Best Jet Pumps for Well Systems in 2026 — Complete Buyer’s Guide
Table of Contents
- What Is a Jet Pump?
- Shallow-Well vs. Deep-Well Jet Pumps
- Franklin Electric Jet Pumps
- Bell & Gossett Jet Pumps
- Goulds Jet Pumps
- Rush Jet Pumps
- Century Jet Pumps
- Jet Pump Comparison Table
- Jet Pump vs. Submersible Pump
- How to Size Your Jet Pump
- Installation Essentials
- Maintenance and Troubleshooting
- Frequently Asked Questions
Related Articles:
What Is a Jet Pump?
Key Fact:
Jet pumps are above-ground pumps that use venturi ejectors to lift water from wells. They work with shallow wells (up to 25 feet) and deep wells (up to 110 feet) depending on the configuration. They are among the most affordable and widely used well pump types for residential properties.
A jet pump uses the principle of water velocity to create suction. Water is pumped through a narrow nozzle, creating high velocity and low pressure that draws more water upward through the suction pipe. This venturi effect is what allows jet pumps to lift water from below ground without needing to go underground themselves.
The major advantages of jet pumps for homeowners include:
- Affordable upfront cost — jet pumps typically cost $150–$600 for the pump unit alone, significantly less than submersible pumps
- Easy access for service — since the pump sits above ground in a basement or pump house, inspection and repair are straightforward
- No well entry required for repairs — if a jet pump fails, you do not need to pull pipe or descend into the well
- Good for shallow wells — ideal for wells under 80 feet where they outperform submersibles on cost of ownership
The tradeoffs: jet pumps are louder than submersible pumps, they require priming after extended dry periods, and their depth limits are absolute—beyond 110 feet, a submersible pump is the only option.
Shallow-Well vs. Deep-Well Jet Pumps
Understanding the two main jet pump configurations is critical for choosing correctly. They are not interchangeable.
Shallow-Well Jet Pumps
Use Case:
Shallow-well jet pumps are for water levels within 25 feet of ground surface. They use an internal ejector built into the pump housing. Most residential wells under 40 feet deep use this configuration.
Shallow-well jet pumps are the simplest and most economical type. Water flows up from the well through suction pipe directly into the pump, where the built-in venturi jet creates suction that draws more water upward.
Key specifications:
- Maximum lift: 25 feet from water surface to pump
- Typical flow rates: 3–10 gallons per minute
- Pressure output: 40–80 PSI
- Common applications: homes with shallow wells, irrigation systems, livestock watering
Deep-Well Jet Pumps
Deep-well jet pumps send a portion of pumped water back down through a drop pipe to an external ejector positioned near the water level. This ejector creates suction that lifts water from deeper wells.
Key specifications:
- Maximum depth: up to 110 feet from pump to water surface
- Optimal depth: 30–80 feet (performance degrades significantly below 100 feet)
- Typical flow rates: 4–14 gallons per minute depending on depth and pipe size
- Required components: drop pipe, ejector assembly, foot valve, surface-mounted pump
Important:
Many jet pumps are convertible. A shallow-well jet pump can be converted to deep-well operation by adding an external ejector kit, drop pipe, and foot valve. This flexibility is a major cost advantage—you can start shallow and convert if your well deepens over time.
Franklin Electric Jet Pumps
Top Recommendation:
Franklin Electric is the industry standard for residential jet pumps. With over 100 years of well pump manufacturing experience, Franklin Electric pumps offer the best combination of reliability, parts availability, and warranty support.
Franklin Electric WJ-5 (Shallow-Well Jet Pump)
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Maximum lift | 25 feet |
| Flow rate | Up to 9 GPM at 40 PSI |
| Horsepower | 3/4 HP |
| Voltage | 115V / 230V |
| Max pressure | 90 PSI |
| Weight | 29 lbs |
| Price range | $180–$250 |
Best for homeowners with shallow wells (under 25 feet water depth) needing a reliable, straightforward pump. The WJ-5 is widely available and straightforward to install.
Franklin Electric WJ-11 (Deep-Well Jet Pump)
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Maximum depth | 100 feet |
| Flow rate | Up to 11 GPM at 30 PSI |
| Horsepower | 3/4 HP |
| Voltage | 115V / 230V |
| Max pressure | 80 PSI |
| Weight | 30 lbs |
| Price range | $200–$280 |
The WJ-11 is designed for wells between 25 and 100 feet. It ships with provisions for an external ejector kit (sold separately), allowing it to handle deeper wells. A solid all-purpose choice.
