Clean, reliable water separates first-world countries from third-world countries. When you suddenly experience a contaminated water supply or, even worse, no water at all, you experience something that more than 700 million people experience daily in the world.
Clean water matters. If you have your own well, then you have the responsibility of maintaining that well and keeping your water supply reliable. So what do you do when the water stops flowing?
How do you know if you need a well pump repair or a well pump replacement? You can call in a well expert who can inspect and repair your well. Keep reading to learn the signs of a failing well pump and if it’s time to call in an expert.
Signs You Need Well Pump Repair
Ultimately, you do not know until you bring in an expert if you need a well pump replacement or a well pump repair. But there are a few telltale signs that say it’s time to call your local well pump repair services.
Old Pumps
A regular submersible pump should last 10 to 15 years. If your pump has reached its decade birthday, the well pump expert will recommend replacing the pump rather than repairing it. After all, it’s nearing the end of its life.
Also, repairs take time. To repair or replace a pump, a technician will need to pull the pump from the well. If the tech is going through the labor of pulling an old pump just to repair it and put it back in the hole, you may as well replace it.
If you’re still not sure, use the rule of 50. If repairing the pump will cost you 50 percent of the same cost to replace the pump, buy the new pump. It will last you longer and give you peace of mind.
Also, consider the run time of the pump. If you have an older pump but do not run the pump constantly, you can hope for the pump to last even longer.
Pump Won’t Shut Off
If you notice a big spike in your energy bills, your pump may be the culprit. Pumps with problems with work harder than they normally would just to maintain your regular water pressure.
So you might not have any external signs except that big energy bill.
A well pump expert can inspect your well water system to check for either blockages or leaks that could be affecting your pressure and causing your well pump to run constantly. The technician can repair leaks and repair pressure control switches to fix the problems.
If the technician believes the pump is beyond repair, though, you will have to replace it.
Constant Breakdowns
If your pump breaks down regularly, you need to call in a pump expert to find the problem. Sometimes the original contractor will have installed the pump incorrectly. If this is the case, your well pump technician can install it properly.
If you have a newer pump and the technician believes the pump is faulty, check your warranty. You may not have to pay for the new pump.
Bad Smelling and Tasting Water
Well water tastes and smells different than treated water. Sometimes it may taste metallic or taste like rotten eggs. If you notice a significant difference in the quality of your water, call a well water specialist.
Often these smells and tastes have nothing to do with your pump. You could have broken water pipes, a leak in the nearby septic system, or just surface water in your well thanks to recent heavy rain.
Regardless, have a well expert inspect your system to make sure the water is safe to drink.
Spitting Faucet
If you’ve begun to notice your faucet spitting or you notice a significant amount of bubbles in your water, then call in a well technician. The air in your lines could come from any one of a few problems:
- A crack in the pipes that allows air to seep into the pipes
- Water levels drop below your pump and thus your pump takes on the air
- Your pump isn’t working efficiently or is falling apart
A well expert will be able to spot any one of these problems and will repair your pump. If the pump is falling apart, you will need to replace it.
No Water
When you turn on the faucet and nothing comes out, you have a problem. The problem may lie with the pressure switch or with your circuit breaker. If this is the case, you have a fairly simple fix.
However, if you notice your circuit breaker frequently tripping, have a technician inspect your pump and your plumbing. You may have a pump that is too old to lift water anymore.
Well Pump Repair Cost
Repairing a well pump will cost you between $100 and $800. Most commonly well owners need to replace motor start capacitors, foot valves, and pressure switches.
You can avoid problems by having your well and pump inspected annually. Plan on spending between $100 and $150 for an annual inspection.
The parts for a pump do not cost as much as labor. Working on a well takes expertise and strength, so plan on spending $50 an hour for a technician in addition to the house call fee that runs between $100 to $150. If you need a technician on the weekend, you will have to pay for emergency rates, usually twice the regular fee.
Well Pump Replacement Cost
If you need a new well pump, plan on spending between $1,000 and $2,500. Usually, well repair will cost less. But if you discover you have a pump that is falling apart and you find yourself calling your technician regularly, consider replacing the pump.
You will save yourself the cost of a regular visit from your well expert not to mention avoid the hassle of having unreliable water.
Stay Well, Call the Well Technician
A basic well pump repair will keep your water flow and quality consistent and reliable. If you notice a spitting faucet, smelly water, or suddenly big energy bills, call your local well technician.
We can help you. Our well technicians have over 100 years of combined experience and are ready to serve you. Contact us for an inspection and an estimate on services.
