Informational Guide

How Many Watts Does A Well Pump Use

This guide was made by plumbers, offering you all of the information you need to know. Find out how many watts does a well pump use?

by Caitlin Shaffer

Did you know that your well pump has to use electricity to function? This guide was made by plumbers, offering you all of the information you need to know. The best well pumps run more efficiently. Ready to find out how many watts does a well pump use? Let's begin! 

The wattage can vary between each type of well pump as different factors impact the amount of power they take to run. These are some of the most common well pumps out there: 

1. Submersible Pump 

This is the type of well pump you’ll find the most often. It is placed below the water level, which “submerges” it. They are usually used in wells that are more than three inches in diameter. How many watts does a submersible well pump use? 

As an average, a submersible pump uses between 750 and 1,050 watts. Some can be a little higher or lower. The size will impact the number of watts needed to run the pump. It’s important to keep in mind that the starting power is usually two times higher than the average watt usage. 

2. Jet Pump 

The jet pump is used in wells with a smaller diameter. You can find it connected to the top of your well or inside of a pump house. The jet pump works by creating suction and pulling water from the well.  

The amount of horsepower, or HP, that the machine has will determine the amount of watts it needs to run. For instance, a one HP jet pump uses about 746 watts. A two HP pump uses about 1491 watts. 

3. Centrifugal Pump 

A centrifugal pump moves water by spinning impellers. This motion leads to water traveling towards the pump and the tank. It’s not as efficient as a jet pump but still works well to get the job done. 

The power consumption can fall between 250 and 1,100 watts on average. Due to how the machine runs, it uses slightly less than the jet pump. 

4. Turbine Pump 

A turbine pump is usually used in areas where large amounts of water are required in the wells. The motor is also found on top of the well with impellers to move the water where it needs to go. 

You can expect a very large turbine pump to use between 10,000 and 16,000 watts. They’re vertical, usually quite large, and pull water from deep beneath the surface of the earth.  

Light Bulb Wattage

Different Sizes Of Well Pumps And Wattages To Run Them 

There are many different sizes of well pumps that you can find on the market. The different sizes require different amounts of horsepower (and therefore watts) to run. So, if you buy a large, powerful well pump, it’s going to end up using a lot of watts. 

In the chart below, you’ll also notice the phrases "running wattage" and "starting wattage." Here’s what they mean: 

  • Running Wattage
    This refers to the amount of watts required to keep the pump running. It keeps the machine going without dropping its efficiency.
  • Starting Wattage
    This refers to the surge when your machine is starting up. Well pump starting watts are only needed for a few seconds when the motor begins running. Then, it switches over to the running wattage.

Size of Well Pump (By HP)

Running Wattage

Starting Wattage  

1/3 HP  

750 - 800

1,500 - 2,400 

1/2 HP

900 - 1,050 

1,800 - 3,150 

3/4 HP

1,500 - 1,800

3,000 - 5,400  

1 HP  

2,000 - 2,400

4,000 - 7,200

1.5 HP

2,500 - 2,800

5,000 - 8,400  

2 HP

3,750 - 4,000

7,500 - 12,000

3 HP

5,000 - 5,500

10,000 - 16,500  

5 HP  

7,500 - 8,000

15,000 - 24,000

7.5 HP

10,000 - 11,000

20,000 - 33,000

10 HP

15,000 - 16,000

30,000 - 48,000


How Do You Determine The Size Of A Well Pump You Need?  

It’s vital that you determine the best pump size for your home. Pumps are marked with GPM, or gallons per minute. Your average three bedroom home will likely need between 8 and 12 GPM. 

The well pump is a very important tool in the home. It sucks water into your well and maintains a constant water pressure. The size is determined by: 

  • The size of your home 
  • How many water fixtures you have 
  • When water is used in large amounts 

You’ll want to count one GPM for each additional water appliance in your home. For example, dishwashers, refrigerators, and showers are all water fixtures you’ll need to add on. Most homes use a ½ HP pump, which offers around 10 GPM of water. 

A pump that’s too large or small will cause problems. You’ll receive reduced performance or energy inefficiencies with your water. It’s best to always check the old pump for its horsepower. That way, you aren’t left guessing at what size well pump you need. 

Suburban Home

People Also Ask (FAQs)

How many watts does a well pump need from a generator?  

Your well pump will need about 5,000 to 6,500 watts from your generator. While your pump might not run that high, the amount doubles when the watts peak during startup. You want to ensure you have enough for it to run correctly. 

Can a portable generator run a well pump?  

No, your portable generator can’t run a well pump. The pump is usually already installed and connected with your property’s electrical circuits. Some people install a full-size generator to run the well pump and their appliances. 


Conclusion

Overall, your well pump is going to require a lot of power to run. You want to make sure you have the correct size at home, so everything runs efficiently. If you’re considering changing or upgrading to a new pump, make sure you know exactly what size you need. 

We’re always available to help and can answer any of your questions. Contact us today if you need to know more about your well pump! 

Caitlin Shaffer has been traveling & working as a content writer & SCUBA dive instructor since 2014. Having lived in Central & South America, Southeast Asia, India, & Australia, Caitlin has had many years of experience with a variety of kitchen, bathroom, plumbing systems & common household products. Other than writing about her plumbing experiences & knowledge, her main passions are yoga, ocean conservation, & sustainable development.

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