Shallow Well Pump vs Deep Well Pump: Which One Do You Need?

If you rely on a private well for water, choosing the right pump is critical. The two most common types — shallow well pumps and deep well pumps — work very differently, and picking the wrong one can mean no water at all. This guide breaks down exactly how each type works, their advantages, and how to decide which one fits your property.

How Shallow Well Pumps Work

A shallow well pump is typically installed above ground, either inside your home or in a pump house. It draws water up using suction — essentially creating a vacuum that pulls water up through the well pipe.

Key characteristic: Suction has physical limits. Due to atmospheric pressure, even the best pump cannot lift water more than about 25 feet vertically. This means shallow well pumps are only suitable when the water table is within 25 feet of the surface.

Common types:

• Jet pumps (single-pipe): The most popular choice for shallow wells. Simple, affordable, and easy to service since the motor sits above ground.
• Convertible jet pumps: Can be configured for either shallow or deep wells — useful if your water table fluctuates seasonally.

Best for:

• Water tables 0–25 feet below the surface
• Smaller properties and single-family homes
• Situations where easy maintenance access is a priority

How Deep Well Pumps Work

A deep well pump pushes water up from below rather than sucking it from above. The pump — usually a submersible pump — is lowered directly into the well and sits below the water level. It pressurizes the water and pushes it up through the pipe to your home.

Because it pushes rather than pulls, it can move water from hundreds of feet deep without any issue.

Key characteristic: No suction limit. The motor is submerged in water, which also keeps it cool and running efficiently.

Common types:

• Submersible well pumps: The standard choice for deep wells. Quiet, efficient, and reliable for long-term use.
• Deep well jet pumps (two-pipe): Above-ground motor with a jet assembly lowered into the well. Less common and only effective to about 90–110 feet.

Best for:

• Water tables 25 feet or deeper
• Higher water demand (irrigation, large households)
• Properties in drought-prone areas where water tables can drop

Side-by-Side Comparison

How to Know Your Well Depth

Before buying a pump, you need to know two measurements:

1. Total well depth — how far down the well goes
2. Static water level — how far down the water surface sits when the pump is not running

You can often find this information in your well drilling records (required in most U.S. states). If you don't have records, a well contractor can measure it for you, or you can use a well sounder tool yourself.

Rule of thumb:

• Water table within 25 feet → Shallow well pump
• Water table deeper than 25 feet → Deep well pump

Flow Rate and Pressure Considerations

Beyond depth, you need to match your pump's GPM (gallons per minute) output to your household demand.

Also consider whether you need a pressure tank — most residential well pump systems pair with a pressure tank to maintain steady water pressure and reduce how often the pump cycles on and off.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying a shallow pump for a deep well — it simply won't reach the water, no matter how powerful the motor is
• Undersizing the GPM — a pump that can't keep up with demand will run constantly and fail prematurely
• Ignoring the pressure tank — without one, your pump will short-cycle and wear out much faster
• Skipping professional depth measurement — assuming the depth without measuring is one of the most common (and costly) mistakes

Which Pump Does JunJiang Offer?

JunJiang Pump carries high-performance well pumps for both shallow and deep well applications, built for long-lasting residential and light commercial use.

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Not sure which model fits your well? Contact us and we'll help you find the right match.