Did you know that the most common problem with water quality from rural water supplies is salt buildup? Salt occurs naturally in soil and is one of the most common pollutants that can be found in water.
Well pumps for homeowners in rural areas provide the home with water, so it’s essential that the water is safe and contaminant-free. By properly maintaining your well pump, you can help safeguard your family’s health and increase your peace of mind. Remember to have your well pump inspected and serviced on a regular basis.
Whether you are experiencing an emergency with your well water system, need an initial installation, or if you have the need for a repair, Blair and Norris have the ability to provide you with a solution. We also handle preventive measures because when it comes to your family’s drinking water, there’s no such thing as too safe.
If you want reliability, quality, and great value, Blair and Norris is the best option for you. This is why we’re going to share 11 signs that you should pay attention to, to know if your well pump needs to be repaired.
If you are noticing any of the following signs, it is time to get your well pump inspected. Keep reading, for the 13 signs that will tell you if you need a well pump repair.
1. If You Have No Water at All
If you turn on your faucet to wash dishes or try to run water to fill your bathtub, but you don’t get any water, this is a clear sign that you either will need to have your well pump services or potentially replaced.
Feel free to do some troubleshooting first, such as checking your circuit breaker to make sure your well pump is actually receiving power. You can even try resetting your pressure tank as well. If you don’t feel comfortable troubleshooting on your own, click here.
2. Sudden Increase in Electric Bill
There is a sudden increase in electric bills for no apparent reason (this may be due to faulty wiring but could also indicate problems with the well). If you notice a sudden spike in your bill, this could mean that the functionality of your well system has been compromised.
Assess whether you’ve had recent construction done or if there was any ground shifting recently. If there was, or even if there wasn’t you may want to consider having your system inspected for any damages to the reservoir or essential parts that would affect the way the system operates.
3. Overflowing of Your Tank
When your tank starts overflowing at times when you have turned on both pumps, this might indicate an issue with the main control valve located in the base of your well pit. In some cases, if there are multiple splices going into one line as opposed to separate lines leading away from each tap connection point (in multi-tap systems), these taps can also cause similar issues because they may not open all of their pipes completely.
This occurs if either part of any submersible pump stops working and the water level in your well starts to rise. If this problem is left unchecked, it can lead to serious issues like the motor starting to suck air and burn out.
4. Sediment Build-Up
Rust or sediment build-up on the impeller will decrease its efficiency and might cause it to seize up. Rust can also clog the pump, causing it to stop working properly. You’ll also want to watch for any leaks around the seals of your pump which could be a sign that they’re wearing down and need replacing soon.
5. Unusual Noises
A hissing noise usually means there’s a leak somewhere in the system. It could be coming from a faulty seal on the pump itself or another area in the plumbing. If you hear this noise, turn off both pumps and give Blair and Norris a call.
6. Bad Odor or Taste
One indication that there may be something wrong with your well pump is if the water has a bad odor or taste. This could be caused by anything from bacteria growth to chemical contamination.
There are a few types of tastes that you want to be on the lookout for if you’re trying to test the quality of the water that your well pump is producing throughout your home and on your property.
If the water from your well resembles any of these tastes, contact a professional immediately to have your water supply tested and the pump evaluated for potential repair or replacement needs.
Pay Attention to These Types of Tastes From Your Well Pump
Salty – Salty taste usually indicates high sodium or high chloride content within the water. Both of these usually form when salt is dissolved in the water. Keep in mind that high levels of chloride can cause corrosion and damage to your plumbing.
Soapy – Soapy taste usually indicates high levels of alkaline minerals. Lower levels of alkaline are not usually harmful to the body but high levels are. High levels of alkaline in your water can cause gastrointestinal issues so keep that in mind.
Chemical – Experiencing a chemical taste in your water could mean a potential issue with locations of other systems on your rural property. It could also mean that there are potentially harmful chemicals or pesticides near your drinking water supply.
Metallic – If you experience a taste of pennies in your water, it’s usually a high indicator that the acidic contaminants in your water are too high to be safe.
Additionally, here are a few specific smells that you want to look out for:
Rotten egg – Pay attention to this type of smell because it could usually mean sulfur bacteria or hydrogen sulfide gas is present in your water. A presence of sulfur can also produce a slime-like substance that often helps other types of bacteria to grow so this is important to pay attention to.
