Water well pumps are an essential part of any water well system. They draw water from the well and deliver it to the home or business. There are many types of water well pumps, each with advantages and disadvantages. The most common type of water well pump is the submersible pump. Submersible pumps are submerged in the water and are usually more efficient than other pumps. However, they can be more expensive and difficult to repair if they break down. Another type of water well pump is the jet pump. Jet pumps use a high-pressure jet of water to draw water from the well. They are less expensive than submersible pumps but can be less reliable.
No matter which type of water well pump you choose, it is important to have it serviced regularly to ensure it works properly. Your well pump is essential to ensuring your home has a steady source of fresh, clean water. With proper well maintenance, your well pump can last 8 to 15 years, though many homeowners report their pumps lasting far longer, often between 20 and 30 years!
However, owning a home with a well means that you’ll likely have to replace your well pump at some point, but how will you know when it’s time? This post aims to elucidate some signs that your water well pump needs to be replaced.
No Water
It’s early morning, and you’re groggy from sleep. You roll over to reach for your water bottle, but it’s not there. You sit up and realize that there’s no water at your house from your faucets. You panic for a moment before you remember that you have some bottled water in the fridge. You chug a few bottles of water and then start to think about what could have caused the water outage. Was it my well pump or pressure tank? Or was it a pipe burst? Either way, you’re not happy about the situation. You start to think about everything you can’t do without water. You can’t take a shower, brush your teeth, or even make coffee. You will have to ration your water until the issue is resolved. This is where C&J comes in—we can check your well system components and solve the problem. Whether it’s a new well pump, pressure tank, or just a clogged filter, we will figure it out and get you back with water as soon as possible.
Low Pressure
If you have low water pressure at your house, it can be a big inconvenience. There are a few things that could be causing the problem. It could be a problem with your well, or it could be a problem with your water lines. If you have a well, the problem could be that the pump isn’t working properly. If you have city water, the problem could be a leak in the water line. Either way, it’s a good idea to call a professional to look at the problem. When you turn on your water, if there is a noticeable decrease in your typical water pressure, that could be a sign that your pump cannot draw as much water up because it’s beginning to fail. It could also mean your well pump is too small, perhaps caused by adding a new bathroom, installing a dishwasher, or adding a larger water heater.
Also, iron bacteria buildup in the pipes could slow water pressure. This is common if your water is high in iron. Check to see if the problem affects all faucets—if not, it may be a localized problem.
Pump Constantly Running
A few reasons your water well pump may constantly be running could portend its need to be replaced.
One reason your water well pump may be running constantly is that the pressure in the system is too low. This can be caused by several factors, including a leak in the system or a problem with the pressure tank. If the pressure in the system is too low, the pump will have to work harder to bring water to the surface, which can cause it to run constantly.
Another reason your water well pump may be running constantly is that there is a blockage in the system. This can be caused by many things, including sediment build-up in the well or a problem with the pump itself. If there is a blockage in the system, the pump will have to work harder to push water through, which can cause it to run constantly.
If you have an above-ground jet pump system, the intake pipe needs to be primed, usually caused by a leak in the suction line. This means it needs water in the jet system to generate the suction needed to pull water up and into the water line. Otherwise, the pressure control switch is faulty, the pipe has a leak, or the pump may be worn out and unable to generate enough water pressure to trigger the cut-off.
A drop in the water table could mean your well is having to work harder to keep water flowing into your home.
If your water well pump is constantly running, it is important to have it checked out by a professional. There may be a simple fix, such as adding more water to the system or fixing a leak. However, if the problem is more serious, such as a blockage, the pump may need to be replaced.
Pulsating Faucets
Air shooting out of your faucets when you have a shower or use the sink is another possible sign that something is wrong with your well pump. It could be that the pump is sitting above the static water line in your well, which will eventually cause your pump to burn out. It could also denote that you have a crack in your pipes. In either case, the air coming out of your taps indicates that it’s time to call a professional.
If you turn on the faucet and it seems like air bubbles are coming through the pipes and the water is not consistently flowing, the pump may be unable to pull water up and is pulling in air. There are a few potential reasons why your faucets are pulsating. One possibility is that the water pressure in your home is inconsistent, causing the taps to pulsate. Another possibility is that something is blocking the flow of water in your pipes, which is also causing the faucets to pulsate. It is also possible that the taps are simply faulty and need to be replaced.
To determine which of these possibilities is the correct one, you would need further investigation. A decrease in water pressure is a sign that the pump is not functioning efficiently and may be about to fail altogether. A crack in the pipe that connects the pump to your home may have formed, and a professional well specialist can fix it.
At C&J Well Co., we provide comprehensive water well services, including water pump replacements and repairs. Our licensed pump installers have the training required to inspect and analyze your well water system. If you suspect you have a faulty well pump, contact us today to schedule a service call!
