If you are replacing your well pump or installing a new system, one of the first decisions you will face is choosing between a submersible pump and a jet pump. Both move water from your well to your house, but they work in fundamentally different ways, and the right choice depends on your well's specific characteristics.

Here is a straightforward comparison to help you make an informed decision for your Spokane-area property.

How They Work

A submersible pump sits at the bottom of your well, fully submerged in water. It pushes water up through the drop pipe to your pressure tank on the surface. Because it is surrounded by water, it stays cool during operation and operates very efficiently. Most modern residential wells in the Spokane area use submersible pumps.

A jet pump sits above ground, typically in a pump house, basement, or crawl space. It uses an impeller and a venturi nozzle to create suction that draws water up from the well. Shallow-well jet pumps use a single pipe and work for wells up to about 25 feet deep. Deep-well jet pumps (also called convertible jet pumps) use two pipes and can reach down to about 110 feet.

Which One Should You Choose?

The answer mostly comes down to your well depth.

For wells deeper than 25 feet, which is the vast majority of wells in the Spokane area, a submersible pump is almost always the better choice. Most residential wells around Spokane range from 80 to 400 feet deep, which is well beyond the practical range of a jet pump.

For very shallow wells under 25 feet, a shallow-well jet pump is a viable and sometimes more economical option. These are more common in areas with high water tables, near rivers, or for point-of-use applications.

For wells between 25 and 110 feet, you technically have a choice. A deep-well jet pump can work, but a submersible pump will typically deliver better performance, greater efficiency, and longer service life in this depth range.

Efficiency and Performance Comparison

Submersible pumps are significantly more efficient than jet pumps, particularly at greater depths. Because they push water up rather than pulling it, they do not fight against gravity and atmospheric pressure the way jet pumps do. This translates to lower electricity usage and higher flow rates for the same horsepower.

A typical half-horsepower submersible pump can deliver 10 to 15 gallons per minute from a 150-foot well. A deep-well jet pump of the same horsepower might deliver 5 to 8 gallons per minute from the same depth. That efficiency gap widens as well depth increases.

Submersible pumps also maintain more consistent pressure and flow, especially during periods of high demand. If you have a household with multiple bathrooms, irrigation needs, or a constant-pressure system, a submersible pump will perform noticeably better.

Jet pumps have one practical advantage: they are accessible for maintenance. Because they sit above ground, a technician can work on them without pulling anything from the well. However, modern submersible pumps are reliable enough that this accessibility advantage is rarely a deciding factor.

Cost Comparison

For a new installation, jet pumps are generally less expensive upfront. A quality shallow-well jet pump installed with a pressure tank runs between $800 and $1,500. A deep-well jet pump system typically costs $1,200 to $2,500 installed.

A submersible pump installation costs more upfront, typically $2,000 to $5,000 depending on well depth and pump size. However, the lower operating costs and longer lifespan often make submersible pumps the better value over time.

When calculating total cost of ownership, factor in the submersible pump's lower electricity consumption and the fact that it typically lasts 15 to 20 years compared to 10 to 15 for most jet pumps.

Noise

This is a surprisingly important factor for many homeowners. Jet pumps are audibly noisy when running. If the pump is in a basement, crawl space, or attached pump house, you will hear it every time it cycles. Submersible pumps are essentially silent from the surface because the motor is deep underground, surrounded by water.

Our Recommendation for Spokane-Area Wells

For the vast majority of wells in the Spokane area, we recommend submersible pumps. The typical well depth in our region puts most installations squarely in submersible territory, and the efficiency, performance, and longevity advantages make them the clear choice.

That said, there are situations where a jet pump makes sense — shallow wells, temporary installations, or specific budget constraints. We evaluate each situation individually and recommend the system that gives you the best value for your specific well and household needs.

Need Help Choosing?

If you are replacing a pump or building a new home on well water, Pump Division can evaluate your well and recommend the right system. We install both submersible and jet pump systems and will give you an honest recommendation based on your well depth, yield, and household demand — not based on which system costs more.

Call us at (509) 214-9355 to schedule a consultation. We serve Spokane, Spokane Valley, and the entire Inland Northwest.

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