Unfortunately, it’s not easy to predict when your water pump is going bad. It’s common for well pumps to go bad at some of the most inconvenient times. Although it’s hard to pinpoint when your well pump needs to be replaced, you can still be on the lookout for these signs that it’s going bad:
Water Pressure Fluctuations
There are lots of reasons why you experience fluctuations in your home’s water pressure. One of those reasons can be a malfunctioning well pump. Well pumps run on electric motors, so if the motor fails, you’ll see a difference in water pressure. The only way to know for sure if your water pressure fluctuation is due to a bad well pump is by having your plumbing inspected by a professional plumber.
Spitting Faucets
Faucets that spit air intermittently with water can be a big warning sign that your well pump is going bad. If the water table drops at or below the well pump, the pump can pull in some air. This is the worst-case scenario since it could require drilling deeper into the well. Also, if you leave the problem unresolved, it can shorten the life of your well pump.
Noisy Pressure Tank
Pressure tanks have a bladder full of air. This bladder can leak or lose air. When that happens, you may hear constant or rapid clicking noises coming from the pressure switch close to the pressure tank. Escaped air from the bladder can cause the well pump to start and stop frequently. Over time, it can drastically decrease the lifespan of your well pump.
Scalding Hot Water
You may love your hot showers, but have you noticed that the water seems to be too hot, even for you? Have you gotten burned with scalding hot water in the shower when someone flushed the toilet? That’s usually a sign of a well pump going bad and a pressure tank problem. A drop in pressure from your malfunctioning pressure tank is allowing more hot water than cold water to get through to the faucets.
High Electric Bills
Every problem related to a bad well pump can reduce the efficiency of your home’s water system. As a result, you can experience higher electricity bills. It may start as a minor increase, with it growing gradually every month. If this happens to you, consider getting your well pump inspected by an experienced plumber.
Here to Help
The plumbing experts at Michael Runk Plumbing and Heating are here to help with your well pump problems. After a careful inspection, we’ll diagnose the problem and come up with a solution that ensures you won’t have the problem again. Give us a call today at (866) 531-1456 to schedule an appointment.