5 Common Well Pump Problems and How to Fix Them

If you rely on well water to supply your home, then you know the importance of checking your well pump regularly to ensure everything is working as it should. While a newer, professionally installed pump requires little maintenance, older pumps need more TLC. Here’s what you need to know about troubleshooting common well pump problems.

1. There’s No Power

Unless you’ve been using a hand pump to manually access your well water, your pump requires electricity to operate. If you’ve had a recent power outage, you may have to check the connections and restart the power. 

How to Fix It

It’s often as easy as flipping the switch at the breaker, in which case you should be up and running again in no time. If you reset the breaker and still have issues, you should call a well pump pro to inspect the electrical connections. 

2. There Are Problems With the Pressure Tank 

If you’ve been dealing with low or fluctuating water pressure, it’s time to check the pressure tank. It could just be that the pressure switch was flipped. This is a safety feature that gets engaged when there’s too much water in the tank, such as after a burst pipe. 

How to Fix It

Cut the power to the well and drain the pressure tank. Then, use a tire gauge to check the pressure at the air valve. Well water pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI), and the pressure should be 2 PSI lower than what is set at the pressure switch. If that’s not the case and adjusting it doesn’t help, call a pro to ask about replacing the pressure tank.

3. The Pump Is Too Small

Having a pump that’s too small is actually a big problem. Well pump sizes are measured in gallons per minute (GPM), and you need a pump that’s appropriately sized for your house. 

How to Fix It

You need 1 GPM per faucet in your house. For example, a three- to four-bedroom home would need a pump between 8 and 12 GPM. If those numbers don’t match the water supply needs of your home, it’s time to upgrade to a larger pump.

4. The Pump Cycles Are Short or Intermittent

A well-functioning water pump should work in long, steady cycles, not short or intermittent ones. The constant cycling on and off of your water pump could have several causes, including a leak or air bubbles getting into the system. 

How to Fix It

Both problems require the help of an experienced water pump pro sooner rather than later. If you wait too long, you could experience interrupted water flow and face a costly replacement.

5. The Water Is Dirty

If your water looks brown or even dirty, it could contain rust from old pipes, sand or other sediment from the ground, or excess storm runoff. All of these require a plan of action. However, if you have a septic tank on your property and notice dirty well water, you should stop using and drinking your water immediately. Dirty water could be evidence of cross-contamination from the septic field.

How to Fix It

Call both a septic tank professional and a water pump contractor near you immediately for assistance. Consider staying at a hotel or with a nearby family member until professionals can inspect and resolve the issue. 

As with any major home appliance, regular maintenance is key to keeping your well pump functioning correctly. However, reacting quickly to early signs of well pump problems by calling a well pump repair pro near you can also help you avoid an interrupted water supply and high repair costs.