With enough routine pump maintenance, a well pump system can last for more than 25 years. Occasionally, however, malfunctions may happen as a result of corroded piping, power outages, storm surges, and a myriad of other factors. Unfortunately, however, diagnosing well pump problems without professional help is not easy. Most hardware responsible for extracting water from a well is located away from easy access and should be handled only by an expert.
While getting to the root of a well pump problem is best left to a pump repair company, symptoms of a malfunctioning pump are highly noticeable. The following comprise some of the most common problems resulting from well pump malfunction and poor well pump performance.
Well pump systems are praised for their cost-effectiveness and reliability over municipal water sources — provided they are regularly and professionally maintained. If your pump is working overtime, however, your electric bill will be higher than normal. This can be caused by multiple factors. For instance, weather events, like droughts and storms, can lower the water level in your well. With less water available, your pump will work harder to extract water from the well. You may troubleshoot this yourself by not using any water for several hours to allow your tank to replenish. If the problem persists, however, it is time to contact a professional. Consider asking for services like hydrofracturing to help improve replenishment rates in your well.
Changes in water quality could be the result of sediment making its way inside the pump. This, in turn, could be the result of a faulty seal. A damaged seal gradually allows water to enter the motor, which caused the pump to fail. Not only will water quality be impacted by a faulty seal but contaminated water can also make it harder for your pump to work properly and may eventually wear down its internal components. Contact a professional to help you with this. Do not attempt to fix this yourself as the internal components in your pump need to handled with expert care.
The most common sign of a system malfunction is the absence of water. Water outages can be caused by a number of different factors or a combination of issues. More often than not, the problem has to do with a power outage or a tripped breaker. Unless there’s a backup power supply, your well pump will stop working following an electricity outage. Check the breaker box on your property and ensure power is turned on for your pump. If the problem persists, even with power back on, it may be time to contact a well pump repair specialist.
The best way to prevent well pump problems is to schedule regular maintenance and hire reliable experts for all well installations. Getting it right from the start can make all the difference years down the road. At North Florida Water Systems Inc, we use two-wire motor pumps for all our new installations. This kind of motor is less susceptible to damage because it is composed of fewer parts. For your convenience, you can also schedule both regular maintenance and your annual water quality testing to be done at the same time. Catching a problem early on can guarantee you enjoy maximum savings year-round.