Well pump is the primary source of water for many people. During the blackout, you can not get water from the Well pump if you don’t have an alternative power source.
The generator is an effective and popular alternative to the primary power source. But it is a bit difficult to find the right generator from hundreds of options.
In this article, you will get the 9 best generators for your Well pump. All of them are worthy of investment. I have organized the generator from low to high in size (Power) so that you can get the best generator from every segment.
Simultaneously, I have also added a comprehensive buying guide to remove the common confusion regarding the Well pump and generator.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
Generator for Well Pump – Comparison Table
- Weight: 110.8 lb.
- 2.2 gallons fuel tank
- 3800 starting watt and 3400 running watt
- Weight: 71 pounds
- 3000-starting watt and 2800-running watt
- 49 to 58 dBA noise
- Weight: 127 lbs.
- 5500 starting watts and 4500 running watts
- Noise level – 69 dB
- Weight: 129.7 pounds
- 6000 starting watt and 5000 running watt
- Compatible with 120-volt and 240-volt operation
Best Generator for Well Pump Review
WEN 56380i is another super quiet portable inverter generator for a Well pump. This one is perfect for a 1 HP well pump or a submersible pump. Apart from the Well pump, you could run the other home appliances including the sensitive device with this inverter generator.
WEN 56380i is literally a portable inverter generator. it comes with only 110.8 lb. That is incredible. Moreover, the size is so compact. It does not matter where you want to use the generator like home, camping, or RV trip, this inverter generator will fit everywhere. So, it will be worthy of investment for you.
WEN 56380i is an EPA III and CARB compliant generator. It produces only 57 dBA noises while running. So, your neighbor will not be bored during the blackout.
You will get 3800 surge watt and 3400 rated watt from this inverter generator. You can run this generator for up to 8.5 hours at 50% load. Considering an inverter generator the price is also reasonable.
If you are looking for a generator for your Well pump as well as running sensitive devices like Television, Laptop, mobile, and other devices.
Package includes
- 2 three-prong 120V receptacles
- 1 AC 120V NEMA TT-30R RV receptacle
- A 12V DC receptacle
- A 5V USB port
- Fuel display and Digital load
Pros
- CARB and EPA III Compliant
- Compact design
- Produce safe electricity for the sensitive device
- Electric start
- Limited maintenance
- Eco-mode
Cons
- A bit pricy since it is an inverter generator
Are you looking for an RV-ready portable generator for your Well pump to use for both RV and home purposes? Well, you could consider this Champion 3650-Watt portable generator then.
Unlike the first two generators, this one is not an inverter generator. That is why it comes at a very affordable price. So, this one is a budget pick for the 1 HP and 1.5 HP well pumps.
This Champion RV-ready portable generator comes with 4500 starting watts and 3650 running watts. you can run this portable generator for up to 9 hours.
Though it is not an inverter generator, it is comparatively quieter than other conventional generators. You will get 68 dBA noise from 23 feet. So, if you place the generator a bit far from the house, you will not be bored with the generator sound.
This Champion portable generator comes with a volt guard. So there is no chance of damaging your home appliances including the Well pump. Additionally, you can keep track of the voltage, frequency, and operating hours of this generator.
Pros
- RV ready portable generator
- EPA and CARB compliant
- Cold start feature
- Automatic low fuel sensor
- Durable steel frame
- Perfect for outdoor use along with the Well pump
Cons
- No wheels
- No parallel connectivity
If you are looking for a dual fuel generator, you could consider this DuroMax XP5500EH. It comes at an affordable price. Moreover, you will get all the premium features to run your Well pump and other home appliances.
This DuroMax XP5500EH dual fuel hybrid generator comes with 5500 starting watts and 4500 running watts. That means you could consider this hybrid generator for your 1 HP to 2 HP submersible and well pump.
This DuroMax XP5500EH supports both propane and gasoline. It has a 3.96-gallon fuel tank for gasoline and the recommended to use a 20-gallon propane tank.
