One of the most important water well components, the pump, acts like a heart, pumping water throughout the system. Electric pumps draw water from inside the casing and deliver it through high-density polyethylene black plastic water pipes into a home. This special piping is highly durable and affordable to repair and replace. If you have a well, you need to be aware of the signs that a well pump is failing. Here are some common signs that might mean your well pump needs repairs:
The well pump is no longer delivering water.
Your well pump is the heart of your well system and needs to deliver water. The first thing to check is whether the power to the well is on. If so, check the breaker, pressure gauge, and pump motor. If these checks return normal results, you may have a wiring problem.
The pump won’t turn off.
You may have a tripped breaker or fuse if the pump doesn’t turn off. This can happen if there is an electrical short circuit in your system. If this happens, the electrical current will pass through another path to avoid the malfunctioning part of the circuit. The pump breaker or fuse should trip when this occurs and shut off power to that circuit. Check first for a tripped breaker/fuse by flipping all switches on your main panel back and forth; if one doesn’t work properly, check for an indicator light that indicates it has been tripped (some breakers will even beep).
If none of these things solve your problem, call a licensed well professional to diagnose what’s wrong with your system and repair it.
There is no water coming out of the tap
If your well pump is failing, there’s a good chance that you won’t be able to turn on the faucet or any other source of water in the house. If this happens, check that the main water valve for your home is turned on. If your well pump is still not working after reviewing this, it could be due to a leak from frozen pipes or another problem with your plumbing system.
In addition to having no water coming out of the tap when you turn it on, another sign that something may be wrong with your well pump is when no lights are coming on inside or outside of your home either after turning it off and then back off again (or two times). This usually means an electrical issue, wherein an expert should be called out immediately before electrical shocks happen unexpectedly.
The faucets are making a lot of noise
If you’re hearing a lot of noise from your faucet, it’s probably because there’s air in the plumbing. If it’s just a little noise, there might not be anything to worry about. However, if it becomes louder than usual or doesn’t go away altogether even after running water for a while, this could mean something is wrong with either the pump or its piping.
Water is not coming out fast enough
One of the most obvious signs that your well pump is failing is if the water flow from your faucets, shower heads, and other plumbing fixtures connected to the well pump is not coming out fast enough. If you find yourself waiting longer than usual for hot water or trying to fill up a bathtub with less water than expected, this could indicate that something isn’t right with your well pump.
You can check the pressure gauge to see if it’s working properly—if it reads 40-60 pounds per square inch (PSI), there might be an issue with either the pressure valve or piping leading into your house. You can also check to see if there are any leaks in these parts using soapy water; bubbles will indicate where there’s a leak.
Water comes out brown, red, or with sediment.
The pump may fail if your water comes out brown, red, or with sediment. A build-up of residue inside your well can cause this. Check to see if there are any signs of this being the case before you get in touch with a professional to come out and inspect your system. You may need to clear out the pump or clean its filter and housing to keep it running smoothly for longer.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to get your well pump tested or your well system inspected. A professional will be able to determine if it needs replacing or repairing. If the pump fails at an inconvenient time and you need immediate assistance, C&J offers emergency service so that you don’t have to go without water for long periods. Give us a call if you have any questions about your well system!
