Two Signs Your Water Well Is In Trouble
The typical modern residential well can produce many years of excellent water with minimum servicing. Precisely because most wells operate for many years without any maintenance, many homeowners may not understand that their well requires service or routine maintenance right up until it is too late. The good news is there are some tell-tale signs it is possible to look for that may alert you to well water problems.
Diagnosing problems with water filtration systems and well pumps can often be done by checking if you can run water properly. Installing a sand and sediment trapper or a 60 mesh filter screen with an automatic purge valve can help resolve issues related to wells pumping sand and sediment.
Having access to running water is crucial for daily living, and well pump failures can directly impact this, leading to significant inconvenience.
How The Common Deep Well Pump System Works
Typical domestic water wells have a submersible pump that is immersed under the water and pumps water directly to the house. Some wells have “jet pumps” on top of the well. Most well pumps are often used in conjunction with a pressure tank.
The aim of the well water pump system is to maintain a constant supply of pressurized water inside your home and piping system. To maintain your water pressure, the well pump is switched on and off with a pressure switch. This usually means the pump is turned on when the pressure switch senses the pressure is at a minimal point (the “cut-in” point) and off at a pre-set high-pressure point (the “cut off” point).
In some systems, there is no simple on-and-off pressure switch; rather, there is a pressure-sensing unit that uses a controller to allow the water pump to pump more or less water gradually. This type of system is known as a “continuous pressure” system. This approach uses a variable speed pump that allows the pump motor to rotate more rapidly or more slowly and pump water a lot faster or more slowly based on the pressure sensing unit. These types of pumps are becoming ever more popular; however, the simple on-and-off pump system that uses a simple pressure switch is the most common.
Owning a private well can be beneficial, as it provides a reliable source of water, but it also comes with maintenance concerns that need to be addressed to ensure water quality and system functionality.
The Well Is Pumping Air
If you turn on your kitchen faucet and out blasts a mixture of air and water, this can indicate that something is drastically wrong within the well. The worst case scenario is that your water table has dropped to a point that is at or below the well pump, and the pump is drawing in air sometime during the pump cycle.
Another cause would be that the well pump drop pipe (the pipe that connects the pump to the top of the well and the water system) is broken. Drop pipes are made of iron pipe, plastic PVC, or poly pipe. They may become broken or corroded and develop cracks or even in some instances break apart, making it possible for air to be sucked in. This kind of problem needs to be looked into and repaired by a skilled well or pump company.
In some cases, the water level is fine, and there aren’t any cracked pipes or fittings. Some groundwater tables do contain various types of gas. These gasses may be dissolved within the water, yet later come out of solution and trigger water to spurt or sputter out of the tap. These types of gasses may be carbon dioxide, methane, hydrogen sulfide, or other gasses, and they can be harmful and cause significant safety and health problems. If this is an ongoing problem, the well can usually be treated to eliminate these gasses through aeration and degassing systems.
The Electricity Bill Is Suddenly Very High
When a pump wears out or becomes blocked with sand, silt, or iron bacteria, it needs to work much harder than if it was in good shape. This can result in an increasingly higher power cost. A common cause of higher energy costs is when the check valve from the well goes bad. This enables water from your pressure tank to flow back into the well, reducing pressure and signaling the pressure switch to turn the pump on again and pressurize the tank.
This off-and-on cycle can happen every couple of minutes and enable the well pump to run practically 24 hours a day, causing a high power bill. A failed check valve can cause the pump to start repeatedly, leading to short cycling and increased electricity costs.
Understanding Your Well Pump System
A well pump system is a complex network of components that work together to provide a steady supply of water to your home. The well pump is at the heart of the system, typically a submersible pump located at the bottom of the well. This pump draws water from the well and pushes it through the pipes to your home. The well pump connects to a pressure tank that stores water under pressure to maintain consistent water flow.
The pressure tank uses a pressure switch to sense internal pressure and turn the pump on or off as needed to keep the desired water pressure. The bladder tank within the pressure tank is crucial for maintaining proper water pressure. Captive air pressure is also important, and you can check it using a tire pressure gauge.
Also, checking the pressure tank's air and Schrader valves can help determine if the pressure tank is functioning correctly. The well pressure tank plays a vital role in maintaining water pressure. This intricate system ensures that your home has a reliable supply of water at the right pressure.
The well pump system's components are interdependent, meaning that an issue with one part can affect the entire system. Understanding the well system and its components is essential for diagnosing and fixing issues effectively.
How A Typical Well Pump System Works
A typical well pump system consists of several key components that work together to ensure a steady supply of water to your home. At the heart of the system is the submersible pump, which is located at the bottom of the well. This pump draws water from the well and pushes it up to the surface. The system stores the water in a pressure tank, which helps maintain consistent water pressure throughout your home.
