What Are the Signs of a Failing Water Well Pump?

A water well pump is very important to provide freshwater that is clean at home. When you are using a personal well, your pump is behind the scenes every day--usually with little notice- until something goes wrong. Regrettably, the issues of water well pumps do not tend to occur at night. The majority of pumps indicate warning signs way in advance before they stop functioning altogether.

Knowing the early signs of a failing water well pump can help you avoid sudden water loss, expensive repairs, and major inconvenience. In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common symptoms, what they mean, and when it’s time to call a professional.

Understanding How a Water Well Pump Works

It is better to see the fundamentals before identifying the issues. A water well pump will draw the water in your well and force it into a pressure tank where it will then pump it into your home.

In the majority of households, one of the following are used:

● Submersible pumps (in the deep in the well)

● Jet pumps (normally mounted above ground)

A failed pump will present warning signs in a similar manner, irrespective of the type.

Low Water Pressure Throughout the House

What It Looks Like

You switch on a tap and the water does not flow in a strong, steady stream, but trickles. Showering is frail, dishwashers require more time to fill and various faucets cannot be used simultaneously.

What It Means

The most common indication of a failing well pump is low water pressure.

It may indicate:

● A worn-out pump motor

● A clogged pump or pipe

● The pump that can hardly meet the demand.

When the problems of pressure are on the whole house, the pump is usually the cause of it.

Rapid On-and-Off Cycling (Short Cycling)

What It Looks Like

When water is not being heavily utilized you hear the pump switching on and off over and over.

What It Means

This is referred to as short cycling and may be brought about by:

● A failing pump

● A pressure tank that has been filled up or ruined by water

● Pressure switch problems.

Short cycling causes the pump to work harder and it may significantly reduce its life unless the problem is immediately dealt with.

No Water Coming From Faucets

What It Looks Like

You switch on a tap and... there is nothing.

What It Means

Total water/loss is usually an indication of:

● Pump motor failure

● Electrical issues

● A burned-out pump

Although this may be caused by other problems (such as a tripped breaker), a non-responsive pump is a great indicator that the pump may require replacement or significant repair.

Strange Noises From the Pump or Plumbing

What It Sounds Like

You may hear:

● Grinding

● Clicking

● Humming

● Loud banging or rattling.

What It Means

Abnormal sounds are usually indicators of mechanical problems within the body, including:

● Worn bearings

● Motor damage

● Air in the system

A healthy water well pump should operate quietly. Persistent noise is never a good sign.

Dirty or Discolored Water

What It Looks Like

Water appears:

● Cloudy

● Rusty

● Sandy

● Full of sediment.

What It Means

Your pump might be drawing the sediment off the bottom of the well in case it is failing.

This can happen when:

● The pump is aging.

● Internal parts are ruined.

● The pump is not placed in the right position anymore.

The water containing sediments may harm the appliances and plumbing and hence this is one of the issues that require an immediate solution.

Air Spitting From Faucets

What It Looks Like

When you turn a faucet on, water sputters, spits or spurts bursts of air.

What It Means

Water lines may contain air that shows:

● Cracks in the pump or piping

● A failing well pump seal

● Falling water table resulting in the pump sucking air.

This symptom should never be ignored, as it often worsens over time.

Higher Than Normal Electric Bills

What It Looks Like

Your electricity bill goes up suddenly even though your consumption of water hasn’t changed.

What It Means

A pump that is struggling takes longer and works harder to achieve demand. This additional work load consumes more energy. When your utility bill suddenly rises without reason, it may be that your well pump is not operating efficiently-or it may be on the verge of breaking.

Constantly Running Pump

What It Looks Like

The pump appears to be active all the time, even when no water is consumed within the household.

What It Means

A constantly moving pump can be as a result of:

● Internal pump wear

● Leaks in the system

● A failing pressure switch

Constant running may easily wear out the motor and convert a serviceable issue into a complete change.

Old Age of the Water Well Pump

How Long Do Pumps Last?

Most water well pumps last:

● 8-15 years on average

● Some last longer with proper maintenance.

Why Age Matters

When your pump is about to end the life span as expected, or has already, and displays any of the symptoms in the above list, it is likely to fail soon. The ancient pumps are also inefficient in terms of energy consumption as compared to the modern ones.

When to Call a Professional

Although certain problems can be connected with the problems of electrical or pressure tanks, it is not typically a DIY task to diagnose a well pump. In case you notice: you should call a licensed well professional.

● Repeated loss of water.

● Problems with electrical aspects of the pump.

● Sudden pressure changes.

● Sediment that you can see in your water.

Early professional intervention can often save you money by preventing total pump failure.