Your well pump pushes water from your well to a tank where it is stored until you need it. Well pumps last about 8-15 years on average. The lifespan of a well pump is affected by several factors including whether you stay on top of maintenance, how you use it, and the pump type.

With age and deterioration, a well pump will eventually need to be replaced. Water to your home is vital for daily living. If you depend solely on your well pump and it goes bad, your life can come to a standstill.

For homeowners with a private well, there are few things worse than waking up one morning and discovering that all their plumbing fixtures have run dry. If you notice your well pump is beginning to malfunction, replace it before it stops working completely.

To help you take prompt action, we have put together a list of signs that it is time to replace your pump. Take a look.

You Have No Water At All

This is the most obvious sign that there is something amiss. If there is no water coming out of your taps and other plumbing fixtures, check your circuit breaker to make sure your pump is getting power. If not, turn your pump off, reset the breaker and turn it back on.

Sometimes the pressure tank, that stores water pulled by the pump from the well, shuts off and should be reset. Check your well to make sure it hasn’t gone dry. If you have tried everything but your pump is still not working, it is beyond saving and should be replaced.

You Have Air In Your Pipes

Does air come out in addition to water whenever you turn on your faucets and you hear a spitting sound as water mixes with air? Your pump could be the culprit. This usually happens when the pump is unable to pull water and pulls in air, instead.

There are several other causes of air hissing. There might be a crack in the pipe that connects your pump to your home. Maybe your well is running dry or the water level in your well has fallen below the pump. Do not ignore the problem and have your well contractor inspect your well water system as soon as possible.

Poor Water Pressure

Age-related deterioration can affect a pump’s ability to draw water. If there is a notable decrease in your water pressure, there is a possibility your well pump is too old and is failing.

Poor water pressure could also mean that your well pump is too small. Maybe you have recently added a bathroom to your home or installed a dishwasher and your pump is unable to keep up with your household’s increased water demand.

A hole in the pressure tank or iron bacteria build up in the pipes could also affect your water pressure. If the problem is affecting only one faucet, it may be a colocalized problem. Have your well water contractor probe into the matter before it’s too late.

Your Well Pump Runs Constantly

If your pump runs continuously, it might be struggling to properly move water through the system. A faulty pressure control switch, a failing pressure tank, or a leaky pipe can cause a pump to run constantly. It is also possible that your pump is too old or is beyond repair and is no longer able to efficiently pump water from your well.

Ignoring a constantly running well pump could prove to be a costly mistake. Your electricity bill could go up derailing your monthly budget. Plus, keeping a pump running increases wear and tear on it. If your pump is supposed to last a few more years and you allow it to run continuously, it may fail sooner than expected.

If you have an above ground jet system there might be a leak in the suction line. If this is the case, have your contractor prime the intake pipe so it is able to generate the suction needed to pull water up and into the water line.

Dirty Well Water

Dirty well water could indicate a problem with your pump. Dirt, sand or sediment in your well water could mean that your pump is too large for your well and is pulling silt and dirt from the bottom of your well along with water. An oversized pump delivers more flow than required. It consumes more energy and should be replaced as soon as possible.

If your pump is placed too far down in the well, have your contractor replace it. Another common cause of dirty well water is a torn or damaged filter screen. Damaged pipes can also let dirt and sediment make their way into your water supply. Make sure your water pipes are intact.

If your water has high mineral contents, mineral deposits can break down. This leads to formation of sediments in well water. To keep your water fresh and clean, install a well water filtration system. Check if your neighbor’s septic tank is leaking and releasing septic waste into the groundwater.

Tips to Maintain Your Well Pump

Periodically maintaining your well pump is an effective way to extend its lifespan. Regular maintenance helps detect problems early and address them before they snowball into a major concern.

Here are some well pump maintenance tips.

  •  Clean the cooling fans
  •  Replace traditional parts with anti-corrosion parts
  •  Visually check your pump for damage
  •  Have a professional service your pump every three or four years

Weeks Drilling & Pump Co. is one of the largest groundwater firms in California. Our professionals work to ensure that your well continues to serve you and your home. When it is time to replace your well pump, give us a call. Out team specializes in well pump maintenance and replacement in the Petaluma area. To learn more, call (707) 823-3184.