Franklin Electric WJ-15 (1 HP Deep-Well)
For wells needing more power, the WJ-15 steps up to 1 HP and handles depths up to 110 feet with flow rates up to 14 GPM. Price range is $280–$380. Ideal for larger households or wells where flow demand is high.
Bell & Gossett Jet Pumps
Bell & Gossett, owned by Xylem, manufactures commercial-grade jet pumps that are excellent for residential applications where durability is paramount. Their pumps tend to cost slightly more than Franklin Electric but offer comparable or superior build quality.
Bell & Gossett 155 Series (Shallow-Well)
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Maximum lift | 25 feet |
| Flow rate | Up to 10 GPM |
| Horsepower | 3/4 HP to 1 HP |
| Price range | $220–$320 |
Bell & Gossett 155 series pumps are built with cast iron housings and thermally protected motors. They run quieter than many competitors and are a strong choice if noise is a concern.
Goulds Jet Pumps
Goulds Water Technology (also Xylem) produces the WaterLift series of jet pumps, widely used in residential applications. Goulds pumps are known for their ease of service and parts availability.
Goulds WaterLift JW1031 (Shallow-Well)
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Maximum lift | 25 feet |
| Flow rate | Up to 9 GPM |
| Horsepower | 3/4 HP |
| Price range | $170–$240 |
The Goulds JW1031 is a workhorse shallow-well pump used by contractors nationwide. Affordable, reliable, and easy to find parts for.
Rush Jet Pumps
Rush pumps offer value-priced jet pumps that perform adequately for residential applications. They are particularly popular in the Southeastern United States where shallow wells are common.
Rush 901 Series (Shallow-Well)
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Maximum lift | 25 feet |
| Flow rate | Up to 8 GPM |
| Horsepower | 3/4 HP |
| Price range | $140–$200 |
Budget Note:
Rush pumps are the most affordable option on this list. While they may not match the long-term durability of Franklin Electric or Goulds, they offer acceptable performance for wells with low usage demands and represent solid value for budget-conscious homeowners.
Century Jet Pumps
Century pumps, distributed by Goulds Water Technology, provide another quality option in the jet pump market. The Century E-JP series is widely used and easily available.
Century E-JP Series (Convertible)
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Maximum lift | 25 feet (shallow) / 100 feet (deep) |
| Flow rate | Up to 10 GPM |
| Horsepower | 3/4 HP to 1 HP |
| Price range | $190–$300 |
Century E-JP pumps ship as shallow-well configurations but can be converted to deep-well by adding an ejector kit. This flexibility makes them a smart choice if you are uncertain about your well depth.
Jet Pump Comparison Table
| Model | Type | Max Depth | HP | Flow (GPM) | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin WJ-5 | Shallow | 25 ft | 3/4 | 9 | $180–$250 |
| Franklin WJ-11 | Deep | 100 ft | 3/4 | 11 | $200–$280 |
| Franklin WJ-15 | Deep | 110 ft | 1 | 14 | $280–$380 |
| Bell & Gossett 155 | Shallow | 25 ft | 3/4–1 | 10 | $220–$320 |
| Goulds JW1031 | Shallow | 25 ft | 3/4 | 9 | $170–$240 |
| Rush 901 | Shallow | 25 ft | 3/4 | 8 | $140–$200 |
| Century E-JP | Convertible | 25/100 ft | 3/4–1 | 10 | $190–$300 |
Prices are approximate and reflect typical retail ranges as of mid-2026. Actual prices vary by region, supplier, and current promotions.
Jet Pump vs. Submersible Pump
Decision Rule:
Choose a jet pump if your well is under 80 feet deep and budget is a priority. Choose a submersible pump if your well is over 80 feet, you want maximum efficiency and quiet operation, or you need flow rates above 10 GPM.
| Factor | Jet Pump | Submersible Pump |
|---|---|---|
| Max depth | 110 feet | 400+ feet |
| Upfront cost | $140–$380 | $400–$1,200+ |
| Noise level | Louder (above ground) | Quiet (underground) |
| Repair access | Easy (above ground) | Requires pulling from well |
| Efficiency | Lower | Higher |
| Lifespan | 5–10 years | 10–20 years |
| Freeze risk | Higher (above ground) | Lower (underground) |
How to Size Your Jet Pump
Choosing the right jet pump requires matching three factors: depth, flow demand, and pressure needs.
