7 Signs You Need A New Well Pump
Wondering if you need a new well pump? Well, you came to the right place! Your well pump is vital to ensuring your home keeps a steady source of clean water. While proper maintenance does help the life of your well pump, there comes a time when you will need to replace it. But how do you know when it needs replacing? Luckily, the expert team at CAM Total Service has 7 signs you need a new well pump and what those signs could mean instead.
1. No Water
We are stating the obvious, but the purpose of a well pump is to pump water. So a clear sign your well pump isn’t working is when no water is flowing. If no water comes out when you turn on a faucet or flush your toilet, your well pump needs a little attention.
- First, make sure your pump is getting power! To do this, begin by turning the pump off, resetting the breaker, and finally turning the pump back on.
- Your pressure tank (the tank that stores water pulled from your well) has shut off, and you need to reset it.
- There is a plumbing failure, like a pipe break, that will often eventually lead to a flooded section in your yard due to your pump constantly running while no water comes to your faucets.
- There is a drought causing your well to run dry. This option is unlikely unless there is a severe drought in your area.
You could have a minor leak on your hand, or the well pump is not pulling from the pump. If you have no water, it is best to call a professional ASAP.
2. Constantly Running Pump
If your pump is constantly running but still seems to struggle properly move water through your system, that is another indicator that there is something wrong and you need to replace or, at the very least, repair your well pump.
- A leak in the suction line, meaning your intake pipe needs priming. This means your well pump needs water in the jet system to generate the suction needed to pull water up into the line.
- A faulty pressure control switch
- You have a leak in another plumbing fixture, such as your toilet running non-stop or your faucet having a severe leak.
Eventually, your pump will wear down and fail, so you should address the problem soon! This problem has numerous possible causes, so we recommend saving yourself the time and headache and calling a professional!
3. Water Pressure Changes
If the water comes out at a slow dribble or you notice a decrease in your normal water pressure, your pump is often the culprit. This is usually due to an issue with the pressure tank. However, it could also mean you have a low water level in your well or that your pump isn’t the right size for your well and can’t keep up with the workload. For example, if you recently added a new bathroom or washing machine, installed a new dishwasher, or added a larger water heater, your pump may now be too small to keep up with the demand.
- Incorrect water pump size: Not all well pumps are the same. You need the correct size for your home. A professional determines the right size based on factors like how many faucets and toilets you have and your overall water usage. The heavy demand can cause pressure problems if your pump is too small.
- A hole in your pressure tank or the mechanisms in your pressure tank are on their way out.
- You have heavily mineralized water causing iron bacteria buildup in the pipes. The buildup will eventually lower your water pressure. If the problem impacts all your faucets, you may want to look into the mineral levels in your water.
4. Sediment In Your Water (AKA Dirty Water)
If the water from your faucets contains sediment or dirt, your pump may need some help. It is common to experience a metallic smell or taste or an egg smell from your water. This is usually a sign of harmless minerals in your well water. However, if the water comes out with dirt, sand, or sediment, it’s absolutely essential to fix it as soon as possible. Dirty water is often an issue directly related to the pump itself.
- Remember how we talked about the right size pump for your well? Dirty water is a sign that your pump is too powerful. So it is pulling everything up from the well, including the dirt!
- Broken water pipes can cause dirt and sediment to enter your water system.
- A damaged pump filter is causing dirt to enter the pump.
- If you have high mineral levels in your well water, these mineral deposits can eventually break down and cause sediment in your water. Installing a well filtration system will help with this problem.
- Your pump isn’t always the problem. If you notice dirty water only when you turn on the hot water, the problem may lie with your water heater.
- Has your area received heavy rainfall? Heavy rainfall can wash surface water into your well, causing contamination.
- A neighbor’s septic system leak could have caused it to enter the groundwater and contaminate your well.
Not only is sediment in your water not great for your health, but it’s also hard on the pump and can cause it to wear out sooner. So if you notice dirty water, call a professional to diagnose the problem and avoid using the water until then.
5. Air Is Spitting From Your Faucets
If you turn on the faucet and notice air bubbles coming through the pipes causing your water not to flow consistently, your pump needs attention. Several things can cause this:
The post 7 Signs You Need A New Well Pump appeared first on CAM Total Service.
- Your pump is unable to pull water up and is instead pulling up air
- A water pressure decrease, indicating your pump is not functioning efficiently and may fail soon
- You may need a professional plumber to fix a crack in your pipe. Sometimes a crack forms in the pipe that connects your home to the pump.
- The water level has dropped below the pump, or your well is running dry. This may mean the well needs to be dug deeper if this is a consistent issue.
- Your water pump is sitting higher than the water level in your well, so it’s pumping water and pulling in air simultaneously.
6. Strange Noises Coming From Your Pump
Well pumps are generally pretty quiet. You are probably familiar with the little sounds your well pump makes. If your well pump starts to make new or unusual sounds, it may mean that something is failing. Strange noises often indicate that a bearing or moving part within the pump is wearing out.
7. Higher Utility Bills
When an issue arises with your well pump or pressure tank, your system will often decrease in its efficiency. That forces your system to work overtime, using more electricity and causing higher utility bills. If you notice a sudden hike in your electric bill, especially if you see other signs of an issue, your well pump may need some help.
Call CAM Total Service For Water Pump Problems
When well maintained, well pumps can last for 15-18 years. Sometimes even 20-30 years, given the right circumstances. However, if you notice any of the above problems with your water pump, don’t ignore them, as they can only worsen. Instead, call your SW Florida team of trusted, licensed experts you can trust! We are happy to answer any and all questions you have about the health of your water pump.
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