DIY Guide: Replacing Your Submersible Well Pump Like a Pro

Replacing a submersible well pump is a challenging but achievable DIY project for homeowners comfortable with plumbing and electrical work. A failing well pump can disrupt your water supply, making daily tasks like showering, laundry, and cooking impossible. Calling a professional is always an option, but tackling the job yourself can save significant money. This comprehensive guide provides detailed steps and instructions to safely and effectively replace your submersible well pump. Before you begin, assess your skills and comfort level. Working with electricity and heavy equipment can be dangerous. If you’re unsure about any step, consult a qualified professional.

## Understanding Submersible Well Pumps

Submersible well pumps are located inside the well casing, submerged in water. They push water up to the surface, unlike jet pumps, which rely on suction. Knowing the components and how they work is crucial for a successful replacement.

* **Pump Motor:** The electrical motor that drives the pump.
* **Pump End:** The part of the pump that moves the water.
* **Drop Pipe:** The pipe that carries water from the pump to the surface.
* **Electrical Wiring:** Provides power to the pump motor.
* **Check Valve:** Prevents water from flowing back down into the well.
* **Well Cap:** Seals the top of the well casing.
* **Pitless Adapter (if applicable):** A fitting that allows the water line to exit the well casing below the frost line.
* **Safety Rope or Cable:** Used to lower and raise the pump.

## Safety First!

Before you even think about touching anything, prioritize safety. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination.

1. **Turn off the Power:** Locate the circuit breaker that controls the well pump and switch it off. Double-check with a voltage tester to ensure the power is completely off at the well pump wiring.
2. **Disconnect the Pressure Tank:** Relieve the pressure in the water system by turning off the well pump circuit breaker. Open a faucet on a lower level of the house to relieve any pressure in the system and drain any remaining water in the pressure tank. Close the faucet after the tank has been fully drained.
3. **Gather Your Tools and Materials:** Having everything you need on hand will make the job smoother and safer.
4. **Wear Appropriate Gear:** Wear rubber gloves to protect yourself from electrical shock and work gloves to protect your hands. Eye protection is also recommended.

## Tools and Materials You’ll Need

* **New Submersible Well Pump:** Choose a pump with the same horsepower and voltage as your old pump. Consider the well depth and required flow rate (gallons per minute) when selecting a new pump. Refer to the old pump’s specifications or consult with a well pump supplier.
* **New Drop Pipe:** Replace the drop pipe with new pipe of the same type and diameter. PVC or polyethylene pipe are common choices. Measure the depth of your well to determine the correct length.
* **New Electrical Wire:** Use submersible well pump wire of the correct gauge and length. Ensure it’s rated for direct burial and submersion.
* **Wire Connectors:** Use waterproof wire connectors specifically designed for submersible well pumps. These connectors provide a watertight seal.
* **Electrical Tape:** High-quality electrical tape for additional insulation and protection.
* **Heat Shrink Tubing (Optional):** Provides extra protection for wire connections.
* **New Check Valve (Recommended):** Replacing the check valve ensures proper operation and prevents backflow.
* **New Safety Rope or Cable:** Use a strong, corrosion-resistant rope or cable specifically designed for well pumps. Stainless steel cable is a good option.
* **Pipe Fittings:** Couplings, adapters, and unions as needed to connect the drop pipe.
* **Well Cap:** A new well cap to seal the well casing.
* **Wire Strippers/Crimpers:** For preparing and connecting electrical wires.
* **Pipe Wrenches:** For tightening and loosening pipe fittings.
* **Adjustable Wrench:** For various tasks.
* **Voltage Tester:** To verify power is off.
* **Multimeter (Optional):** To test the old pump’s electrical components.
* **Pliers:** For various tasks.
* **Screwdrivers:** Assorted sizes.
* **Tape Measure:** To measure well depth and pipe lengths.
* **Hacksaw or Pipe Cutter:** For cutting pipe.
* **Electrical Conduit (if needed):** For protecting wiring above ground.
* **Waterproof Lubricant:** For lubricating pipe threads.
* **PVC Primer and Cement (if using PVC pipe):** For joining PVC pipe fittings.
* **Pump Puller (Optional but Recommended):** A specialized tool for lifting the pump, especially for deep wells.
* **Generator (if power is unavailable):** To run the pump puller or other electrical tools.
* **Garden Hose:** To rinse the well casing and new pump.
* **Bucket:** To collect water.

## Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your Submersible Well Pump

**Step 1: Disconnect the Old Pump**

1. **Turn off the Power:** As mentioned earlier, ensure the power to the well pump is completely off at the circuit breaker.
2. **Access the Well Cap:** Carefully remove the well cap. It may be bolted or screwed in place. Be cautious, as insects or small animals may have taken up residence inside.
3. **Disconnect Wiring at the Well Head:** Disconnect the electrical wiring from the well pump at the well head. Carefully note the wiring configuration before disconnecting. Take pictures or draw a diagram to ensure you can reconnect the new pump correctly. Use a voltage tester to confirm that the wires are not live.
4. **Disconnect the Water Line:** Disconnect the water line from the well head. This is usually a threaded connection. Have a bucket ready to catch any remaining water in the line.
5. **Attach a Pump Puller (Optional but Recommended):** If you have a pump puller, attach it to the safety rope or cable connected to the pump. This tool will make lifting the pump much easier, especially for deep wells.

**Step 2: Pulling the Old Pump**

1. **Secure the Safety Rope/Cable:** If you’re not using a pump puller, ensure the safety rope or cable is securely attached to the pump. It should be strong enough to support the weight of the pump, drop pipe, and water.
2. **Slowly Begin Lifting:** Carefully begin lifting the pump out of the well casing. Use a slow and steady pace to avoid damaging the well casing or the pump itself.
3. **Support the Drop Pipe:** As you lift the pump, support the drop pipe to prevent it from bending or breaking. Have a helper assist if possible.
4. **Mark the Drop Pipe (Optional):** As you pull the pipe out, mark the pipe every 5-10 feet. This will make reassembly easier by allowing you to compare the old pipe to the new pipe. Make sure you use a marker that will not wash off.
5. **Disconnect Sections of Drop Pipe (If Necessary):** If the drop pipe is too long to pull out in one piece, you may need to disconnect it in sections. Use pipe wrenches to loosen the connections.
6. **Inspect the Old Pump:** Once the pump is out of the well, inspect it for damage. This can help you determine the cause of the pump failure. Look for cracks, corrosion, or signs of wear.

**Step 3: Preparing the New Pump**

1. **Compare the New Pump to the Old Pump:** Ensure the new pump has the same horsepower, voltage, and flow rate as the old pump. Verify that the physical dimensions are similar and that it will fit inside the well casing.
2. **Install the Check Valve:** If you’re replacing the check valve (recommended), install it on the outlet of the new pump. Use pipe thread sealant to ensure a watertight connection. Make sure the check valve is installed in the correct direction; it should allow water to flow upward but not downward.
3. **Attach the Drop Pipe:** Connect the new drop pipe to the pump outlet. Use pipe thread sealant on the threads. Tighten the connection securely with pipe wrenches.
4. **Splice the Electrical Wires:** This is a crucial step. Use waterproof wire connectors to connect the new pump’s electrical wires to the submersible well pump wire. Follow these steps carefully:
* Strip the insulation from the ends of the wires.
* Slide heat shrink tubing (if using) over the wires.
* Insert the wires into the waterproof wire connectors and crimp them tightly.
* Wrap the connections with electrical tape for added protection.
* If using heat shrink tubing, slide it over the connections and heat it with a heat gun or lighter to create a watertight seal.
5. **Attach the Safety Rope or Cable:** Securely attach the new safety rope or cable to the pump. Use a knot that is designed for heavy loads, such as a bowline knot. Ensure the rope or cable is long enough to reach the bottom of the well with some extra length.

