6 Expert Well Pump Troubleshooting Tips for 2024

If your well pump isn’t working, it’s likely impacting your water supply which isn’t good for your home. A well pump that needs repair can cause all types of issues from low water supply to murky water. Don’t let your well pump suffer in 2024; instead, take advice from our well pump repair experts at A&T Well and Pump in Raleigh, NC. Join us as we share our top well pump troubleshooting tips to ensure you won't be spending unnecessary money on well pump repairs in 2024.

Understanding Well Pump Troubleshooting

Well pumps are integral components of private water systems that extract groundwater from beneath the earth's surface and deliver it to homes for various purposes such as drinking, cleaning, and irrigation. They are essential for households that rely on wells as their primary water source, providing a consistent supply of clean water without depending on municipal systems.

The primary function of a well pump is to lift water from underground aquifers and deliver it to the surface. Depending on the type of pump—submersible or jet—the method of pumping varies, but the goal remains the same: to ensure a reliable supply of water for everyday use. 

Understanding the basics of well pump troubleshooting is crucial for homeowners for several reasons:

• Early detection of issues
• Cost savings
• Maintaining efficiency
• Ensuring water quality
• Emergency preparedness

#1: Diagnose the Problem with Your Well Pump

There are several common well pump repairs that homeowners often fall into. You may be able to deal with some issues yourself, whereas others will need to be looked into by a professional. In order to determine the underlying cause of your well pump issues, our first well pump troubleshooting tip is to identify the symptom(s) affecting the well. 

Here are some of the common issues homeowners experience with a malfunctioning well pump: 

• You have no water: If you turn on your faucets and no water comes out, there may be a problem with your well pump's operation or water supply.
• You have low water pressure:  If your water flow is weak or inconsistent, it could indicate issues such as a clogged filter, a malfunctioning pressure switch, or a problem with the well pump itself.
• You have dirty or cloudy water: If your water appears discolored or cloudy, it might signal sediment or contaminants entering your water supply, potentially due to issues with the well pump or well casing.
• Your faucets are sputtering: If your faucets intermittently release bursts of air or water, it suggests air trapped in the water lines, often due to issues with the well pump's pressure tank or air volume control.
• Your power usage spiked unexpectedly: An increased spike in power usage can potentially indicating an issue with the well pump motor or electrical components drawing excessive current.

#2: Check Electrical Components

With well pump troubleshooting involving electrical components, start by ensuring safety by turning off the power at the breaker box. Inspect wiring for damage or corrosion, and test voltage levels at terminals. Verify the pressure switch's settings and functionality. If your pump uses capacitors, check for swelling or leaks. Ensure all components are properly grounded. 

For any doubts or power failures, you never want to try to fix electrical issues on your own, so contact our Raleigh well pump experts to inspect your system safely and thoroughly.

#3: Address Water Pressure Issues

Maintaining proper water pressure in your well pump system is essential for ensuring a steady and reliable water supply throughout your home. Central to achieving this is the pressure tank, which stores pressurized water and regulates its distribution to faucets and appliances. Without a functioning pressure tank, the well pump cannot maintain consistent pressure levels, leading to erratic water flow or no water at all.

Additionally, the pressure switch plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the system from overload. If too much water is drawn from the tank too quickly, the pressure switch activates to shut down the system, preventing potential damage like burst pipes. An easy, DIY well pump troubleshooting tip is to reset the pressure switch, which often is one of the common solutions to water well pump maintenance when water service abruptly stops due to this safety mechanism. 

#4: Monitor Pump Performance

To ensure your well pump meets your household's water needs effectively, regularly monitor its performance and consider the following when in the stages of well pump troubleshooting:

• Evaluate Pump Size: Check if your pump matches the size requirements of your property and water usage. If it's too small, you may experience issues like low water pressure or inadequate flow. Consider upgrading by replacing your well water pump with a larger size pump if your household's water demands have increased.
• Assess Performance Regularly: Monitor water pressure consistency, observe cycle times, and listen for any unusual noises during operation. These indicators can reveal potential issues such as pump inefficiency or mechanical problems.

By actively monitoring your well pump's performance and addressing any discrepancies promptly, you can ensure reliable water supply and extend the lifespan of your system. If issues persist or if you're unsure about pump size adequacy, consult a professional well repair company for expert advice and solutions.

#5: Test Water Quality

Regular water well testing is an essential step in well pump troubleshooting. This is to ensure your well pump meets safety standards for drinking and household use. Schedule periodic tests to check for changes in color, odor, taste, or the presence of water contaminants like bacteria or metals. These water quality tests help identify potential issues with your well pump system or environmental influences. Inspecting well components such as casing integrity and seals is also crucial, as damage can compromise water quality. 

Depending on test results, consider installing appropriate water treatment systems to address any identified contaminants. Consulting a professional well technician for comprehensive analysis and recommendations ensures your well pump system delivers clean and safe water for your family's needs.

#6: Schedule a Video Well Inspection

Consider scheduling a video well inspection to ensure your well pump system remains in optimal condition. 

Here’s why a video inspection of your Raleigh area well is beneficial:

• Comprehensive evaluation: A video well inspection involves using specialized equipment to visually assess the interior of your well. This allows technicians to identify potential issues such as mineral buildup, cracks in casing, or obstructions that could affect water flow and pump performance.
• Early detection of problems: By detecting issues early, such as mechanical wear or contamination, you can prevent costly well pump repairs and ensure uninterrupted water supply to your home.
• Peace of mind: Knowing the condition of your well system can provide peace of mind regarding water quality and water well system reliability.
• Professional expertise: Certified Raleigh well technicians have the expertise to interpret inspection findings accurately and recommend appropriate maintenance or repairs.
• Schedule regularly: Ideally, schedule a video well inspection annually or as recommended by your well technician to maintain system efficiency and prolong its lifespan.

Investing in a video well inspection as a well pump troubleshooting step not only enhances the longevity and efficiency of your well pump system but also ensures your household continues to receive clean and reliable water. 

Contact Our Raleigh Well Pump Troubleshooting Experts Today

As you can tell, many issues that fall on our well pump troubleshooting list don’t fall under the DIY category. If you need well pump repair or other water well service in Raleigh or the surrounding areas, call A&T Well and Pump. We have experienced well technicians who will diagnose your problem and make sure your well pump gets fixed promptly.

Our professionals will advise you whether you need a simple repair or a complete well pump replacement. You can count on us for honest and dependable service every time. Call us today at  (919) 980-0981 or reach out to us online so we can get to the bottom of your problem and restore your water service promptly.