The weight of this powerful hybrid generator is only 127 lbs. It is comparatively lighter than other generators in this segment. This hybrid generator is crafted with a 225 cc 7.5 HP engine. It produces 69 dBA noise while running. That is reasonable indeed.
You can run this generator in both 120 V and 240 V simultaneously. It could handle the large Well pump as well as the heavier appliances like the refrigerator, AC, furnace, and other kitchen appliances.
Package includes
- Owner’s manual
- 1 oil funnel
- 1 spark plug wrench
- Tools set
- Wheels and handle kit
- DC charging cables
Pros
- Dual fuel hybrid generator
- Light portable generator with wheels
- Easy to handle
- Low noise
- Easy to operate
- Perfect for large Well pump
- GFCI outlet
- Cost-efficient and budget pick
Cons
- Need close maintenance in case of storing for a long period.
WEN GN6000 6000-Watt RV-Ready Portable Generator
- Weight: 129.7 pounds
- 6000 starting watt and 5000 running watt
- Compatible with 120-volt and 240-volt operation
- 12-volt DC outlet
- TT-30R (RV ready 120-volt outlet)
- NEMA L5-30R (Transfer switch ready)
- AC breakers
- 4-stroke 272 cc OHV engine
- 7.5-hours run-time at 50% load
- 3.4-gallon fuel tank
If you are looking for a compact but medium-powered generator for your Well pump as well as outdoor use, you could consider this WEN GN6000. It comes with 6000 starting watts and 5000 running watts. moreover, this generator is RV-ready. So, it will be a great generator for home backup, camping, Tailgating, and RV trip.
WEN GN6000 comes with a 3.4-gallon fuel tank. You can run this generator for up to 7.5 hours at 50% load. This one is literally a portable generator. it comes with a wheel and a portable kit for easy moving.
The weight of this portable generator is 129.7 pounds. As a 6000 watt generator, the weight is not so high indeed. Moreover, it is EPA and CARB compliant.
This powerful generator comes with a 272 cc OHV 4 stroke engine. Apart from the Well pump, you could backup your home with this WEN GN6000. It is a transfer switch-ready generator.
Pros
- Lighter Portable generator with wheel kit
- Enough power for large Well pump and home backup
- RV ready generator
- Attractive look
- Easy to carry
- Easy assembling
- Electric start
Cons
- A bit louder
Westinghouse WGen7500DF is another powerful dual fuel generator on this list. you will get 9500 starting watts and 7500 running watts in gasoline. And 6750 running watts & 8550 starting watts on propane. So, you could run all types of Well pumps along with other home appliances smoothly.
You can run this dual fuel generator with Gasoline or Propane. Usually, you will get better performance with gasoline than propane. Like the previous generator, this one is the Transfer switch-ready generator.
It is very easy to start because it comes with an electric start and remote control feature. you can start your generator by remote start key fob from a distance up to 109 yards or 327 feet. Moreover, it is a CARB-compliant portable generator.
However, this generator comes with a 6.6-gallon fuel tank with a fuel gauge. This smart portable generator is crafted with a 2 GFCI outlet, 120-volt household duplex outlet. Additionally, it also has an L14-30R 120/240V 30A twist-lock outlet. All the outlets are covered with a rubber cover for maximum safety.
Package includes
- Remote start key fob
- 12V Battery charger
- Oil
- 1 oil funnel
- 1 Tool kit
- User’s Manual
Pros
- Lighter dual fuel portable generator
- Economic and cost-efficient
- Low oil shutoff sensor
- Digital hour meter
- Perfect for the larger well pump and household appliances
- EPA and CARB Compliant
Cons
- The drain plug is not in a convenient position
This is another awesome portable generator from Westinghouse. This one comes with 12500 peak watts and 9500 running watts. That means this one is a giant portable generator. I’ve listed this large portable generator to run the large or multiple Well pumps as well as the household appliances.
