Most rural Manitoba homeowners don't think about their well pump until it stops working. When it does — no water, or poor pressure — the question of pump type comes up in the replacement conversation. Understanding the difference between submersible and jet pumps helps you make sense of what a contractor is recommending and why.
The Fundamental Difference
Submersible Well Pump
A submersible pump sits at the bottom of the well casing, fully submerged in water. The motor and pump are a single sealed unit that pushes water up to the surface through a drop pipe. Because the pump is already at the water level, it doesn't have to fight atmospheric pressure limitations to lift water — it simply pushes it up. This makes submersibles the only practical choice for deep wells.
Submersible pumps are the most common type for deep private wells in rural Manitoba. They're efficient, quiet (from inside the house — you can't hear them), and capable of producing high flow rates at significant depth.
Jet Pump
A jet pump is located above ground — typically in the mechanical room or pump house. It creates a partial vacuum that draws water up from the well using jet nozzles. There are two types:
- Shallow-well jet pump: All components above ground; works up to approximately 7–8 metres (25 feet) of lift. Used for very shallow wells or cisterns.
- Deep-well jet pump: The jet assembly is lowered into the well, with the motor above ground; can pull water from approximately 25–35 metres (80–110 feet). Less common than submersibles for deep wells.
The Depth Rule: When Each Type Makes Sense
Most Interlake-area wells that serve rural residences are in the 15–60 metre range — firmly in submersible territory. Very shallow wells (dug wells) and cisterns may still use jet pumps.
Key Comparison Factors
Efficiency
Submersible pumps are significantly more energy-efficient than jet pumps. A jet pump loses energy in the recirculation process inherent to its jet design. A submersible pushes water directly and wastes less energy doing it. In a home that runs the pump frequently, this translates to meaningful electricity savings over time.
Maintenance Access
This is the key practical disadvantage of submersible pumps: when they fail, the pump must be pulled from the well for service or replacement. In a deep well, this means pulling the drop pipe (which may be 30–60 metres long), the pump, and the wiring. It requires a pump puller or well service equipment and takes several hours.
A jet pump, being above ground, is much easier to access for diagnosis and repair. The motor can be replaced without going into the well. This service-access advantage is a real one — but it doesn't overcome the efficiency and depth limitations for most Manitoba wells.
Noise
Submersible pumps are quiet from inside the house — you may hear the pressure tank switch click but not the pump itself. Jet pumps, being in the mechanical room or pump house, produce motor and water-flow noise during operation. In homes where the pump house is attached or close to living spaces, this can be noticeable.
Freeze Protection
Submersible pumps are underground and protected from freezing by the earth's consistent temperature below frost depth. Jet pumps and their associated piping above ground can freeze if the mechanical room or pump house isn't heated — a consideration in rural Manitoba winter conditions. The water line from well to house still needs to be buried below frost depth regardless of pump type.
Cost
Jet pumps have lower upfront equipment cost. Submersible pumps cost more for equipment but installation cost is similar. Over time, submersible pumps win on efficiency and longevity — submersible pump lifespans of 15–25 years are common in Manitoba wells; jet pumps typically last 10–15 years.
When to Consider Converting from Jet to Submersible
If you have an older property with a jet pump on a well deeper than 15–20 metres, conversion to submersible is worth considering at the next pump failure or major service event. The conversion involves:
- Sizing a new submersible pump to the well's flow rate and depth
- Installing drop pipe and wiring to the pump depth
- Sealing the well head appropriately
- Modifying the pressure tank and controls if needed
The conversion cost is higher than a straight jet-to-jet replacement, but the long-term benefits (efficiency, reliability, quiet operation) typically justify it. Our well pump and pressure system service covers submersible installations and jet-to-submersible conversions throughout the Interlake.
For more on how the complete well water system works — pump, pressure tank, and controls — see our post on how a pressure tank and well system works. For general well pump troubleshooting, our guide to diagnosing low water pressure from a well pump walks through the common causes.
Well Pump Questions for Your Manitoba Property?
We service submersible and jet pumps throughout Stonewall, Winnipeg, and the Interlake. We'll assess your well and recommend the right pump type for your situation.
Book a Well Pump AssessmentFrequently Asked Questions
Which lasts longer — a submersible or jet well pump?
Submersible pumps generally last longer — 15–25 years with good water quality conditions. Jet pumps typically last 10–15 years. The water quality factor is important: abrasive sediment, high iron content, or low pH water can shorten submersible pump life by wearing internal components. Proper filtration and an intact pitless adapter that keeps the pump clean both extend submersible life.
How do I know if I have a submersible or jet pump?
Look in your mechanical room or utility area. If you see a motor unit sitting above ground connected to the well casing — that's a jet pump. If all you see is a pressure tank and a pipe coming up from the floor with no above-ground motor, the pump is underground (submersible). You can also check your water well record if one was filed with the province when the well was drilled.
Can a submersible pump be repaired or does it always need replacement?
Most submersible pump failures — failed motor windings, worn impellers, seized bearings — are more economical to replace than repair. Unlike large commercial pumps, residential submersible pumps are typically replaced as a unit. The motor and pump assembly come together and are sealed from the factory. However, electrical issues above ground (pressure switch, wiring, control box on 3-wire systems) can be repaired without pulling the pump.
What causes a submersible pump to burn out?
The most common causes are: running dry (the well yields water faster than the pump can remove it — low water table, or a pump that's too large for the well), sand or sediment abrasion wearing the impellers, repeated short-cycling from an undersized or waterlogged pressure tank (see our guide on pressure tanks), voltage issues (low voltage forces the motor to draw excess current and run hot), and simply age and wear after 15–20 years of service.