If you rely on a private well in Connecticut, you know how important a reliable pump is to keep your household water supply running. For many homeowners in New Milford, Danbury, Brookfield, and surrounding towns, the submersible well pump is the backbone of their system. When it fails, your water stops, sometimes suddenly. That’s why knowing how to install a submersible well pump is valuable, even if you ultimately call a professional for help.
In this guide, we’ll walk through what a submersible pump is, the steps to install one, common mistakes to avoid, and how much you can expect to pay for well pump installation in Connecticut. While it is possible to take the DIY route, deep wells, electrical wiring, and pressure tank systems make installation complex. That’s where a trusted, licensed company like Housatonic Valley Well Pump Services can provide safe, code-compliant well pump installation and 24/7 emergency repair.
What Is a Submersible Well Pump?
A submersible well pump is an electric motor-driven pump installed below the water line inside a well casing. Unlike a jet pump, which pulls water from above ground, a submersible pump pushes water upward into your home’s plumbing system. This design makes it quieter, more efficient, and capable of supplying water from wells hundreds of feet deep.
Most Connecticut homes use submersible pumps because well depths in towns like Litchfield and Southbury can exceed 200 feet. These pumps are long, cylindrical units with a motor at the bottom and impellers above. When powered, the motor drives the impellers, forcing potable water upward through the drop pipe, past the pitless adapter, and into the pressure tank system inside your home. The benefits of submersible pumps include a lifespan of 8 to 15 years, reliable pressure, and reduced risk of running dry compared to shallow well alternatives.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before starting, it’s important to gather the right tools. Installing a submersible pump requires more than just basic plumbing knowledge. It involves electrical connections, water system integration, and safety measures. Using the wrong equipment can damage the system, shorten pump life, or cause leaks.
To install a submersible well pump, you’ll typically need the following:
- Submersible pump and motor
- Drop pipe (PVC or polyethylene, sized by diameter and depth)
- Safety rope for lowering and securing the pump
- Torque arrestor to reduce twisting inside the well casing
- Pitless adapter for sealed side connection
- Check valve to prevent backflow
- Waterproof electrical wire kit and connectors
- Electrical tape and heat shrink tubing
- Teflon tape and pipe wrenches
- Pressure switch and control box
- Pressure tank (if not already in place)
If you don’t have access to the specialized tools required for this process, our technicians carry everything needed to install or replace your pump safely.
Step-by-Step: How to Install a Submersible Well Pump
Installing a submersible well pump is a careful process. Homeowners can follow these steps to understand the installation, but due to risks with wiring and water safety, many prefer professional installation.
Step 1 – Shut Off Power and Remove the Old Pump
Always begin by shutting off the electrical supply at the breaker. Removing the well cap gives access to the existing pump. The old pump and drop pipe are pulled carefully from the casing, often more than 100 feet of pipe. This process requires steady handling and usually more than one person.
Step 2 – Prepare the New Pump and Wiring
The new pump must be matched to your well’s depth and capacity. Wiring is connected using waterproof splice kits and secured with electrical tape and heat shrink tubing. The correct wire gauge is critical, and using undersized wire can cause overheating or pump failure.
Step 3 – Attach Check Valve and Torque Arrestor
A check valve is installed above the pump to stop water from flowing backward when the motor shuts off. A torque arrestor prevents the pump from twisting inside the casing each time it starts. This is especially important in deep wells across Connecticut.
Step 4 – Connect Drop Pipe and Safety Rope
The pump is connected to the drop pipe with sealed fittings wrapped in Teflon tape. A safety rope, usually nylon, is tied securely to support the pump’s weight. The rope prevents the pump from being lost if the drop pipe connection fails.
Step 5 – Lower Pump into the Well Casing
With assistance, the pump is carefully lowered into the casing. At depths over 200 feet, this process requires precision. The pipe is guided until the pitless adapter locks into place, creating a watertight side connection to the house.
Step 6 – Connect Pressure Tank and Switch
Inside the home, the drop pipe connects to the pressure tank system, which stores and regulates household water pressure. The pressure switch and control box are wired, ensuring the pump cycles properly when demand increases.
Step 7 – Test the System
Power is restored, and the system is tested for leaks, pressure stability, and water flow. It’s also important to flush the system to remove any debris introduced during installation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced DIYers can make errors that lead to pump failure or system damage. Some of the most common mistakes include using the wrong wire size or poor waterproof splices, skipping torque arrestors, forgetting the check valve, failing to secure the safety rope, and incorrectly setting the pressure switch.
Each of these mistakes can shorten the life of the pump or cause sudden no-water emergencies. By working with a licensed installer, Connecticut homeowners avoid these risks and ensure long-term reliability.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Submersible Well Pump in CT?
In Connecticut, the cost of installing a submersible well pump typically ranges from $1,200 to $3,000. The exact price depends on well depth, pump size, and whether a new pressure tank or wiring is needed.
Shallow wells closer to 100 feet usually fall on the lower end, while deep wells in towns like Southbury or Brookfield may require heavier-duty pumps and longer drop pipes, increasing the cost. Emergency service may add to expenses, but many homeowners prefer professional installation to protect their water supply and avoid repeat failures.
When to Call a Professional Instead of DIY
Installing a submersible well pump is not always a homeowner’s project. You should call a licensed installer if your well is deeper than 150 feet, if you’re unfamiliar with electrical wiring, or if you’ve experienced repeated pump failures. Connecticut also requires licensed professionals for most well pump work to ensure safety and code compliance.
At Housatonic Valley Well Pump Services, we bring over 20 years of experience and local water quality knowledge. Our team is available 24/7 for emergency no-water situations in New Milford, Danbury, and surrounding areas.
Conclusion
A submersible well pump is a reliable, efficient way to deliver clean water to your home, but installation is a complex process involving plumbing, wiring, and careful system setup. While it’s helpful to understand the steps, most homeowners in Connecticut benefit from licensed, professional installation to protect their investment and ensure a dependable water supply.
At Housatonic Valley Well Pump Services, we offer expert installation, repairs, and 24/7 emergency response for homeowners across Litchfield and Fairfield Counties. Contact us today for a free quote and dependable service you can trust
FAQs
How is a submersible pump installed?
A submersible pump is lowered into the well casing using a drop pipe and safety rope. It connects to a pitless adapter on the well wall, then ties into the home’s pressure tank system. Wiring and a pressure switch ensure the pump cycles properly when water demand increases.
Can I install a well pump myself?
It’s possible for shallow wells, but submersible pumps in Connecticut often sit 150 to 300 feet deep. Electrical safety, plumbing connections, and permits make DIY risky. Hiring a licensed installer ensures the process is safe and long-lasting.
How deep to put a submersible well pump?
The pump is placed 10 to 20 feet from the bottom of the well to prevent sucking sediment while still drawing more water. Depth depends on your well’s total depth, which in Litchfield County can exceed 250 feet.
How much does it cost to install a submersible well pump?
Most Connecticut installations cost $1,200 to $3,000. Costs vary by pump size, well depth, and whether you need a new pressure tank or control box. At Housatonic Valley, we provide free quotes before work begins.