# How Long Do Well Pumps Last? What Every Spokane Homeowner Should Know
If your home runs on well water, your well pump is the single most important piece of equipment keeping water flowing through your faucets, showers, and appliances. It works hard — cycling on and off dozens of times a day, pushing water up from underground and into your pressure tank.
So how long can you expect it to last? And how do you know when it's time to start planning for a replacement?
Here's the honest answer from our team, based on decades of working on wells across Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, and the surrounding areas.
Average Well Pump Lifespan
The short answer: most well pumps last between 8 and 15 years. But that range depends heavily on the type of pump, how it was installed, your water quality, and how hard it has to work.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Submersible Well Pumps: 10–15 Years
Submersible pumps sit inside the well casing, submerged in water at the bottom of the well. They're the most common type used in the Spokane area because most residential wells here are drilled wells that go 100 feet or deeper.
Because they're surrounded by water, submersible pumps stay cool during operation and are protected from the elements. That's why they tend to last longer — 10 to 15 years on average, with some lasting 20+ years under ideal conditions.
Jet Pumps: 8–12 Years
Jet pumps sit above ground (usually in a pump house, basement, or crawl space) and pull water up from the well using suction. They're more common with shallow wells under 100 feet deep.
Because jet pumps are exposed to temperature swings, run harder to lift water, and have more moving parts above ground, they typically have a shorter lifespan — 8 to 12 years on average. In our climate, freeze damage is a real concern if they're not properly insulated.
Constant Pressure Pumps: 8–12 Years
Constant pressure systems use a variable frequency drive (VFD) to adjust pump speed based on demand. They deliver consistent water pressure regardless of how many fixtures are running at once — but the motor works harder and cycles more frequently.
The trade-off for that better pressure? A slightly shorter lifespan, typically 8 to 12 years. The VFD controller itself may need replacement before the pump does.
What Shortens a Well Pump's Life?
A pump rated for 15 years might only last 7 if conditions work against it. Here are the biggest factors we see shortening pump life in the Spokane area:
1. Sediment and Sand
If your well produces sand or sediment, it acts like sandpaper on the pump's impellers and motor. Over time, this wears down internal components much faster than clean water would. Wells in certain parts of Spokane County — particularly areas with glacial outwash soils — can be more prone to sand production.
What you can do: If you notice sand in your fixtures or filter screens, have your well evaluated. A pump installer can set the pump at the right depth and install a sand screen to reduce wear.
2. Hard Water and Mineral Buildup
Spokane area water tends to be moderately hard, with calcium and magnesium content that can coat pump components over time. Heavy mineral buildup reduces efficiency and forces the pump to work harder.
What you can do: Water testing can tell you exactly how hard your water is. A water softener protects not just your pump but your entire plumbing system.
3. Short-Cycling
Short-cycling is when the pump turns on and off rapidly — sometimes every few seconds. This is usually caused by a waterlogged pressure tank (the air bladder has failed) or incorrect pressure switch settings.
Every time the pump starts, there's a surge of electrical current through the motor. When that happens 50+ times an hour instead of 5-10, it dramatically shortens motor life.
What you can do: If you hear the pump kicking on and off frequently, have your pressure tank checked. Replacing a $300 pressure tank is a lot cheaper than replacing a $2,500 pump.
4. Power Surges and Lightning
Eastern Washington gets its share of thunderstorms, and a single lightning strike near your well can fry the pump motor, control box, or wiring. Even smaller power surges from grid fluctuations can cause cumulative damage.
What you can do: Install a surge protector on your well pump circuit. It's a $50-100 investment that can save thousands.
5. Low Water Levels
If the water level in your well drops below the pump intake, the pump runs dry. Running dry — even briefly — can burn out the motor because water is what cools and lubricates the pump. During drought years or heavy irrigation seasons, water tables in parts of Spokane County can drop significantly.
What you can do: If you notice reduced flow during dry months, have your static water level checked. You may need to lower the pump or deepen the well.
6. Improper Installation
A pump that's the wrong size for the well, set at the wrong depth, or wired incorrectly will fail early. We've pulled pumps that were only 3-4 years old where the issue was clearly the original installation — wrong horsepower, no torque arrestor, undersized wire run.
What you can do: Always use a licensed well pump installer. In Washington State, well pump work is regulated under RCW 18.104, and for good reason.
Signs Your Well Pump Is Nearing End of Life
Even before a complete failure, aging pumps give warning signs:
- **Gradually declining water pressure** — The pump can't maintain the output it used to.
- **Higher electric bills** — An aging motor draws more power to do the same work.
- **Frequent cycling** — The pump runs longer or cycles more often to maintain pressure.
- **Dirty or discolored water** — Worn impellers can stir up sediment from the bottom of the well.
- **Air sputtering from faucets** — The pump may be losing prime or the drop pipe has developed a crack.
- **Circuit breaker tripping** — The motor is drawing too much current, often from worn bearings or a failing winding.
If your pump is over 10 years old and you're seeing any of these signs, it's time to start planning. A planned replacement on your schedule is always better than an emergency swap when you have no water.
Should You Repair or Replace?
This is the question we get most often. Here's our general guidance:
Repair makes sense when: - The pump is under 8 years old - The issue is above-ground (pressure switch, control box, wiring) - The repair cost is less than 30-40% of a full replacement
Replacement makes sense when: - The pump is over 10 years old - The failure is in the motor or pump end itself - You've had multiple repairs in the past 2-3 years - Your water needs have changed (added a bathroom, irrigation system, etc.)
Keep in mind that the labor cost to pull a pump from a deep well is significant — often $1,000 or more just for the crane and crew. If you're already paying to pull the pump for a repair, it sometimes makes more financial sense to install a new one while it's out.
What Does Well Pump Replacement Cost in Spokane?
Replacement costs vary based on well depth, pump size, and accessibility, but here are rough ranges for the Spokane area:
- **Shallow well jet pump replacement:** $800 – $1,500
- **Submersible pump replacement (100-200 ft):** $1,800 – $3,500
- **Deep well submersible (200-400 ft):** $3,000 – $5,500
- **Constant pressure system:** $3,500 – $6,000+
These include the pump, drop pipe, wiring, and labor. Additional costs can include a new pressure tank, pressure switch, or wellhead fittings if they're worn.
How to Extend Your Well Pump's Life
You can't prevent wear entirely, but these steps help your pump last as long as possible:
1. Maintain your pressure tank — Check the air charge annually. A waterlogged tank kills pumps. 2. Install a surge protector — Protects against lightning and grid surges. 3. Test your water annually — Catch mineral or sediment issues early. 4. Don't ignore warning signs — Small problems become big failures. 5. Use a licensed professional — Proper installation and service makes a real difference. 6. Keep records — Know when your pump was installed, what brand/model it is, and what service has been done. This information is invaluable when it's time to make repair vs. replace decisions.
The Bottom Line
A well-maintained submersible pump in the Spokane area should give you 10-15 solid years. A jet pump, 8-12. But those numbers assume proper installation, decent water quality, and a working pressure tank.
If your pump is getting up there in age, don't wait for a failure. A proactive evaluation can tell you how much life is left and help you plan — financially and logistically — for a replacement on your terms.
Need a well pump evaluation or replacement estimate? Pump Division serves Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Cheney, Medical Lake, Airway Heights, and surrounding areas. Call us at (509) 530-5011 or visit spokanepumprepairs.com to schedule a service call.