce my well pump electricity use?

Fix any leaks in your house plumbing first — a single dripping toilet can waste thousands of gallons per month. Have your pressure tank and check valve inspected; a failing tank forces the pump to cycle constantly. If those are fine, upgrading to a variable-speed pump can cut electricity use by 30 to 50 percent, though the upfront cost is higher.

What is the difference between a 1-horsepower and a 2-horsepower well pump?

A 1-horsepower pump typically draws 750 to 1,200 watts and handles small households or shallow wells. A 2-horsepower pump draws 1,500 to 2,200 watts and is needed for larger households, deeper wells, or higher flow demands. The larger pump uses roughly twice the electricity when running, so sizing correctly matters for your electric bill.

Is it normal for my electric bill to jump when I get a new well pump?

A new pump should not significantly increase your bill if it is the same size and type as the old one. If your bill jumped, the new pump may be larger than the old one, or the old pump was failing and running inefficiently. Ask your contractor what horsepower and wattage the new pump is rated for and compare it to the old one.