Choose the Right Well Pump in the UK: A Practical Guide to Stores, Types, and Advice

Thinking about a well pump for your home, garden, or smallholding? You’re not alone. Whether you’re replacing a tired unit or installing a new system, picking the right pump and the right supplier matters. This guide walks you through pump types, trusted UK retailers, how to size a pump in plain terms, and hands-on tips to help you buy smartly — all in an easy, conversational style. Ready? Let’s dig in.

Why picking a good well pump matters

Water is life, and a reliable pump is the heart of any private supply. A well-installed, correctly sized pump keeps your taps flowing, your garden thriving, and your livestock healthy. A poor choice leads to low pressure, short cycles, and higher running costs — not to mention the hassle of unexpected breakdowns. Think of your pump like the engine of a car: the better the spec, the smoother and longer it runs.

Types of well pumps explained simply

There are a few common types of pumps you’ll see on UK sites and in stores. Each has strengths and weaknesses depending on how deep your water is, how much flow you need, and where the pump will live.

Submersible pumps

Submersible pumps sit down in the water and push water up from the well. They’re great for deep wells, quiet, and efficient. Expect them to handle depths of 50 to 600 feet easily and produce consistent pressure. They’re a go-to for many homeowners with deep boreholes.

Jet pumps (surface pumps)

Jet pumps sit above ground and pull water up using suction. They work well for shallow wells — generally up to about 25 feet — or when you have a cistern or holding tank. They’re easy to access for maintenance but can struggle if the depth grows beyond what their suction allows.

Booster pumps

If your main pump provides flow but not pressure, a booster pump can be a game-changer. These are often used in houses with multi-storey layouts or long pipe runs. They increase psi so showers and outdoor taps perform better, without changing the well itself.

Hand pumps and manual solutions

Want something low-tech for emergencies or remote areas? Manual hand pumps and simple piston pumps are reliable when electricity fails. They’re slower, but they’ll keep a supply flowing in a pinch and are excellent for small plots or seasonal use.

Top UK stores and suppliers for well pumps

Where you buy matters. Some retailers focus on DIY convenience and price, while specialist suppliers and merchants offer deeper technical help and warranties. Here are popular UK options to consider.

Screwfix

Screwfix is popular for DIYers and tradespeople. You’ll find a broad range of pumps, from small garden bores to larger submersibles. It’s handy for quick pick-ups and plumbing accessories, and the staff often know which basic pump suits common needs.

B&Q

B&Q is a familiar high-street option for homeowners. They stock well pumps and surface pumps that suit garden irrigation and domestic supplies. Prices tend to be competitive, especially when you’re buying a basic kit and fittings at the same time.

Wickes

Wickes often focuses on garden and home water systems. Their catalogue includes shallow well pumps, transfer pumps, and accessories for irrigation. If you’re doing a garden overhaul, Wickes makes it easy to match pipe sizes and connectors in-store.

Toolstation

Toolstation is another practical choice for tools and basic pumps. They’re geared toward tradespeople but are friendly for homeowners who want good value and quick delivery. You’ll find pressure tanks and pump controllers there, too.

Travis Perkins and Jewson

Trade merchants like Travis Perkins and Jewson are strong on professional-grade kits and commercial support. They stock robust submersible and centrifugal pumps, and the teams often advise on site-specific details like well casing sizes and head calculations.

Homebase

Homebase provides a solid mix of garden pumps, transfer pumps, and domestic pumps. It’s convenient if you want in-person advice and the option to see components before buying. They’re a good middle-ground between big-box retailers and specialist outlets.

Amazon UK and specialist online stores

Amazon and specialist online pump suppliers offer huge choice and user reviews. Brands like Grundfos, Pedrollo, and DAB appear across multiple sellers. Online shops can deliver to remote areas quickly, but always check warranty terms and seller reputation before you click buy.

Trusted pump brands to look for

Think brand when you want reliability. Some manufacturers have built reputations over decades and their parts and service networks are worth paying for.

Grundfos

Grundfos is synonymous with reliability. Their submersible pumps and control systems are widely used in homes and farms and often come with solid support in the UK.

DAB Pumps

DAB offers a range of household and agricultural pumps known for good build quality. They’re a cost-effective choice for many applications.

Pedrollo and Lowara

Pedrollo and Lowara make robust pumps for domestic and commercial use. If you want a durable pump that handles frequent use, these brands are worth considering.

How to size a well pump: simple steps you can follow

Sizing a pump sounds technical, but you can approach it like a recipe: measure a few things, do a bit of simple math, and you’ll know what to look for.

