3 Signs Of Water Well Pump Problems

Millions of households in the United States rely on wells for water. In fact, according to the U.S. Census, over 15 million U.S. households rely on private, household wells to supply their drinking water from the local groundwater. In order to have access to this essential, life-sustaining drinking water, a household needs a reliable water well pump. If the pump starts to malfunction, it puts the household's drinking water at risk. That's why it's essential to keep an eye out for potential problems so you can catch them early. Failure to spot a problem can result in a broken pump that has to be replaced. Here are a few signs to look for that might indicate problems with your pump.

High Electrical Bills

Water well pumps use electricity to operate the pump's pressure switch and control box. However, they're not meant to operate continuously. That would put too much stress on the system. Instead, the pressure switch and control box work with an accompanying pressure tank to maintain a certain level of water pressure. The pump only runs when the water pressure drops below the set level. However, if you start experiencing problems with any one of these systems, it can cause the pump to run continuously. When that happens, it starts to gobble up electricity constantly but you may not notice until you see the astronomical costs on your electrical bill.

Decreased Water Pressure

Another sign of a water well pump problem is a noticeable and sustained decrease in water pressure in your home. If you turn on the faucet and only a trickle emerges, it's time to do some checking. The first step, in this case, is to check your pressure tank. It should have a reading of between 40 to 60 psi. If the tank has pressure, the water pressure problem may have a cause other than the tank or the well pump. However, if the tank shows no pressure, you will need to call a specialist in residential water well pumps & services.

Dirty Water

If you're noticing that your water is dirty, your pump may have become contaminated. A buildup of materials like hard water minerals, sediment, and small stones and pebbles can contaminate and reduce the flow of the water. If you let this go on too long, it can and will break the pump. The sediment is abrasive and it will wear on the pump assembly and bearings. Frequent maintenance will help prevent this problem.