Think you have a problem with your well pump? It’s important to check a few things before you jump to conclusions. By troubleshooting the issue first, you might be able to solve the problem without a well pump replacement. After you run through this list, you should know one way or another if it’s time to call in the plumbing experts at Fite Plumbing for help with well pump repairs.
Common Well Pump Water Concerns
More often than not, the first sign of a well pump or pressure tank problem is low water pressure. When your shower heads and faucets aren’t working like they used to, it’s normal to start questioning your well pump system. The most common concerns for well water system repairs include:
- Low water pressure
- Faucets “spitting” air
- Dirty or cloudy water
- Loud, clicking noises outside
- High, unexpected electric bills
Noticing any of the above changes is a good indication that something is not working properly. In order to figure out if the problem is with your well pump or any easier fix, you’ll need to do a little more digging.
Troubleshooting Your Well Pump
As with any major appliance in your home, when something goes wrong, there isn’t always a clear-cut solution. Just because your water pressure is low, it doesn’t mean that your well pump is to blame. Noticing changes at your faucet inside could be the result of any number of issues. Review this list to make sure the problem can’t be solved in an easier way:
- Have you lost power?
When the power goes out, your pump won’t be able to pull up any more water. That means you’ll only have access to the water that’s being held in your pressure tank. The same thing can happen if you’ve blown the breaker for your pump. Checking your breaker box and resetting the switch might be enough to solve the problem.
- Is the water table low?
During dry spells, your well might not have enough water to function properly. Sputtering water at the faucet is a good indicator that the water in your well might be low. In some cases, your well pump might need to be deeper in order to tap into the water table. Other times, the problem will clear up on its own with a little more time.
- Does your pump run nonstop?
Getting an unusually high electric bill can be a sign that your pump is working around the clock. If your water usage has gone up, you might just need a larger pressure tank instead of a new water pump. When your tank can hold more water, you’ll be less likely to experience drops in your water pressure and your pump won’t need to work as hard.
An overworked well pump might also benefit from a new pressure switch. If the water tank’s pressure switch is constantly clicking on and off, your pump won’t know when to shut off. If the pressure tank and pressure switch are both in good working order, you might have a more complicated issue. Broken water lines between your well and your home, for example, will often require a professional plumber.
Well Pump Repairs with Fite Plumbing
Problems with the well pump itself can be very tricky for the novice to handle on their own—especially if you need to remove the pump for cleaning or replace it altogether. Working with a professional crew like Fite Plumbing can help you get the job done right, so your home can get back to having a constant flow of clean water.
Scheduling regular well maintenance can help you avoid costly well pump repairs down the road, too. Whether you need immediate repairs or just annual well maintenance, Fite Plumbing is here to help. Give us a call at 317-271-5400 or send us a message to get started. We’ll get your well water system fixed up right!
