Go with the flow and steady the stream
If your faucets are sputtering every time you turn them on, they’re trying to tell you something. And it’s probably a sign that your well pump is in need of repair. When it comes to something as essential as water, a proactive approach is a great idea—helping to stop small issues from becoming big problems. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the top causes of sputtering well water, as well as the top solutions to get your water flowing steadily again.
If you notice your taps sputtering, rattling, and forcefully spitting out water when you turn them on, an issue with your well pump could be the culprit. Your well pump can develop small cracks due to wear and tear as it ages, letting water into the system and causing sputtering in your water supply.
If you suspect your well pump is the issue, get in touch with an expert. One of the more common well pump repairs may be all that’s needed to get your water system working normally again. Of course, it’s possible that your pump is too damaged to repair, which means you’ll need to inquire about well pump replacement costs.
Another common cause for sputtering well water can be the pressure tank, which is designed to pressurize water through the system using air. If it’s not running properly, it could be a sign of a bad well pump pressure switch or a breach in the tank itself.
Well pressure tanks are difficult to work on by yourself. The exception is with the pressure switch, which can be replaced with a little DIY knowledge. This is sometimes enough to get more well pressure without sputtering. If the tank itself is cracked, it’s best to talk to a professional and get some guidance on replacing your well pressure tank.
Sputtering water is generally caused by air mixing with water somewhere in the system. Aging pipes can develop small cracks, fissures, or holes over time, letting air in and causing an annoying sputtering problem with your water supply.
Some pipes will be hard or impossible to access yourself. However, the problem may also be located in your water tank or the well casing, which is easier to check on your own. If you find any leaks, it’s also important to get your water tested and treated for any contamination.
What is well water? Your well water comes from groundwater reservoirs below the earth, and sometimes these water supplies can get too low or dry up altogether. A well in a good location should provide water for about 20 years, but these figures can change depending on environmental factors, eventually leading to a sputtering, inconsistent water supply.
If the water level is too low in your well, you’ll need to talk to an expert to discuss your options. This could include hydraulic fracking to increase the water level, increasing the depth of the well, or possibly redrilling a new well in a better location.
If you decide to take the DIY route, well drilling costs around $2,500 for the cost of materials alone. This does not include the possible cost of permits, inspections, and any additional labor.
Among the supplies you may need are:
Well drilling rig kit
Well pump
Water storage tank
PVC pipe
Well screen
Gravel and cement
If you would prefer to leave it to the professionals, local well pump companies usually charge around $1,500 to $6,000 to drill a well. A deeper well, going as far down as 400 feet, costs more than a shallower one. Local water levels can determine how deep your well needs to go. Other factors include casing diameter and ground conditions. A larger casing for a well through rocky or sloped soil will cost more.
Sometimes, the issue of sputtery faucets coughing up water is a simple matter of mineralization. Well water contains all kinds of minerals, which can gradually calcify and harden at certain points in your well water system. Thankfully, this is often an easy problem to fix yourself.
Check the mesh screens and faucet heads of your sputtering taps for any white mineral build-up. Try giving them a simple clean with vinegar and baking soda to see if it resolves your water flow problem.
Good news—your dodgy water supply could be the result of a good old-fashioned plumbing problem, not necessarily something specific to your well pump system. This could be leaky pipes and fittings, a faulty or improperly installed valve, or even an issue with your water heater or water softener.
Check all the water valves in your home to see if you can find any obvious issues. These can usually be replaced quite easily and inexpensively. You can also check your water heater and softener to see if there are any visible issues, such as leaks. Otherwise, a plumber can take a look at your system and see what needs to be repaired or replaced.
A less common cause of spurting water is when gas builds up somewhere in the system. Gasses like methane, CO2, and hydrogen sulfide are stored below ground and can sometimes get into the water supply. This can cause sputtering on the tap side, but it can also give your water an unpleasant odor.
If you detect any unusual smells in your well water, you should stop drinking it right away and contact an expert. Some gasses (such as CO2, otherwise known as carbon dioxide) are harmless to your health, but others can pose a hazard. Your local well pump system expert can test the water for the presence of these gasses and help in purging them from the system.
