Should You Repair or Replace a Well Pump?

December 20, 2021

Many Americans rely on well water for their household or business use. When you live too far away from municipal water supplies, you’ll need one (or more) well-maintained wells to supply water for drinking, bathing, cooking and more.

Owning a well means you’ll inevitably have to make the choice at some point between well pump repair and replacement. Like any piece of machinery, your well pump has a finite lifespan. Proper maintenance ensures it lasts longer, but sometimes necessary repairs are more expensive than it would be to replace the pump altogether.

Here’s what you need to know about well pump repair, and when it’s time to call it a day.

Signs your pump needs repair or replacement

Here are some of the top signs that your well pump is malfunctioning:

  • Your water is dirty: If your well water smells like rotten eggs or looks dirty, your well pump might be in need of attention. It may be broken, or the water level might be so low that the pump is drawing up sand and silt. However, there are other potential causes which might contribute to these problems. For instance, heavy rains can wash sediment into a well. Your water pipes may be broken, or there could be a septic system leak. If you encounter dirty, foul-smelling water, have a well contractor come look at your pump before you decide on replacement.
  • There’s little or no water pressure: A lack of water and water pressure can be caused by a few different things. First, your pump may be dead or simply not getting power—check to make sure the fuses haven’t blown. If the pump seems to be powered on, you might also have a problem with the pressure tank, plumbing or other components. Call your contractor to find the source of the problem.
  • Your pump runs constantly: Well pumps should pull up enough water to fill up the pressure tank, then shut off. This ensures you have plenty of pressurized water whenever you turn on the tap. However, a constantly running pump is a bad sign. The pump is more likely to wear out faster when it’s always running. It may already be beyond repair.
  • Sputtering water: Sputtering water is a sign that air has gotten into your water lines and plumbing somehow. This could be due to cracks in lines and pipes or low water levels, but it’s also possible your pump may be to blame.
  • Regular malfunctions: When your pump regularly malfunctions, it’s time to start thinking about replacement. Eventually, you’ll spend more on well pump repair costs than you would to replace the pump.
  • Your pump is old: Finally, if your well pump is old, there might not be any point to repairs. Pumps last an average of 10 to 15 years. If yours is a decade old or more, it’s time to consider replacement.

When you need fast, affordable well pump repair, reach out to the team at Action Electric Motor & Pump Repair. We’ll make sure you always have clean running water, whether you need repair or replacement.

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