What's Wrong With My Well Pump?

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In the world of plumbing, it's not uncommon to receive a "no water call" from a client who lives out in the country. These types of residences usually require regular septic tank and well service since they're cut off from most city utilities.

While it may be initially alarming to turn on your faucet and get no water from your well, the causes for such a problem can range from either simple to complex. There are few steps that you as a homeowner can take to troubleshoot the issue, but if you need help with your home's well pump, it's best to contact a plumber to provide professional assistance.

Is the Power On?

It may sound simplistic, but many homeowners can be concerned that there's no water from their well when the problem is as simple as a power surge or breaker box that has been flipped off. Check the connection point, and if it's loose, turn off the main power and try to reattach it if possible. If the breaker is flipped, simply reset it and it should turn back on, but be careful if it keeps flipping. If it does, it could be a sign of a major electrical issue that needs to be solved before it starts a fire.

Has it Been Used a Lot Recently?

Though most wells can handle a large amount of usage for short periods of time, such as over a holiday weekend, prolonged and intense usage can drop the water level that renders the pump ineffective. You'll need to give it anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days for the water level to reload. While this can be frustrating, it can be significantly less expensive than having the pump repaired or replaced.

Is There Standing Water?

If the water level is fine and power is getting to the unit, look at the area around your home to see if there is standing water anywhere else. If there is, that means that there may be a crack in the line that leads from your well to your home; in other words, water is going somewhere, just not to the right place. You'll need to have it repaired in order for there to be water from your pipes again.

What Does Your Pressure Tank Look Like?

Wells are designed to not have to turn on every single time a faucet is turned on or if the toilet is flushed. Instead, they keep water inside a pressure tank that delivers water on demand every time those actions is performed. If the pressure tank is rusted, discolored, or even cracked, that means that the air pressure can release to the outside and water won't go anywhere. It's not a necessarily hard fix, but it should be taken care of by a professional instead of the homeowner.

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28 October 2020

Understanding Plumbing Components

Hello, my name is Yvonne Michaels. Welcome to my website about plumbing components. Plumbing systems of all kinds use interconnected components to bring fresh water in and waste water out of the building. By clearly understanding the plumbing components used in your commercial or residential building, you can ensure your systems remain in great operational condition for years to come. On this site, I will help you learn all about plumbing components for every system imaginable. I hope to inspire you to learn about these components and understand how they operate to keep your plumbing system in great shape. Thanks for coming by.