What Are the Most Common Signs of a Failing Well Pump?
Well water pumps are the workhorses of your well system, delivering you water day after day whenever you need it. But when the pump stops pumping your well water, you can’t get water into your residence and are missing out on the benefits of running water.
There are other problems in a well system that can also ‘act’ like a well pump problem – and be a source of confusion when trying to diagnose the well pump problems.
Here in this post, we’ll share answers to common questions about well pumps solutions to well pump problems you probably never considered
Plus, how other well components might be hiding themselves in your problems with the well pump
What to check before assuming your well pump failed
What appears to be a well pump problem may be due to the well system pressure switch or well pressure tank.
As a result, these components operate in direct relation to the well pump and can influence the performance and efficiency of the pump. But the pump can be absolutely O.K. even if it isn’t operating normally.
Pressure switch
When the pressure switch tells the pump to kick on, the pump is pressurizing the tank on its up cycle. If you have a defective pressure switch however, the pump will constantly be turning on and off.
The pump components will suffer from overuse, as the pressure switch strainer forces the pump to continuously run. Before you blame your well pump, check those are the pressure switch and pressure tank.
If your well pump runs all the time, it means one of many things: the pressure tank is bad, the pressure switch is broken – bad – out of adjustment or turned off, a check valve or foot valve are leaking and allowing water to flow back into the well.
Pressure tank
The pressure in a well pressure tank is measured by the pressure switch to see when it is to shut off and turn on the pump.
A faulty reading may be sent to the pressure switch by a malfunctioning tank, resulting in the pump running too much or not enough. Well pump cycling very rapidly, could be bad tank bladder; for example when tank bladder bursts. It will both waterlogs the tank and can ruin the pump.
As with a pressure switch, you may need to make adjustments or replacements if problems arise when restarting the pump and pressure tank system.
Signs of a Faulty Well Pump
When it comes time to replace, or service your well pump, there are many ways it will let you know it is approaching the end of it’s life cycle.
- Changes in water pressure
- Pump being on all the time
- If you get sputtering water in your home
- Sediment build up in Water lines
- Odd noises heard from pump.
- Changes in the quality of water
- Large power bill
Just because your well pump is exhibiting one of the symptoms above does not necessarily mean it is on its last legs. Some elements can display their problems, by making the well pump work out of order.
When to Replace A Well Pump
Never change your well pump without first checking all of the other elements of your well system.
Usually, well pumps can last anywhere from 8 to 15 years. Assuming your well pump is newer and showing systems, it’s likely a different problem. Seldom will a bad well pump force another part to break, although the opposite is not always true.
The pump could also be damaged due to a defective pressure switch, pressure tank or well screen. If you’re ever unsure as to what might be causing problems with your well system, you should call a professional.
Final Thoughts
Contact the experts at Boylan Water Well Service and Supply today if you have experienced any of these problems! Reach us at 505-438-3416!