Common Well Pump Problems and How To Fix Them
All’s well that ends well
Highlights
Well pump systems can be damaged by faulty pressure tanks or switches.
Electrical issues are another common cause of well pump problems.
Your pump size might not be suited to your home’s water usage.
Issues with cycling, sputtering, or water quality are best left to a well pump pro.
You might not be pumped when your well pump starts malfunctioning, but you don’t have to dig deep for solutions. For many homes, well pumps are the best, most reliable way to get clean water into a home. While there are advantages to having a well, it also means you’ll be responsible for the maintenance. Read on to learn how to check your well pump, how to spot common well pump problems, and how to get your well pump back on track.
1. Issues With the Pressure Tank
Water from your well needs to be under pressure in order to travel to your faucets. If you’re having issues with the water supply in your home, there’s a good chance the pressure tank or well pump pressure switch problems are to blame.
One common issue is that your pressure switch has been flipped—this is a safeguard feature that helps protect your well pump system from burst pipes. It’s triggered when too much water is drawn from the tank at once, shutting down your system to ensure a small problem doesn’t become a catastrophe.
You can find this switch on the feed line (found on top of the well tank). You’ll know that it’s been engaged if it’s in the horizontal position—just flip it back to reset it, and see if your issue is fixed. Pressure switch issues can cause your well pump system to run continuously, and in that case, it may need to be replaced by a pro.
2. Electrical Issues
Electrical issues are one of the more common well pump repair costs that homeowners face. Your pump needs a steady supply of power to work properly—interruptions to the electrical supply of your well pump can interrupt your system, leaving you without access to vital clean water in your home.
This is sometimes caused by thunderstorms, power surges, or other electrical events. You can check that the electrical circuit hasn’t been tripped, and flip it back if so. Water and electricity can be a dangerous combination if you’re not experienced, so it’s recommended you talk to a well pump expert if you’re not sure what the problem is.
3. Inadequate Pump Size
If your well pump itself is too small for the size of your property or the amount of water you use on a daily basis, it can lead to issues with consistent water supply at home. If you’re having issues with consistent water supply, it could be a sign you need a new well pump.
Perhaps your pump was suitable for your water usage before, but if you need more than the standard of 10 gallons per minute (such as if you are raising livestock or farming on large tracts of land), you might want to consider upgrading the pump to suit your needs. It might be a good idea to contact a professional if you don’t know how to change a well pump.
4. Short or Intermittent Cycling
If your pump is only cycling in short bursts, rather than in longer, steadier ones, it could be a sign of several kinds of damage. This can range from leaking water to a faulty air bladder, so it’s best to ask a local well pump repair person to give their professional opinion on the problem.
If your well water is sputtering, it might be a sign that air has been allowed to enter the system, causing both air and water to leave your faucets. Air in well water pipes can be a big problem, so we recommend contacting an expert on this one.
6. Brown or Gritty Well Water
Brown well water can point to a number of possible issues, including rusty plumbing, excess runoff from heavy rains, or worse, cross-contamination from a nearby septic system.
If you’re noticing sediment in your well water, it could mean your well has become contaminated or simply clogged. This can be caused by mineral build-up, dirt, or small stones entering the supply. The culprit could be a damaged wall screen or a pump that’s too large for your well. Calling in a pro to pinpoint the problem can save you a lot of time.
Rest Easy With a Properly Maintained Well
Knowing that your well is maintained and functioning properly gives you and your family peace of mind that your water is clean and fresh. A little TLC and time can make all the difference in spotting issues and addressing them before they become big problems for your well and your water.