Failing Water Well Pump?
How to troubleshoot—know when to repair or replace
Your water well is composed of several parts that work together to get water to your home. Regular maintenance will help keep them running smoothly, but parts do eventually need replacing. The most common replacements on your water well system will be the pressure tank and the pressure switch, but eventually the well pump will wear out and need replaced too.
The well pump is an extremely durable machine. If it is the right size for your well and usage requirements, it will likely last eight to 10 years. If you know the age of your pump, you may be able to be proactive in replacing it. Many homeowners, however, don’t know when the pump was installed. Recognizing signs that it is failing allows you to stay ahead of a water shutdown at your home.
Signs your well pump is failing
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No water is flowing in your home
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Water pressure has become extremely weak
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Your pump is running constantly
While each of these are signs you may need a new pump, they also could be signs that something else could be wrong with your water well system.
Realize that your water well pump will eventually wear out. At Adam’s & Sons, we install only the best Grundfos, Goulds and Schaefer pumps, and provide expert advice on the best choice for you. Call us today!
Troubleshooting issues with your water well
If water isn’t flowing, first check that you have power, or that you haven’t tripped a breaker. If you reset the breaker and it trips again, your pump should be checked or replaced.
If you have no water pressure, check the pressure switch, the pressure tank and the water level in your well. It is possible you need a new pressure switch or tank. If the water level is low, you may need to determine if it is a temporary condition or if you need to have your pump set deeper in your well. If these things all check out, you may need a new pump.
If your pump is running constantly, this also could indicate a failing pressure tank or a low water level. If these check out, however, it is likely your pump has become inefficient and needs to run to keep an adequate supply of water available for your home. A constantly running pump will fail, so it should be checked by a professional or replaced.
Your water supply is your responsibility when you have a water well, so vigilance and regular maintenance are a good idea. Keep a close eye on the operation of your pump. Dirt, debris, small stones and hard water minerals can clog the pump, cause abrasion and wear, and interfere with water flow.
Watch also for soggy areas in your yard or flooding where water lines run. A broken water line will cause your pump to overwork and wear down. Cut power and call a professional for repairs.
If you have questions about the operation of your water well or any part of the system, contact our professionals for an inspection and estimate on any possible repairs.