Submersible vs Jet Pump
Which well pump is right for your Southern Maryland property? Terry Foster Jr., MD Master Plumber #98433, explains the differences and when each is the right choice.
Terry's Verdict
"For most Southern Maryland wells — which are 50–300 feet deep — a submersible pump is the correct choice. Jet pumps are only appropriate for shallow wells under 25 feet, which are rare in this area."
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Submersible Pump | Jet Pump |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Inside the well (submerged) | Above ground (in pump house or basement) |
| Well depth | Up to 400+ feet | Shallow: up to 25 ft / Deep: up to 150 ft |
| Efficiency | High (pushes water up) | Lower (pulls water up — less efficient) |
| Noise | Silent (underground) | Audible (above ground) |
| Maintenance access | Requires pulling from well | Accessible above ground |
| Freeze risk | None (below frost line) | Yes (must be protected) |
| Typical cost | Contact us for estimate | Contact us for estimate |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years | 8–12 years |
| Best for | Most Maryland wells (50–300 ft) | Shallow wells under 25 ft |
Submersible Pumps — The Full Picture
A submersible pump sits at the bottom of the well, submerged in water. It pushes water up through the drop pipe to the pressure tank. Because it pushes rather than pulls, it is far more efficient than a jet pump for deep wells. It operates silently (underground), has no freeze risk, and is the standard choice for virtually all Southern Maryland residential wells.
The main disadvantage is that service requires pulling the pump from the well — a job that requires proper equipment and expertise.
Jet Pumps — The Full Picture
A jet pump sits above ground and pulls water up from the well using suction. Shallow-well jet pumps work for wells under 25 feet. Deep-well jet pumps use a two-pipe system and can reach up to 150 feet, but efficiency drops significantly with depth.
Jet pumps are accessible for maintenance but are noisier, less efficient, and more vulnerable to freezing than submersible pumps. They are rarely the right choice for Southern Maryland wells, which are typically 50–300 feet deep.
Decision Guide
Choose Submersible If…
- Well is deeper than 25 feet (the vast majority of Southern Maryland wells)
- You want quiet operation
- You want maximum efficiency
Choose Jet Pump If…
- Well is under 25 feet deep
- You need easy above-ground access for frequent maintenance
- You are replacing an existing jet pump system in a shallow well
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep are most wells in Southern Maryland?
Most residential wells in Calvert County and Anne Arundel County are 50–300 feet deep, with many in the 100–200 foot range. At these depths, a submersible pump is the only practical choice — a jet pump cannot efficiently pull water from this depth.
Can I replace a jet pump with a submersible pump?
Yes, and we often recommend this upgrade when a jet pump fails on a well deeper than 25 feet. The conversion requires new drop pipe, a submersible pump, and updated wiring. The result is better efficiency, quieter operation, and longer pump life.
Why is my submersible pump louder than it used to be?
A submersible pump should be nearly silent. If you can hear it running, the noise is usually coming from the pressure tank (rapid cycling from a waterlogged tank) or from vibration in the drop pipe. A pump that is genuinely noisy may have worn bearings — a sign it is approaching end of life.
What brands of submersible pumps do you install?
We install Grundfos and Franklin Electric submersible pumps — the two most reliable brands for Southern Maryland well conditions. Both use stainless steel construction that resists the corrosive water chemistry common in this area.
How do I know what size submersible pump I need?
Pump sizing depends on well yield (gallons per minute), static water level, total dynamic head, and household demand. We measure these before recommending a replacement — an oversized pump will run the well dry; an undersized pump will not meet household demand.
Not Sure What Pump You Have — or Need?
Terry will assess your well depth, water demand, and existing system — and give you an honest recommendation with upfront pricing.