What are Common Well Pump Problems and Its Solutions?
There are nearly always warning signs or signals that a well pump is failing, and those warning signs should not be overlooked. Read on to find out what those signs are and what to do next.
Pumps are Pumping Sediment
Here are some potential issues that could cause the well pump to pump sand and sediment:
Faulty well screen
A well screen, to keep loose sediment and loose sediment out of the well pump. If the screen breaks, it may allow sediments in the pump and then your water. If this is the cause, you will need to replace or fix the well screen.
The pump is too large
A pump that is oversized for a particular well can also pull in sediment and refuse. This results in sand and dirt coming into your water lines, as your pump cannot separate sand from dirt and other particles – destroying the pump and injuring the whole well system in the long run.
Pump is too low
If you well is utilizing a submersible pump, the pump should have enough space so that sediment is not ultimately drawn into the pump. But when the pump is too close to the bottom, sludge can get drawn into the pump and eventually to the tank.
The Pump is Pumping Air
If your pump is pushing air, or if it is making your water flow sputter then this is a sign that there is something wrong with the pump or the well itself.
The pump may be unable to pull enough water equal to its flow rate if a well’s water levels are too low. That mixes air with the water, and your water flow sputters. There may be air in your system that your pump needs to be primed to rid of or the water flow may be sputtering.
Gas pockets are a rare source of sputtering flow rate in wells. The accumulation of these gases can put you in danger, so it is best to get in touch with a professional as soon as possible if you believe you have an unwelcome gas pocket on your hands.
Water Pressure is Low
Low water pressure is a symptom in homes that are served by well water, and it can be caused by many factors that have nothing to do with the well pump itself. But low water pressure might also mean problems with the pump.
Reasons for low water pressure at a well system. There are several potential pump problems, including:
- Adjustment of pressure switch
- Clogged well screen
- Broken well pipe
- Aging well pump
- Blockages in faucets and fixtures
- Pressure switch position
There’s one way to increase the water pressure in your household: pressure switch adjustment. To make this adjustment to your switch, follow this procedure:
Turn off the power to the pump
Check the air pressure of the tire with a tire gauge.
If the pressure is not what you want, loosen the large nut on the switch and turn it in or out. If you wish to tweak the high-pressure range, adjust the smaller nut, it is next to the bigger one.
Turn the pump back on and check the water pressure.
Clogged well screen
Eventually, if you have a lot of sediment and debris in the water, it can collect on the well screen, where it can block the water from getting into the well casing. This could mean less water makes its way to your pump than it should, resulting in low water pressure.
Broken Well Pipe
Especially in the case of a damaged or leaking well pipe, water may leak out of the system before it reaches your home, resulting in decreased water pressure. If you think your well pipe is broken, contact a pro.
Aging Well Pump
When a well pump is faulty and needs replacing, low water pressure is a typical symptom. If the insides of a pump wear out, it won’t be able to move water at its regular flow rate, which can result in low water pressure at your home. A well pump getting old needs to be changed in order to bring back your water pressure to normal.
Clogged faucets and fixtures
Sediment and minerals can accumulate in plumbing, fixtures, and appliances, leading to weak flow from your faucets and fixtures.
The best prevention of minerals and sediment from entering your home and clogging the main line is final filtering before your drinking water is enjoyed! While a whole-home sediment filter can handle sediment and larger pieces of debris, minerals such as calcium and magnesium can be dealt with using a water softener.
Learn more: What is a sediment filter? | What is a water softener? | What is the best type of filtration for well water?
Pump is Constantly Running
If your well pump keeps running, the well pump or another component of your water supply system may be acting up, you might need a new pump, piping, or a re-set at a control switch.
A pump that runs all the time is usually the result of one of the three below:
Too much water demand
You may have to run your pump day and night unless you can conserve enough water to avoid running out.
What this means is that either the pump has insufficient pumping capacity for the size of your home, or there’s a leak, or you’ve got something in the house using more water than normal. You installed a pump in your well that was ever so slightly undersized to keep up with your home.
Faulty pressure switch
A pressure switch gone bad will often respond to pressure changes when it shouldn’t. This may keep the pump running or vice versa. Pump: The pump can be damaged if it runs too long. If the pressure switch is bad then it must be fixed to make the well system work.
Low water levels
If the water table in your well is low or you’re using more water than usual, well water levels could drop too low to enter the pump at the usual rate. When this occurs, the pump will run to fill the tank with water, when no water is present.
Damaged pump
A failed well pump may not be able to keep up with the required water flow rate, and so may not be able to reach pressure tank cut-off pressure. If you suspect your well’s pump is air locked, consult with a professional right away.
The Pump is Constantly Cycling
If the pump cycles on and off quickly, this is typically due to a leak in the pressure tank (typical if larger drops in water pressure seem to occur in the cycle) or an in-line check valve failed, not the check valve in the pump itself.
The bladder in a well pressure tank can rupture and spores will enter if that occurs, air and water are no longer separated in the tank. The pressure inside the tank therefore never increases and the pump is never triggered to stop. A tank with a bladder burst has to be replaced forthwith.
The best way to see if your tank’s bladder has ruptured is to stay clear of it and open the Schrader valve. If the tank is functioning properly, air will come out of the valve. There will be a leak if the bladder is broken though.
Next Steps
If you happen to be experiencing any of these issues, give Boylan Water Well Service a call at 505-438-3416 today to schedule an inspection and/or well service.