A well is an invaluable asset that provides a reliable water supply and increases your property's value. While a well can serve you for decades, it is essential to perform regular inspections and maintenance to keep it operating optimally.
Knowing the signs that your well requires maintenance can prolong its lifespan and prevent costly problems. Learn six signs that you need to call in a well specialist to service your well.
Sediment in Water
A large amount of sediment such as sand in your water may indicate that your well pump is set too low, that the pump is oversized, or that the well screen is degraded. Typically, a well pump should be positioned
10-20 feet from the bottom of the well. If it is set too low, it can draw in sand, grit, and sediment.
Alternatively, a well pump may be too powerful and thus pull in sand from the well's base.
Sand that is in the water can result in clogs and the premature wear of your water pump. Therefore, you should consider having your well inspected to determine the cause of the sand uptake and fix it before it harms your well pump.
Increase Energy Bills
If your energy bills skyrocket for no apparent reason, your well could be causing it. Your pump could be worn out and could require more energy to operate, which increases utility bills.
Another cause of increased energy bills is a faulty check valve, allowing water from the pressure pump to flow back to the well. Consequently, the pump has to work harder to pump more water from the well into the pressure pump.
Air in your Water
If you open your kitchen faucet and it sputters before the water flows out or a mixture of water and air gushes out, one of two things could be the problem. First, your pump drop pipe may be broken or corroded and hence allowing air into the system.
Second, your well's water table may be low - perhaps at or below the water pump. As a result, the pump may be sucking in air as it struggles to get enough water into the system.
Peculiar Taste and Smell
If your well water has a pungent taste and smell, corrosion, contamination, or the presence of gases could be the culprit. Many well owners report a rotten egg smell in the water, which can emanate from dissolved gases such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and methane. These gases pose significant health and safety issues. '
You should call in a well professional to handle any stinky smells in your well water. For example, in the case of a rotten egg smell, the professional can use a sulfur eliminator to remove gases in your well and restore water quality.
Pump Never Shuts Off
A well pump that never shuts off could signal an issue with the pressure tank or a leak in your system. It could also show that your pump is failing and thus struggling to pump water.
Unfortunately, a pump that is always running is detrimental. It causes tremendous wear on the pump's components while reducing its lifespan. As a result, your pump could fail sooner than usual, requiring costly replacement. You can expect to pay between
$927 and $2,483 to replace a well pump.
Low Water Pressure
The prominent causes of low water pressure include a malfunctioning well pump, a leaking pressure tank, a failing gate valve, and a clog. Also, a low water level can cause low water pressure. A well professional can help you establish the cause of the problem and fix it.
While a well has invaluable benefits, it is vulnerable to numerous issues. Contact
Action Well and Pump for all your well and pump problems in North Carolina. We have over 30 years of experience in the water well business and have everything you need to keep your well and pump operating effectively and efficiently.