Detergent – You may want to consult a professional quickly if you experience a detergent type of taste in your water. This can usually indicate that your septic tank has leaked into your well water.
Chlorine – Pay close attention to the smell of chlorine. Your drinking water should not smell like pool water and it has a very distinct difference in the smell so, it won’t be an easy smell to miss. Excessive chlorination can be the culprit of an overpowering chlorine smell in your water.
Keep in mind that chlorine is a chemical used to treat water, so a small amount is fine. The thing to keep in mind here though is that high levels of chlorine can be harmful. They can result in birth defects, cancer, and even aggravate asthma-related issues.
7. A Drop in Pressure or Not Enough Pressure Altogether
If your well pump’s pressure is dropping or the water flow has decreased significantly, this could be a sign that the impeller needs to be repaired. The impeller can crack and pieces can break off which will lead to fewer RPMs being produced from it.
Pay attention to time as well, such as if the water pressure in your house has decreased significantly over the past few days or weeks. You may also be able to hear an unusual noise coming from under the ground outside when the well pump cycles on and off.
Another indication that there may be something wrong with your well pump is if it’s not producing enough water pressure. This can cause problems with both drinking and bathing water. Low water pressure can also be caused by sediment buildup in the pipes or a damaged pump impeller.
If you notice any of these issues, it would be in your best interest to seek professional help. Having a reliable team to work with can help to lead to a diagnosis of the problem and recommend the best course of action for repairing your well pump. Failing to properly maintain your well pump can lead to a variety of problems down the road.
To stray away from this issue make sure you’re up-to-date on the maintenance schedule and pay close attention to any changes in your water quality.
8. When Your Pump Cycles on and off More Than Normal
If your pump is cycling on and off more frequently than normal, it might be a sign that there’s something wrong. This could be due to low water levels in the well, clogged filters, or a problem with the pressure switch.
9. If the Pump Spontaneously Shuts Off
If you have a shallow well and the pump stops working, this could mean that there’s not enough water being drawn from it. This can happen due to drought conditions or if your local area has had a lot of construction done recently which disturbed natural underground drainage paths.
10. The Age of Your Well Pump
If your well pump is more than 15 years old, there’s a good chance it might need to be replaced soon. Even if it’s not showing any signs of trouble yet, over time the parts will start to wear out and it won’t be as efficient.
11. Corrosion
Badly corroded parts can cause all kinds of problems with your well pump. If you notice any parts of the pump that are covered in green or red rust, it’s a good idea to call Blair and Norris for a repair. Corrosion can cause all kinds of problems with well pumps, from making them noisy to preventing them from working altogether.
If you suspect that your well pump is the source of any of these problems and could be damaging your water supply, it’s important to have it repaired as soon as possible. Failing to do so could lead to further damage and even health risks.
Pump repairs don’t have to be expensive, so there’s no reason to wait until your pump stops working completely. Blair and Norris provide 24/7 support for its customers so, contact us today if you’re seeing any signs that your well pump needs to be repaired.
12. Odd Visual Signs
It would also be helpful for you to pay attention to a few visible things such as brown or red stains in your sinks or your dishwasher, green stains in the sinks or faucets. With odd visual signs present, make sure to evaluate the taste of your well water as we mentioned earlier.
With that being said, you can see how many visible signs there are. So, you can only imagine how many signs that aren’t visible to the human eye, indicate that your well system may need replacing.
13. Overdue for Maintenance
Has your water been tested annually for contaminants? If not, keep in mind that it is best to do this on an annual basis. Blair and Norris actually have maintenance programs that provide customers with maintenance checks every year to take that extra task off your to-remember list.
Pump out your septic tank at least every three years. With that, septic tank cleaning could also be a great idea. We know that emergencies happen, that is why we always offer emergency services. There are multiple things to consider for the maintenance of your well system.
We are able to provide multiple well and pump services from drilling to repairs as well as services for septic including inspections, replacements, and maintenance. Speaking of maintenance, we have maintenance programs on an annual basis to keep your worries at bay.
Make Sure Your Water Is Safe
Always keep in mind that poor maintenance is the number one reason for well pump replacement or repair needs. Making sure that you keep your well pump maintained by knowing the signs to keep a close eye on is the first step to prolonging the life of the equipment.
We want to help you get and keep peace of mind because safety for your family’s drinking water is our top priority. If you have any questions or need a pump repair, please don’t hesitate to contact Blair and Norris today. We’re here to help!