1. Estimate required flow in gallons per minute (GPM)

First, consider peak use. A shower might use 2 to 4 gallons per minute, a washing machine 3 to 5 GPM during fill, and a garden hose 4 to 8 GPM. Add up simultaneous needs to get a peak GPM. For a small house, 10 to 15 GPM is common; for larger properties or irrigation, aim higher.

2. Calculate total head (in feet)

Head is the resistance the pump must overcome — the vertical lift plus friction in pipes. Measure the vertical distance from the water level in the well to the highest outlet in feet. Add a safety margin of 10 to 20 feet for pipe friction and fittings. If your well water is 80 feet below ground and your header tank sits 10 feet above ground, you’d need at least 90 to 110 feet of head.

3. Select horsepower and pressure

Pump motor sizes are often given in horsepower (HP). As a rough guide: small garden pumps might be 0.5 to 1 HP, domestic submersibles 1 to 2 HP, and larger borehole units 2 HP and above. Pressure is measured in psi; many household systems aim for 40 to 60 psi. Match the pump curve from the manufacturer to your required GPM at your calculated head to pick the right motor size.

Installation: DIY or hire a pro?

Quick answer: it depends. If you’re comfortable with basic plumbing and electrical work, installing a surface pump or swapping a pressure tank can be a DIY weekend job. But deep borehole submersibles, complex control wiring, and well casing work are best left to qualified installers. Why? Safety, correct sealing, and ensuring the pump matches the well’s characteristics all matter — and mistakes can be costly.

Maintenance and winter preparation

Regular checks keep a pump healthy and prevent surprise failures. A little effort every season goes a long way.

Routine checks

Look for leaks, listen for unusual noises, and check pressure levels at the tank. If your pump cycles on and off frequently, that could signal a faulty pressure switch or a waterlogged pressure vessel. Keep electrical connections dry and check for corrosion periodically.

Protecting against frost

In winter, exposed pipes and above-ground pumps can freeze. Insulate external pipework with foam sleeves and consider an insulated pump house or lagging for the pump itself. If you’re away for long spells, drain external lines and keep critical equipment in frost-free locales.

Energy efficiency and running costs

Pumps consume power, and choosing an efficient model saves money. Look for modern motors with good efficiency ratings and variable speed drives if you have fluctuating demand. Variable speed drives adjust the motor to match flow needs, cutting wasted energy compared with a pump that’s always running full tilt. Calculate running cost roughly by multiplying motor horsepower by hours used and fuel/electric rates — smaller, efficient pumps paying back over time through lower bills.

Comparing prices and warranties across UK retailers

Prices vary widely. Expect small garden pumps and transfer pumps to start around £50 to £150, reliable domestic submersibles in the £200 to £700 bracket, and high-end, commercial borehole systems to exceed £1,000. Trade merchants and specialist suppliers often include better warranties and technical support, while big-box stores can be cheaper but may offer simpler warranty terms. Always check what’s covered and for how long — it can make a big difference when parts wear out.

Common mistakes to avoid

Don’t buy a pump based on price alone. Match the pump to your well’s depth and required GPM. Avoid undersized pipework that adds friction and reduces flow. Don’t forget to include a pressure tank and controller in systems where steady pressure matters. And finally, don’t skip reading the pump curve and specs; a pump’s stated maximum is only half the story — where it performs best on the curve is what counts.

Final tips for choosing the right well pump

Start by measuring your well depth and estimating peak flow needs in GPM. Decide whether you need a submersible for deep water or a surface/jet pump for shallow wells. Shop at reputable UK stores like Screwfix, B&Q, Wickes, Toolstation, Travis Perkins, or specialist online retailers. Pick a recognized brand for parts and service, and consider professional installation for complex setups. Finally, think long term — an efficient, well-sized pump will save money and stress over the years.

Choosing the right pump doesn’t have to be a guessing game. With a few measurements, the right supplier, and a solid sense of how you’ll use the system, you’ll get a setup that keeps your taps running and your garden happy for years.

Good luck — and if you have specifics like well depth or the number of simultaneous water users, jot those down before you shop. That info makes finding the right unit a whole lot easier.

Conclusion: Buying a well pump in the UK is about balancing practical needs with trusted suppliers. From big-name DIY outlets to specialist merchants, options are plentiful. Know your flow and head, favor reputable brands, and weigh installation options wisely. Do that, and you’ll enjoy steady water pressure and fewer headaches.