Signs You Need a New Well Pump

A private well comes with its own benefits, like low-cost clean water. Plus, the water from a well is more dependable than the municipal water supply. Unfortunately, you have to bear the cost of maintaining and repairing the water system for the water to keep running through your taps.

One essential component of the water system in your home is the water pump. If the water stops flowing through your faucets, the chances are that the water pump is faulty.

Well Pump Troubleshooting

A water system usually comprises two crucial components: a water well pump and a pressure tank. The pump draws the from the well while the pressure tank stores the water and controls the pressure in your home as you clean dishes, shower, run the washing machine, or the dishwater.

A pressure tank sometimes contributes to the water pump going bad. Some of the telltale signs of a faulty well pump and pressure tank include the following.

Low Water Pressure

Decreased water pressure indicates that your pump is not operating correctly. Before splashing money on a new unit, you first need to confirm if the water level is low or the pressure tank has a hole.

If low water volume is the issue, you can clean the pipes to see if the pump resumes normal functioning. Don’t forget to have the hole repaired as well. If the pump is solely to blame, a new unit will do.

No Water

When water runs out from the taps completely, the pump might be the problem. You should first check the circuit breaker to ensure power is getting into the well. Resetting the circuit breaker can restore power. If the tripping persists, you should call a water repair specialist to assess it. Also, check whether the pressure tank is functional and reset it if need be.

Air Spitting

If air spits from the faucet or shower every time you turn it on, the pump may be the cause. Air spitting usually happens when the pump is placed above the water, making the pump suck in too little or no water into the pipes.

If this is the case, placing the pump in its proper location will restore normal pumping of the water. A pump replacement will, however, be necessary if the pump still fails to function efficiently. Ensure that you check the water table to rule out the possibility of the well going dry.

Leaks or cracks in the pipe connecting the pump to your home may also cause air spitting. You will need a plumber to fix it to end the air spitting.

Dirty Water

When the water comes out with sediments, dirt, and sand, you should have the pumped fixed immediately. Such a scenario happens when the well pump is too big for the well and brings in dirt and sand. Or, the pump sits too far down into the water and needs relocation.

Fortunately, a repair specialist can fix the problem. Sometimes broken pipes can also bring in the dirt. Check them too.

Constantly Running

If the well pump doesn’t stop running, you probably should replace it. Constant pumping may be due to low or no water pressure as the pump works hard to maintain water flow into the pressure tank.

Also, check if the water system has any leaks or the pressure in the tank has a problem. Pumping constantly wears and tears the pump’s components and might cause the pump to fail eventually.

If you need any water pump repair or installation services, contact Bruce MacKay Pump & Well Service. We can fix any problem your well pump throws at us.