Picture this: a thunderstorm rolls through your neighborhood. You see lightning flash across the sky, and suddenly, the lights flicker and go out. But once the power comes back, you notice that your water pump isn’t working like it used to, or worse, it’s completely dead. 

Could a power surge be the culprit? Well, maybe!

While there are several reasons why your water pump might stop working after a power outage, a power surge is definitely one of the possibilities. But before jumping to conclusions, it’s important that you understand how your water pump works and what a power surge actually does to your water pump.

And we’ll cover all of this here in the blog! Plus, we’ll also tell you what you can do if your water pump gets damaged due to a power surge and how to prevent it from happening in the future!

What is a Power Surge?

First things first, a power surge basically means that there’s a sudden spike in voltage running through your electrical system. Your home appliances that have motors, like your water pump, are usually designed to run on a consistent voltage. 

This voltage can be around 120 volts or 240 volts. When a surge occurs, the voltage rises for a fraction of a second. But this fraction of a second of high voltage is all that it takes to fry sensitive components.

You might observe surges caused by:

• Nearby lightning,
• Downed power lines,
• Faulty wiring,
• Sudden changes in electricity (like when the power suddenly comes back after an outage).

Now that you have an idea about power surges, let’s go through how a power surge can damage your water pump.

How Can Power Surges Damage Water Pumps?

Your water pumps or well pumps have motors, switches, capacitors, and electronic control boxes (in newer models) to keep the system running efficiently. But when a surge hits, these components can easily overheat, short-circuit, or simply stop working without any warning.

If you’re thinking, “What’s the worst that could happen,” well, then here’s what can happen!

• Burnt Motor Windings: The pump may overheat or not work at all.
• Blown Capacitors: You might hear the humming sound of the pump, but it won’t start.
• Fried Control Boards: This happens with newer pumps with electronic features.
• Welded Pressure Switches: Your pump will keep running and won’t shut off, no matter what.

If you live near Mammoth Lakes in California, where winter storms are very common, the chances of power interruptions are higher than usual. This means your water pump is at more risk of getting damaged due to a power surge. If your water pump has already been damaged after a power surge, it’s best to call a professional water pump repair in Mammoth Lakes, CA.

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How To Know If a Power Surge Damaged Your Water Pump?

While the usual signs like taps not working, water pump not shutting off, or weird noises are some of the signs that could mean your water pump has been hit by a power surge, they don’t always tell the whole story. 

To be absolutely sure, it’s best to look out for some less obvious but equally important symptoms, too. Spotting these cues early on can save you from expensive repairs down the road and also a lot of stress!

• Breaker Keeps Tripping: Your water pump may be shorting out or drawing more power than it should.
• Low Water Pressure: Your water pump is running weakly or inconsistently after the damage.
• Short Cycling: Your pump is turning on and off quickly, pointing to an electric control failure.
• Burnt Smell: If you smell something burning around the pump or near the control box, it might mean that something is fried inside the pump.
• Inconsistent Operation: If your pump works off and on, it could be a sign of electrical damage.

If you live in Fallon, NV, where homes with deep wells face their own surge risks, your water pump system can get overloaded or damaged when the power grid fluctuates. So, if you notice any of the signs mentioned above, don’t keep guessing.

That can make things worse or even lead to an electrical fire. Your best move would be to call a professional company that provides water well pump repair.

How Can You Prevent Power Surges From Damaging Your Water Pump?

While you can’t control when a power surge hits, you can take some steps to protect your water pump from getting damaged due to a power surge by following these simple but effective preventive measures!

• You can install a pump protection device that can automatically turn off the system during voltage spikes.
• You can add a whole-house surge protector to your electrical panel or add a voltage stabilizer to protect all major appliances in your home, including your water pump.
• You can unplug non-essential electronics in your homes during storms to reduce overall stress and potential surges.
• You can take the help of the professionals to perform regular maintenance of the worn-out components of the water pump before they cause serious damage.

However, if your water pump has already been damaged due to power surges, you can immediately call a professional service to repair the pump. A quick action can make all the difference!

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Takeaway

A power surge can definitely damage your water pump! These surges can burn out motor windings, blow capacitors, or fry control boards, leaving you without water when you need it the most. So, once you notice symptoms like low water pressure, strange noises, or a pump that won’t start or turn off after a power outage, you can get help from a professional service provider that offers water pump repair. 

To prevent future problems with your water pump due to a power surge, you can install surge protectors and voltage stabilizers or unplug devices during storms to reduce overall stress and possible surges. Plus, you can also go for regular maintenance of the water pump by a professional.

Clean Water & Clear Solutions – Leave Your Water Pump Worries to Bruce Mackay Pump and Well Service

If you’re looking for water well pump repair, Bruce Mackay Pump and Well Service is here to provide you with the best service at an affordable price range. We have over 100 years of combined industry experience and have the training and expertise to ensure you receive uninterrupted water service every day. 

We’re here for you 24/7, so you don’t need to worry if your water pump stops working at an odd hour of the day. Plus, you can trust our services; we are a BBB-accredited company with several customers vouching for our excellent and prompt services. 

If you’re facing any problems with your water pump, you can call us today at 775-522-7663!