Step 1: Measure Your Static Water Level
Static water level is the distance from ground surface to the water level when the well is at rest. This is the number that determines pump type.
- 0–25 feet: Shallow-well jet pump is ideal
- 25–80 feet: Deep-well jet pump works well
- 80–110 feet: Deep-well jet pump may work but expect reduced flow
- Over 110 feet: Submersible pump required
Step 2: Calculate Household Flow Demand
A typical household needs 6–10 gallons per minute total. Count fixtures:
- Shower: 2–2.5 GPM
- Kitchen faucet: 1.5–2 GPM
- Toilet flush: 1–1.6 GPM
- Laundry: 3–4 GPM
- Dishwasher: 1–2 GPM
If multiple fixtures may run simultaneously, size for combined demand. Most 3/4 HP jet pumps can handle standard household demand for 1–2 bathrooms.
Step 3: Determine Pressure Needs
Most homes use a standard pressure switch set to 30/50 PSI (pump turns on at 30, off at 50). If you have low-flow fixtures or multi-story plumbing, you may prefer a 40/60 PSI switch.
Pro Tip:
Jet pump pressure output is limited by depth. At maximum depth, flow and pressure drop significantly. Always buy a pump rated for slightly more depth than your well to ensure adequate performance under load.
Installation Essentials
Jet pump installation involves several critical components beyond the pump itself:
Required Components
- Foot valve — one-way valve at the bottom of the drop pipe that maintains prime
- Drop pipe — PVC pipe that extends from the pump down into the well
- Ejector assembly (deep-well only) — creates suction at depth
- Pressure switch — controls when the pump turns on and off
- Pressure tank — stores water under pressure for instant delivery
- Check valve — prevents water from flowing back into the well
- Suction line — connects the well to the pump
Priming the Pump
Jet pumps must be primed before first use and after any loss of prime. Priming means filling the pump housing and suction line with water to eliminate air pockets that prevent suction.
- Remove the priming plug on top of the pump
- Fill the pump housing with clean water until it overflows
- Replace the priming plug securely
- Turn on power to the pump
- The pump should begin delivering water within 1–2 minutes
If the pump runs but does not deliver water, it has lost prime and must be refilled. Common causes of losing prime include leaks in the suction line, a faulty foot valve, or a cracked discharge line.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Regular Maintenance Schedule
- Monthly: Check pressure gauge readings; ensure switch operates correctly
- Quarterly: Inspect suction line and fittings for leaks
- Annually: Test foot valve operation; clean inlet strainer
- Every 3 years: Inspect motor windings and bearings
Common Problems and Fixes
| Problem | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Pump runs but no water | Lost prime or air leak | Reprime pump; check suction line for leaks |
| Pump short cycles | Low air charge in pressure tank | Add air to pressure tank; check bladder |
| Low water pressure | Worn impeller or clogged intake | Inspect impeller; clean foot valve strainer |
| Pump runs continuously | Leak in house plumbing or well | Check for leaks; inspect pressure switch |
| Excessive noise | Air in system or worn bearings | Check for air leaks; lubricate bearings |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long do jet pumps last?
A properly maintained jet pump lasts 7–12 years on average. Factors affecting lifespan include frequency of use, water quality, electrical stability, and maintenance practices. Pumps in areas with hard water or sandy conditions tend to wear faster.
Q: Can I convert my shallow-well pump to a deep-well pump?
Yes, most shallow-well jet pumps can be converted by adding an external ejector kit, drop pipe, and foot valve. Conversion kits typically cost $50–$150. The pump must be rated for deep-well conversion—check the manufacturer specifications.
Q: Do jet pumps need electricity?
Yes, all jet pumps require electricity to operate. During power outages, you can install a battery backup or generator to keep the pump running. For emergency water access without electricity, consider keeping a manual hand pump connected to the well.
Q: How do I know if my jet pump needs replacing?
Signs include: failure to deliver water despite priming, significantly reduced flow or pressure that cannot be fixed by adjusting the pressure switch, unusual noises indicating bearing failure, or motor overheating. If repair costs exceed 50% of a new pump, replacement is usually more economical.
Q: Should I install a jet pump myself?
If you are comfortable with basic plumbing and electrical work, jet pump installation is achievable as a DIY project. However, improper electrical connections or plumbing can cause safety hazards or code violations. When in doubt, hire a licensed well contractor.