DIY Repairs You Can Do to Your Water Well System

February 11, 2021

If you own a water well, there’s always a risk that something may malfunction and you’re left without running water. Often, these problems occur during the off hours, which means you’ll have to pay extra for professional help. Rather than spending your hard-earned cash on frequent repairs, it’s beneficial to know a few basic repair and maintenance tips you can do yourself.

Fixing a “dead” well

Here’s how to maintain your water well in Wewahitchka, FL:

  • Check the power: First, make sure your well is getting electricity. If not, that might solve the problem right then and there! Do this by checking the well switch near your pressure tank. If it’s been switched off, turn it back on and see if the problem resolves itself. Next, check the well’s double pole circuit breaker and reset it if necessary. Be aware that if the breaker keeps tripping, you’ll need to call a pro to fix the problem.
  • Check the pressure switch: If that didn’t solve the problem, move on to your pressure switch. This component monitors the pressure in the pressure tank, and sends a signal to your well pump that it’s time to draw up more water. Take the cover off the pressure switch and grab a screwdriver. Bang the handle hard against the tube below the switch. This should jostle the electrical contacts. If you see a spark and the pump starts running, you have a malfunctioning pressure switch.
  • Replace the pressure switch: Turn off the power. Disconnect the wires, labeling them as you go. Unscrew the switch, then coat the tubing with Teflon tape. Screw on the new switch, then reconnect the wires and turn the power back on. This should solve the problem, but if it doesn’t, you may need to replace the controller.
  • Replace the pump controller: Take the pump controller cover off—it may require unscrewing. Buy the same controller at a well supply store. You can take the old controller with you to make sure you get the right one. You should be able to snap the new controller into the control box without having to rewire it, assuming you bought the same brand and model. Then you can start the pump. Please note that if your pump controller is mounted inside the well pump, you should not try to perform this repair yourself. Only replace exterior controllers.
  • Check the air valve: Finally, you can check the pressure tank’s air valve. If you unscrew the cap, use a small screwdriver to push the air valve. If water pulses, you have a waterlogged tank and will need to replace the entire thing.

Learning how to perform these simple fixes can save you a lot of money and time. However, if you’re uncomfortable with DIY water well pump repair in Wewahitchka, FL, the experts at Action Electric Motor & Pump Repair is happy to help. We have over 15 years of experience serving area well owners, and will solve whatever issue your system is experiencing. Call us today to get started.

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