How Do You Know When Your Well Pump is Going Bad?
If your home relies on a well pump for its water supply, it can be hard to tell if your well pump is going bad. Oftentimes, you’ll realize there’s a problem with your well pump when you go to take a shower and there’s either very low water pressure or no water at all. On average, most well pumps last for about 8 to 15 years, but that’s with proper maintenance. Just like your home’s HVAC system and fixtures, your well pump will eventually need to be replaced.
In this blog, our professional plumbers in Olympia share some telltale signs that you need a new well pump.
5 Common Indicators of a Faulty Water Well Pump
There are only a few signs that will warn you that you need a new well pump and it will most likely happen when you try to shower and get ready for the day. You might discover that you have very low water pressure or no water at all.
1. You Have No Water
If you have no water at all when you turn on your faucet or flush the toilet, there’s definitely something wrong with your well pump. Before you immediately call for a replacement, check to see if the reason you have no water is because of the following issues:
- Your well pump might not be getting power. Turn off your well pump, check and reset the circuit breaker, and then turn your pump back on.
- Your pressure tank, which stores your well pump may have shut off. Reset and turn it back on.
- You have another plumbing issue. If there has been another plumbing problem in your home, such as a broken pipe, it will result in a flood in your yard.
If you’ve checked for all of these issues and you know they aren’t the cause of your well pump not supplying water, then a repair or replacement is needed. Call our plumbers at (360) 979-1491 to schedule a service -- we serve clients in Olympia, Bonney Lake, Graham, Lacey, Tacoma, Puyallup, South Hill, and beyond.
2. Fluctuating Water Pressure
There’s nothing worse than turning on your faucet to take a shower and your water pressure is nowhere near the pressure it should be. Not only is this a serious inconvenience for your household’s water supply, but it can make taking a shower and doing the dishes very tedious tasks. A decrease in water pressure doesn’t always mean your well pump is failing, but it’s good to check with a professional to make sure. A few reasons your water pressure is due to a hole in your pressure tank or a buildup of bacteria in your pipes.
3. Spitting Faucets
Another sign that your well pump needs to be repaired or replaced is spurts of air or air bubbles coming out of your faucet when you turn it on. If there is a crack in the pipe that connects the well pump to your home, the well pump may be pulling in air instead of water. In other cases, your well could be running dry. Whichever issue is causing the spitting faucets, our plumbing professionals at West Coast Plumbing Pumps & Filtration will inspect your well pump and offer a lasting solution.
4. Boiling Hot Showers
When you’re showering, the water is always warm or hot to your preferred temperature, however, if someone flushes the toilet while you’re showering, you should not scream due to the water becoming scorching. If this is happening, there could be a problem with your well’s pressure tank. A malfunctioning pressure tank will cause more hot water to flow through your fixtures, which creates a sudden burst of scorching hot water.
5. Increase in Electric Bills
All of the above issues will cause a decrease in your water supply efficiency, which can cause your electric bills to skyrocket. Keep a close eye on your electric bills and if they are increasing with no explanation, give us a call at (360) 979-1491 and our skilled Plumbers in Olympia will come out and inspect your well pump.
Choose Plumbers With Over 18 Years of Experience
No matter the issue, West Coast Plumbing Pumps & Filtration is equipped to fully inspect your well pump and determine the best way to move forward. Whether you need a quick repair or a full replacement if your well pump, you can trust our team of trained professionals to get the job done right.
Fill out our online contact form or call West Coast Plumbing Pumps & Filtration at (360) 979-1491 to schedule an appointment today.
We serve those living in Olympia and surrounding areas.