Well pumps are not the most complicated pieces of hardware on the market, but they can certainly be the most frustrating. Well pumps are supposed to deliver fresh, clean water straight from the ground into all corners of your house, but if you wake up and it's not working, you could find yourself calling to schedule a well repair.
Before you do that though, here are a few things to check first.
Make Sure It's On
I know this sounds simplistic, but you would be surprised how many people call plumbers every year to schedule service when the problem is as simple as flipping a switch. Take a few seconds to make sure it's on before moving to other possible causes.
Check the Pressure Switch
The little switch on the pressure tank regulates when to deliver water to the house, and is known to go bad on occasion, usually before the pump itself does. It's an inexpensive job, but one that can make a huge difference in reliably delivering your water.
Check the Storage Tank
If the unit is turned on and the pressure switch still works, it's time to check the storage tank itself. If there's rust on the tank and it's only a few years old, that indicates that the storage tank is having a hard time regulating the flow of water. A well repair tech can usually perform minor fixes, but it could also be time for a new well pump. Alternatively, another sign of a faulty well pump is unbalanced water pressure coming out of two different faucets. Typically, if someone is flushing the toilet and the other is running the dishwasher, the pressure will be the same on both. If the well pump is bad, you'll notice one of those two not using as much water as it normally should.
Make Sure It's the Right Size
Well pumps are rated to accommodate homes across a pretty wide range, but major changes to the household, such as the installation of another full bathroom, can strain the well pump beyond its regulated capacity. In this case, you won't need a well pump repair as much as a replacement, since it's only a matter of time before the unit is overloaded and fails completely. A few tell-tale signs of an overworked well pump are a constant running sound or clicking when the pressure switch turns on and off.
Share28 July 2020
When you get a clogged drain or a toilet that just won't flush, do you reach for the phone and call for a plumber? When you have these seemingly simple plumbing problems around your house, you have to make a decision quickly. Do you pay for someone to come out and make the repairs, or do you attempt the repair on your own? This blog is all about DIY plumbing repairs. You will learn the basics and find tips for when to cut your losses and call in for professional assistance so you don't make a small fix one that needs serious repairs.