However, like the previous one, this one is also an RV-ready generator. If your demand is running more appliances at a time, you could go for this large generator.
You can run this dual fuel generator both in gasoline and propane. You will get 9500 watts running watt and 12500 peak watts on Gasoline. And on the propane, you will get 8500 running watts and 11200 starting watts.
This one comes with a 457 cc 4-stroke OHV engine. Anyway, you will get almost all the common features of Westinghouse here. Let’s have a look at the particular feature, pros, and cons of this generator.
Package includes
- Remote Start Key Fob
- 12V Battery Charger
- Oil and Oil Funnel
- Tool Kit
- User Manual
Pros
- 3-year limited warranty
- Easy handling
- GFCI outlet
- Transfer switch ready
- EPA and CARB Compliant
Cons
- The drain plug is in a weird position
If you are looking for a large generator for your Well pump and home appliance on a competitive budget, you could consider this DuroMax XP12000EH.
This one comes with 12000 starting watts and 95000 running watts. This large generator can handle large appliances like the air conditioner, refrigerator, well pump, and other appliances smoothly.
This DuroMax XP12000EH is crafted with an 18 HP, 457 cc OHV engine. Moreover, it is a dual fuel generator. So you have the flexibility to run the generator of your preferred fuel.
DuroMax XP12000EH is a CARB and EPA-compliant portable generator. You could use this generator for a long period without any problem.
Package includes
- Product manual
- Oil funnel
- Spark plug wrench
- Toolset
- DC cables
- Wheel kit
Pros
- 3-year warranty
- Popular portable generator is known as BEAST
- Fuel and Cost-efficient
- Perfect for 2 HP or more powered Well pump
- Perfect for Home backup, job, construction site, or outdoor event.
- Sturdy generator and long-lasting
Cons
- Need close maintenance for better performance
- A bit heavy
This one is another from DuroMax. Probably, this DuroMax XP15000EH is the largest portable generator in the market. It is powered by 23HP, 713cc DuroMax V-Twin Engine. That is literally giant.
From this giant portable generator, you will get 15000 starting watts and 12000 running watts. You could run all of your home appliances along with the Well pump with this generator. If you are living in an area where power outage is very common, this DuroMax XP15000EH is the best choice for you.
DuroMax XP15000EH comes with MX2 TECHNOLOGY. You will get the maximum power in 120-volt receptacles. Moreover, this generator has an automatic fuel shut-off sensor like the other premium generator.
Pros
- Dual fuel technology
- Cost-efficient
- Prolonged engine shelf life
- Easy to maintenance
- Plenty of power for Well pump and home backup
- MX2 technology to get the maximum power in 120-volt
- Wheels for easy movement
Cons
- Too heavy as a portable generator
If you are looking for a premium quality inverter generator for your home as well as a 1 HP well pump, you could consider this Honda EB3000C. This is a gasoline-powered inverter generator.
Among all the generators of the 3000-watt range, I found this one is one of the best generators for the Well pump as well as camping and RV trips. This Honda EB3000C comes with a 3000-starting watt and 2800-running watt that is enough for a 1HP well pump.
Honda EB3000C is one of the most fuel-efficient and quietest generators in the market. it produces only 49 to 58 dBA while running. That is incredible.
It has a medium-sized fuel tank (3.4-gallon) and you can run this generator for up to 20-hours continuously. Moreover, it comes with a low fuel sensor. That means your generator will automatically shut off if the fuel gets low.
Pros
- Inverter generator
- Perfect for home, camping, RV trip and tailgating
- Perfect for 1 HP well pump
- Apart from the Well pump, you could run almost all the home appliance
- One of the quietest generator
- Fuel and cost-efficient
- Wheels and foldable handle
Cons
- Expensive generator than other brands

Buying Guide for Generator for Well Pump
You may notice, the generators of my top list have a pattern. I have listed different sizes of the generator for the Well pump. It is not hard to calculate the right size generator for your Well pump. You could follow this guide and you will get a clear concept about the Well pump and generator.
