Two Signs Your Water Well Is In Trouble

Water well problems often go unnoticed until it’s too late. Two signs your well may be failing are if it starts pumping air or your electric bill suddenly spikes—indicating the pump is running constantly. While most wells run for years with little upkeep, they still need routine maintenance.

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 that there are some tell-tale signs that you can 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. A broken well pump drop pipe—connecting the pump to the top of the well and water system—can also cause issues. Made of iron, PVC, or poly pipe, these drop pipes can crack, corrode, or break apart, allowing air to enter the system. A skilled well or pump company should inspect and repair this type of problem.

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 gases 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 gases may be carbon dioxide, methane, hydrogen sulfide, or other gases, 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 gases 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 were 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, which then reduces pressure and signals 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, which stores water under pressure to maintain a consistent flow. A pressure switch inside the tank senses the pressure and activates or shuts off the pump as needed to keep water pressure at the desired level. 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 water system and its components is essential for diagnosing and fixing problems 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 to maintain consistent water pressure throughout your home.

The tank includes an air valve and an air pressure gauge. You use the air valve to add air to the tank, which helps maintain the correct pressure. The air pressure gauge lets you monitor tank pressure and keep it at the right level. The pressure switch senses pressure changes and tells the pump when to turn on or off. This cycle maintains steady water pressure and prevents the pump from running nonstop.

Sign One: Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure is a common sign of a well pump system issue. If your home’s water pressure drops, the pump may not be working properly. Common causes include a faulty pressure switch, a bad pump, or pressure tank problems. A ruptured bladder inside the pressure tank can reduce pressure significantly. The bladder tank helps maintain consistent water flow, and captive air pressure is key.

Use a tire pressure gauge to check the air pressure in the tank. Also, inspect the pressure switch and tank readings. Adjusting the pressure switch may help boost water pressure. A leaking or short-cycling tank can affect performance. Check the tank’s air valve and Schrader valve to ensure proper function.

To troubleshoot, check the pressure gauge on the tank. If the reading is low, you may need to adjust the switch or replace the pump. Keeping your pressure tank and switch in good condition is essential for strong, steady water pressure throughout 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

If you notice any of these symptoms, it may indicate that your well pump system needs to be addressed.

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. Check your well’s water level first—if it’s low, the pump may need to be adjusted or replaced. 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 are 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 continuously, it likely indicates a problem you need to address.
  • 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 cannot maintain pressure, it may need to be repaired or replaced.
  • 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.

By regularly checking your pressure tank and addressing any issues promptly, you can ensure that your well pump system operates efficiently and provides a reliable supply of water to your home.

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