Top Signals Your Private Water Well Needs Repair

You know that old saying, “Out of sight, out of mind”? That definitely does NOT apply to your private well.

Just because it’s buried underground supplying your water doesn’t mean you can just forget about it. A problem ignored is a problem that’s going to get worse.

But how do you know if your well is trying to get your attention? What are the top signals that your water well repairs are needed?

Let’s learn the well distress signals you need to watch for.

No Water or Low Pressure

You walk over to the kitchen sink, turn the faucet, and wait for the nice, cold water to come out. But nothing happens. Or maybe just a little trickle sputters out. Uh oh, that’s a big red flag!

Same goes if you notice the water pressure has gotten wimpier recently. The flow from your showerhead is more of a drizzle. It takes forever to fill a pot or glass. These are clues that your well needs some maintenance.

Before making a service call, check a few basic things:

• Make sure the power is on at the well and check circuit breakers or fuses.
• Look at the pressure tank – is it still pressurized? Push the reset button if there is one.
• Inspect pipes and connections for any leaks.
• Check if water storage tanks are empty (don’t want to be the dummy who ran out of water!)

If none of those fixes the issue, it’s likely a problem with the well pump itself. Pumps have a big job pulling water up from the ground 24/7. Over time, parts like bearings and impellers get worn out and need replacement.

No water means you’re high and dry until repairs are made. Call a pro right away to get your water flowing again ASAP. Don’t delay on this one!

Pressure Dropping

If you notice the water pressure in your home isn’t as potent as it used to be, pay attention. Your pump may be starting to poop out on you.

Some reasons your pressure can take a nosedive:

• Pump bearings or impellers are past their prime and wearing out.
• Mineral gunk is building up on the pump parts.
• Pressure tank has sprung a leak.
• Water line has a puncture letting in air.
• You’ve added new water gadgets increasing demand.
• Water table has lowered so well output is down.

Living with wimpy water pressure is no way to live! Get that pump checked out and fixed up if need be. The pros can also make sure your pump is right-sized for the job based on your well’s output. Don’t tolerate a trickle when you deserve a gush!

Screeching, Banging, Hissing

Loud noises emanating from your well are like screeching tires – they signal something is wrong!

If your well is making rackets like banging, hissing or loud humming, it means the pump needs some professional TLC stat.

Some reasons your pump may be rudely noisy:

• Worn out bearings letting parts rattle around.
• Debris sucked into the pump causing congestion.
• Trapped air in lines making water hammer sounds.
• High pressure making valves slam open and shut.

The bottom line is pump noises = pump problems. Don’t try to drown out the noise or ignore it until your next headache. Call the well doc to find and fix the root cause of the racket. You want a calm, quiet pump not a noisy nuisance!

Stinky Water

I don’t know about you, but I like my water clean, odor-free and refreshing. If your water has weird colors, smells or chunks in it, something is off down in that well.

Here are some common water quality red flags:

• Yellow, brown or red stained water with higher mineral levels.
• Black specks from manganese and iron.
• Sulfur smell like rotten eggs – blech!
• Bubbles or spurting from taps signaling air penetration.
• Cloudiness from sediment or bacteria.

Don’t just shrug off janky lookin’ water. Figure out the cause and fix it! Some mineral issues can be treated with filtration. Bigger problems like contamination may require well repairs. Remember, water is for drinking and bathing, not making you scratch your head.

Pump That Never Stops

Your well pump is supposed to cycle on and off as needed to keep the pressure tank filled. If that pump is just running nonstop, something’s not right with your water well.

Some reasons your pump is stuck on overdrive:

• Leak in the water line is pulling in air making the pump run continuously trying to keep up.
• Issue with the pressure switch or controls telling the pump to keep going.
• Hole in the pressure tank, waterlog problem, or busted diaphragms.
• More demand than the pump can keep up with.
• Gunk clogged in the pump intake.

Don’t let this go! An overworked pump will burn out quicker. And all that excess pumping isn’t free – your electric bill will go through the roof. Get the problem fixed stat so your pump can return to normal on-off cycling.

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

You know what they say about an apple a day. Well, a maintenance checkup annually keeps well problems away!

Plan to have your well inspected and serviced each year:

• Pump parts should be lubricated and inspected.
• Replace filter cartridges on schedule.
• Test water for bacteria like E. coli.
• Check well output and performance.
• Monitor water pressure and storage tanks.

Preventative care reduces the chances of emergency repairs and keeps your well humming along. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as the saying goes. Take care of your well so it can keep taking care of you.

Call in the Well Pros from Boylan Water Well Service at the First Hint of Trouble

By now it should be clear – don’t ignore any signs of potential trouble with your well. Strange noises, loss of pressure, funny tasting water – these are clues that your well needs some expertise.

Major well repairs are a job for a pro, not a DIY newbie. Look for a licensed contractor that has:

• Experienced, certified repair technicians.
• Quality replacement parts with warranties.
• Services for the full range of well repairs.
• Water testing and treatment solutions.
• A long history handling all kinds of wells.

Hand over your well worries to the well pros like us. They have the know-how to diagnose the problem, fix it fast, and get your system running right.

Investing in timely repairs means you – and your well – will have smooth sailing and ample fresh water for years ahead.