Water well pumps are used to extract water from a water well. The majority of well pumps are submersible pumps, where the entire assembly is submerged into the water to be pumped. It is important to have your well pump inspected every couple of years to ensure that it is running properly. Well pumps do not last forever. Here are some signs that your pump may be failing and in need of replacing:
No Water Flow
Water flow can be halted by well water equipment failure, a plumbing breakdown, or well failure. These issues can be caused by a failure in the well water equipment itself, or because of a power failure that negatively effects the equipment. A plumber can help determine whether the damage is reversible or not.
Age
The lifetime of most water well pumps is about 10 years. If your system is much older and still in working condition, it is probably due to proper maintenance over the years. If you find the system is struggling to work as well as it did in its earlier days, it might be time to call a plumber and consider options for replacement.
Tank Lifetime Shortening Factors
The water tank is an important part of your water well system and there are plenty of things that can negatively affect the lifetime of your tank and in turn, your well pump:
- Corrosion of steel water tanks – opt for internal bladder-type tanks which hold the water separate from air in the tank’s bladder.
- Water state – the chemical makeup of your water supply can affect the well pump system negatively and be corrosive to your equipment.
- Neglect – simple checks for leaks and other small issues are important in prolonging the life of your system. Have a professional out to perform preventative maintenance on your system to avoid shortening your well pump’s lifespan.
Troubleshooting Well Problems
If your water well pump isn’t very old and is having problems, try some of these troubleshooting tips!
- Power: Power blackouts and surges in residential areas can cause well pump systems to trip and the pump to shut off. Ensure that the electrical circuit for the well pump hasn’t been tripped.
- Discolored Water: Wells can acquire rust, and any notice of dark colored elements in the water means you need a treatments system to correct the issue. Most of the time, faucet or under-counter filters are not adequate to fix the problem.
- Pressure Switch: The pressure tank needs the right air pressure inside it or it won’t send the correct signal to the pressure switch, which turns the tank on. A tire pressure gauge can be used to check the pressure in the tank via the air fill valve.
As always, if you want further help from an experienced technician, call a professional at any sign of malfunction. The experts at Michael Runk Plumbing & Heating install, service, and repair all types of well pumps in Carroll County, Maryland and surrounding counties, and are happy to help answer any questions you might have about your existing pump. Contact us today to set up an appointment!