By Dud Eddy
Private water wells offer homes all sorts of incredible benefits, and the heartline of every well system is its pump. When a well pump malfunctions for one reason or another, water likely won’t be able to enter your plumbing system and give you everyday conveniences.
We’ve teamed up with the water well and pump services marysville oh experts at Eaton Well & Pump to provide you with a list of the most common well pump repairs that occur at residential properties all throughout the central Ohio region.
So, if you own a private water well and are currently experiencing issues, check out the below sections to see what your best repair options are!
What You Should Double-Check Before Assuming You Need A Well Pump Repair
There are scenarios in which a well pump might malfunction, without needing a pump repair appointment. The two things that you’ll need to double-check prior to scheduling a repair with your local well technician are your pump’s pressure switch and pressure tank.
Faulty pressure switches can potentially cause your pump to run at irregular intervals, and constant pump running will also lead to damages. If you’re noticing that your well pump is constantly running, you’ll need to double-check your pressure switch before assuming that there’s something wrong with the pump.
Your well system’s pressure tank determines when exactly a well pump should turn itself on and off, so faulty tank issues can send improper readings and cause your pump to run irregularly. That’s why you’ll also want to double-check your pressure tank before jumping to conclusions about your pump’s functionality.
How Long Are Well Pumps Supposed To Last?
Well pumps usually will last around 10-15 years, but many pumps can last 20+ years when they’re properly maintained on a yearly basis.
The odds are that your well pump will show serious red flags when it’s time for a replacement, and proper maintenance and timely repairs can ensure that a well pump reaches its maximum longevity.
Signs Of Well Pump Issues
When your well pump is experiencing problems, you’ll likely notice any of the following common symptoms:
- Constantly running well pump
- Water pressure fluctuations
- Water line sedimentation
- Sputtering water flow
- Water quality changes
- Unusual pump sounds
- Abnormally high electric bills
Even though your well pump might exhibit these symptoms, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll need a full-on replacement. There are plenty of scenarios in which well pump service providers can repair your ongoing issues and ensure that your pump continues to function properly for the long-term future!
Five Common Well Pump Repairs & Their Solutions
Although there are many potential issues that well pumps might experience, the following are the five most common well pump repairs—and their subsequent solutions:
Well Pump Is Pumping Sediment Into Pressure Tank
When well pumps are pumping sediment into your home’s water system, it’s likely due to one of the following issues:
- Faulty Well Screen: Well screens prevent sediment and loose debris from entering a pump, so a compromised screen could potentially lead to abnormal sediment levels. In this scenario, you’ll need to either repair or replace your existing well screen.
- Well Pump Is Too Large: When well pumps are too large for a property’s unique specifications, it can potentially draw in loose debris and sediment. In this situation, it could be necessary to replace the well pump with one that’s the correct size.
Well Pump Is Pumping Air
If your well pump is causing your home’s water flow to sputter or is pumping out air through your faucets, then it’s a clear indication that you’re experiencing an issue with either the well itself or your system’s pump.
If your well’s water levels are abnormally low, it could be that the pump simply can’t draw in enough water to your property to match your plumbing system’s flow rate. This typically results with air being mixed in with your water supply, which often leads to sputtering.
This issue can often be addressed by repriming a well pump and purging all the existing air out of your well system. It’s also possible that a sputtering flow rate is the result of gas pockets, which of course is a very dangerous situation and requires immediate professional support!
Low Water Pressure
Another common issue associated with well pump repairs is low water pressure, which can technically be caused by a wide range of dilemmas. When your well system is experiencing low water pressure, it could be related to any of the following issues:
- Pressure switch settings
- Clogged well screen
- Aging well pump
- Broken well pump
- Clogged fixtures & faucets
Constantly Running Well Pump
It’s generally a troubling sign when a well pump is constantly running, because this can quickly lead to more repairs and damages that might end up costing a lot more in the near future.
When a well pump is constantly running, it’s likely being caused by one of the following dilemmas:
- High Water Demands: It’s possible that your well pump simply can’t keep up with your property’s water usage, so it’s constantly running just to avoid running dry. This is a sign that your well pump isn’t big enough for your household, or that there’s a damaged or leaking appliance in your home that’s causing abnormal water usage to occur. If it’s simply the pump not keeping up with your demand, then you’ll likely need to install a larger pump.
- Faulty Pressure Switch: Faulty pressure switches can improperly signal your well pump to turn itself on and off at the wrong times. This can lead to symptoms like your pump constantly running, low water pressure, or your pump not running at all. In most scenarios, pressure switches will need to be replaced; however, it’s possible that the pressure switch can be repaired by your technician.
- Well Pump Damages: When well pumps get damaged, it can drastically alter a property’s water flow rate. This then leads to low water pressure, and this scenario requires an immediate inspection appointment.
Well Pump Constantly Cycling
When well pumps are seemingly always switching from on and off settings, it’s possible that a ruptured bladder has occurred within the system’s pressure tank.
When you’re experiencing a ruptured pressure tank bladder, you’ll need to get it replaced as quickly as possible.
Contact Eaton Well & Pump For Water Well And Pump Services In Marysville OH!
There’s a lot that homeowners in the Marysville OH area need to keep in mind regarding well pump repairs and services, and the above list is just a glimpse into what might be occurring within your property’s well system.
One of the top-rated well and pump service providers in the Marysville area is Eaton Well & Pump, and their team is available to answer your questions and schedule an inspection appointment at your property when you click on the link at the top of this page and go to their website today!