**Step 4: Lowering the New Pump**

1. **Slowly Begin Lowering:** Carefully begin lowering the new pump into the well casing, using the safety rope or cable and/or the pump puller.
2. **Support the Drop Pipe:** As you lower the pump, support the drop pipe to prevent it from bending or breaking.
3. **Connect Sections of Drop Pipe (If Necessary):** If you disconnected the drop pipe in sections during removal, reconnect them as you lower the pump. Use pipe thread sealant on the threads and tighten the connections securely.
4. **Avoid Dragging the Wires:** Be careful not to drag the electrical wires along the inside of the well casing. This can damage the insulation and create a short circuit. Tape the wires to the drop pipe every few feet to keep them secure.
5. **Lower to the Correct Depth:** Lower the pump to the same depth as the old pump. You can use the marks you made on the old drop pipe as a guide.

**Step 5: Connecting the Pump at the Well Head**

1. **Connect the Water Line:** Connect the water line to the well head. Use pipe thread sealant on the threads and tighten the connection securely.
2. **Connect the Electrical Wiring:** Connect the electrical wiring to the well pump wiring at the well head, matching the configuration you noted earlier. Use waterproof wire connectors and electrical tape to ensure a secure and watertight connection.
3. **Install the Well Cap:** Replace the well cap, ensuring it is properly sealed to prevent contamination of the well water.

**Step 6: Testing the New Pump**

1. **Turn on the Power:** Turn on the circuit breaker to restore power to the well pump.
2. **Monitor the Pressure Tank:** Observe the pressure gauge on the pressure tank. The pressure should gradually increase as the pump fills the tank.
3. **Check for Leaks:** Inspect all connections for leaks. Tighten any connections that are leaking.
4. **Run Water:** Open a faucet and let the water run for several minutes to flush out any air or debris from the system.
5. **Monitor Pump Cycling:** Observe the pump cycling. It should turn on and off automatically as water is used. The pressure should remain within the range specified by the pressure switch.

## Troubleshooting Common Problems

* **Pump Not Running:**
* Check the circuit breaker to ensure it hasn’t tripped.
* Test the voltage at the well pump wiring with a voltage tester.
* Check the pressure switch to ensure it is functioning properly.
* If the pump is still not running, the motor may be damaged and need to be replaced.
* **Pump Runs Continuously:**
* Check for leaks in the plumbing system.
* Check the well water level. If the water level is too low, the pump may be running dry.
* The pressure switch may be faulty.
* **Low Water Pressure:**
* Check the pressure tank to ensure it is properly charged.
* The pump may be undersized for your water needs.
* The well may not be producing enough water.
* **Water is Discolored or Dirty:**
* The well may be contaminated.
* The pump may be corroded.
* Flush the well thoroughly.
* Consider having your well water tested.

## Maintenance Tips for Your Submersible Well Pump

* **Regularly Inspect the Well Head:** Check the well cap for cracks or damage. Ensure the well is properly sealed to prevent contamination.
* **Monitor Water Quality:** Periodically test your well water for bacteria, nitrates, and other contaminants.
* **Check the Pressure Tank:** Ensure the pressure tank is properly charged and functioning correctly.
* **Maintain the Plumbing System:** Repair any leaks promptly to prevent water loss and damage.
* **Consider a Well Inspection:** Have a professional well contractor inspect your well and pump every few years to identify any potential problems.

## When to Call a Professional

While this guide provides detailed instructions, there are situations where it’s best to call a professional well contractor:

* **You’re Uncomfortable with Electrical Work:** Working with electricity can be dangerous. If you’re not comfortable with electrical wiring, hire a qualified electrician or well contractor.
* **The Well is Very Deep:** Pulling and installing a pump in a very deep well can be challenging and require specialized equipment.
* **You Encounter Difficulties:** If you encounter any unexpected problems or are unsure about any step, it’s best to consult a professional.
* **You Suspect Well Contamination:** If you suspect your well is contaminated, contact a professional well contractor to assess the situation and recommend appropriate treatment.

Replacing a submersible well pump is a significant undertaking, but with careful planning, the right tools, and a thorough understanding of the process, you can successfully complete the project yourself. Remember to prioritize safety and consult a professional if you have any doubts or concerns. By following these steps, you can restore your water supply and save money on professional service fees.