The pressure tank includes an air valve and an air pressure gauge. You use the air valve to add air to the tank, which is crucial for maintaining the correct air pressure. The air pressure gauge lets you check the tank’s air pressure to ensure it stays at the proper level. The pressure switch senses the pressure inside the tank and signals the pump to turn on or off as needed.
This on-and-off cycle maintains constant water pressure in your home and piping system. It also prevents the pump from running continuously, helping the system operate efficiently.
Sign One: Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure is one of the most common signs of a problem with your well pump system. If your home's water pressure drops, your well pump may not be working properly. Common causes include a faulty pressure switch, a malfunctioning pump, or problems with the pressure tank. The bladder inside the pressure tank is crucial, and a ruptured bladder can lead to low water pressure. The bladder tank plays a significant role in maintaining proper water pressure.
Captive air pressure is also important; you can check it using a tire pressure gauge. Additionally, you need to check the pressure switch and pressure tank readings. Sometimes, adjusting the pressure switch to achieve higher pressure is necessary. A leaking pressure tank can significantly impact water pressure. Maintaining lower pressure settings can prevent short cycling.
Check the pressure tank's air valve to ensure it is functioning correctly. Checking the Schrader valve can help determine if the pressure tank is working properly. A tire pressure gauge is essential to check the air pressure in the pressure tank.
The well pressure tank is vital for maintaining water pressure. To troubleshoot low water pressure, start by checking the pressure gauge on the pressure tank to see if the pressure is within the normal range. If the pressure is low, you may need to adjust the pressure switch or consider replacing the well pump. Ensuring that your pressure tank and pressure switch are in good working order is crucial for maintaining optimal water pressure in your home.
Low Water Pressure Symptoms
Low water pressure can be a frustrating issue, and it often manifests in various ways around your home. Common symptoms of low water pressure include:
- Weak water flow from faucets and appliances
- Difficulty filling bathtubs and sinks
- Low water pressure in showers and washing machines
- Inconsistent water pressure throughout the house
Low Water Pressure Causes
Several factors can contribute to low water pressure in your home. Understanding these causes can help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue more effectively. Common causes of low water pressure include:
- Pump failure or malfunction: If the well pump is not working correctly, it may not be able to maintain adequate water pressure.
- Clogged or faulty pressure switch: A pressure switch that is clogged or not functioning properly can fail to signal the pump to turn on or off at the right times.
- Leaking or damaged pressure tank: A pressure tank with leaks or damage may not be able to hold pressure effectively.
- Clogged or blocked well screen: A well screen that is clogged with debris can restrict water flow into the well pump.
- Low water table or well yield: A decrease in the water table or well yield can result in insufficient water being available for the pump to draw.
- Incorrectly set pressure switch: If the pressure switch is not set correctly, it may not maintain the desired water pressure.
- Clogged or blocked pipe nipple leading to the pressure switch: A blockage in the pipe nipple can prevent the pressure switch from accurately sensing the pressure.
Sign Two: Pumping Air in Your Well System
If your well pump is pumping air instead of water, it’s a clear sign that something’s wrong. A low water table may cause this issue, a failing pump, or a problem with the pressure tank. First, check your well’s water level. If it’s low, adjust or replace the pump as needed. A ruptured bladder inside the pressure tank can also cause constant cycling and pressure loss.
Use a tire pressure gauge to check the tank’s air pressure and inspect the Schrader valve. Adjusting the pressure switch may help improve performance. Regularly maintaining your pressure tank and monitoring for leaks or pressure drops is key to preventing pump damage. If problems persist, contact a licensed contractor to inspect your system and protect your water supply.
Pump Failure Symptoms
Recognizing pump failure signs can help you address issues before they lead to more significant problems. Symptoms of pump failure include:
- Complete loss of water pressure: If the pump fails entirely, you may experience a total loss of water pressure.
- Intermittent water pressure: A malfunctioning pump may cause water pressure to fluctuate or be inconsistent.
- Pump running continuously: If the pump runs without stopping, it may indicate a problem that needs to be addressed.
- Pump making unusual noises: Strange noises coming from the pump can be a sign of mechanical issues.
- Pump overheating: An overheating pump can indicate that it is working too hard or having a mechanical problem.
Identifying Pressure Tank Issues
Pressure tank issues can significantly impact the performance of your well pump system. To identify potential problems, start by checking the tank’s air pressure gauge. Look for the following symptoms:
- Leaking or damaged tank: Visible leaks or damage to the tank can prevent it from holding pressure effectively.
- Incorrect air pressure: Use the air pressure gauge to check if the tank’s air pressure is within the recommended range.
- Tank not holding pressure: If the tank can't maintain pressure, repair or replace it as needed.
- Pump running continuously: A pressure tank that is not functioning correctly can cause the pump to run without stopping, leading to increased wear and energy costs.