Power Rating of generator and Well pump
Usually, most of the Well pump comes with an HP rating. HP means Horsepower. This is an international unit for the pump. However, this is the key to identifying the size of the generator for your Well pump.
You will get the HP and voltage of the user manual or the body of the pump. Say, you have a 1HP Well pump that runs on a 240-volt line.
We know, 1HP = 746-watt. So, you need a double-powered generator that means (746*2) 1492-watt generator to start and run the Well pump with 100% efficiency.
The calculation is the same for the 1.5HP or 2HP well pump. If you want to run other appliances, just consider their wattage with this particular value.
Generator Type
There are different types of generators available in the market. according to the functionality, there are two types of generators you will find.
They are an inverter generator and an open frame generator. If you want to run a sensitive device like a mobile, Laptop you must need an inverter generator.
Actually, a Well pump is not a sensitive device. But if you are looking for a minimum noise and fuel efficiency option you could buy an inverter generator.
On the other hand, if the moderate noise is not an issue for you and doesn’t want to connect the Well pump with the standby generator, you could buy an open frame generator.
Quality of Generator
Generators are expensive. You should buy a long-lasting generator that comes with a sturdy frame as well as an engine. I would recommend you buy the close-frame generator. Yes, they are more expensive than the normal generator, but longevity matters.
If you have a tight budget you should consider at least a steel frame and rust resistance generator for your Well pump.
Fuel Type
Usually, Gasoline and Propane generators are popular across the USA for home and RV use. Gasoline is more flammable fuel than Propane. Moreover, Gasoline is good for the engine.
On the other hand, Propane is common in every household. But you will not get 100% efficiency of the engine with the Propane.
Anyway, I suggest you buy a dual fuel generator. They are awesome indeed. You will not regret it in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Generator to Run Water Well?
The size of the generator depends on the pump actually. I have already discussed that you need at least two times more power than the Watt of your Well pump.
Say, you have a ½ HP pump. So, the watt of the pump is (746/2) = 373 watts. So, you need at least a 746-watt generator to run the pump with 100% efficiency.
Do I Need A Transfer Switch To Connect My Well Pump To The Generator?
If you connect the Well pump directly with the generator, you don’t need the Transfer switch. A power breaker is enough here. In most modern generators, a Power breaker is the default feature.
On the other hand, if the Well pump is connected with the Home backup line, you should use a transfer switch.
Can I Refill the Generator While It’s Running?
Never do this. Never refill your generator while running or it is hot. You know, Gasoline is a very flammable fuel. There is a high chance of an accident if you do that.
You should allow your generator for at least a few minutes whether it is a propane or gasoline generator when it is time to refill it.
Will A 4000 Watt Generator Run a Well Pump?
Yes, you could run a Well pump with a 4000-watt portable generator. You can run up to a 2 HP Well pump smoothly with a 4000-watt generator.
Will A 5000 Watt Generator Run a Well Pump?
Sure, apart from a 2HP Well pump, you could run other small appliances like a light with a 5000-watt portable generator smoothly.
Will A 3500 Watt Generator Run A Well Pump?
Yes, you could run a Well pump with a 3500-watt generator. But you can not run a 2HP Well pump with a 3500-watt generator. 3500-watt generator is perfect for 1HP and 1.5HP Well pumps.
Final Thoughts
Long story short, you have a variety of choices for your Well pump. If you are intended to run only the well pump with a generator, then you could go for an inverter generator. They are medium-powered and cost-efficient.
On the other hand, if you want to run your home appliances or use the generator for RV trips or camping besides running the Well pump, you could go for the high-powered portable generator.
All of the generators in this list are worthy. You will not surely regret it after buying it. Please share the article with other people if you find this helpful. Thanks for reading! Good luck!
Also Read The Other Review Of
- Generator for Refrigerator and Freezer
- 1000 Watt Inverter Generator (Home, RV & Camping)
- Best Generator Shed
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