Jet Pumps for Wells: Shallow vs. Deep Well Types
A guide to jet pumps: surface-mounted pumps that use suction, the shallow vs. deep well versions, and their main limitations.
Quick Answer
A jet pump is a surface-mounted well pump that uses suction to draw water up from the well. Shallow-well jet pumps work for wells where water is roughly 25 feet or less below the pump; deep-well (convertible) jet pumps use a jet assembly down in the well to reach farther. Jet pumps must stay primed, and electrical work on them is a professional job.
How a jet pump works
Unlike a submersible pump, a jet pump sits above ground, usually next to the pressure tank. It spins an impeller that creates suction and, with a jet (venturi) assembly, recirculates some water to help lift more from the well. Because it relies on suction, atmospheric pressure limits how far up it can pull water in a single lift.
Shallow vs. deep well jet pumps
| Type | Jet location | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Shallow-well jet pump | Built into the pump at the surface | Wells where water sits roughly 25 ft or less below the pump |
| Deep-well (convertible) jet pump | Down in the well, with two pipes | Deeper wells beyond simple suction lift |
Priming and other limits
- The pump and its suction line must be full of water (primed) to work — an air leak will stop it from drawing water.
- Suction lift is limited, so jet pumps are not used for very deep wells unless configured as a deep-well type.
- They sit above ground, so they are easier to reach for service than a submersible pump.
- They can be noisier than a submersible unit because the motor runs in the open.
Lost prime usually points to a cause
Leave wiring to a pro
If you are replacing a jet pump, size it to your well’s depth and tested yield and to the manufacturer’s pump curve — not just to the horsepower of the old unit.
Frequently asked questions
- Is a jet pump better than a submersible pump?
- Neither is universally better. Jet pumps are easier to access for service and suit shallow wells; submersible pumps are quieter and reach much deeper. The right choice depends on your well depth and yield.
Sources & references
- Protect Your Home’s Water: Private Wells — US EPA, accessed October 29, 2026
This guide is documentary research and general information, not a laboratory analysis or professional assessment of your specific well. See our disclaimer.