Well pumps

If you’re short of water, there are several possible causes:

Lack of water: The most common problem is to turn on the water tap and there’s no water.

• Using too much water at once (dry wells)
• Toilet handle sticks and works for a long time, (dry well)
• Mechanical failure (broken pump, cut wire in well, faulty starter box)
• Age (the system has passed its useful life and should be completely replaced)
• Power surges (starter box failure, open phase pump motor failure)
• Lightning (overvoltage of electrical components)
• The well does not produce enough water (do a flow test, hydro fracturing is a good solution).
• A circuit breaker is tripped, cutting off power to the pump. (wire cut in shaft due to faulty starter box, faulty circuit breaker, blown fuse).

Decrease in water pressure: A sudden drop in water pressure may indicate that your well pump has broken down, or that there’s a problem with the pressure tank, meaning that parts need to be replaced or upgraded.

Problems with the pressure tank: The pressure tank helps maintain constant water pressure by storing and releasing water as needed. If it clogs or leaks, this can disrupt the operation of the well water pump.

The well pump may need checking.

Common problems with drinking water pumping systems.

• Frequent pump cycles :
  If your well pump switches on and off frequently, this may be a sign of a problem with the pump motor or pressure tank, which either needs to be recalibrated or, if perforated, replaced.
• Constant operation :
  A constantly running well pump may be a symptom of a problem.
• Electrical problems :
  electrical problems are another frequent cause. Check for tripped circuit breaker, blown fuse or faulty wiring.
• Incorrect pump size :
  Your pump may not be the right size for your home’s water consumption. Ask for an expert opinion to validate whether the pump is suitable for the required needs.
• Clogged or perforated pipes :
  Blockages in the pipes can prevent the well water pump from working properly. Pipe perforations can prevent pressure from building up in the reservoir.
• Submersible pump faulty :
  The submersible pump responsible for drawing water from the well may be faulty, stop working altogether or provide inadequate water flow.
• Sediment accumulation :
  Sediment from the water source can build up over time and cause blockages in the system.

What to check if you have low water pressure?

If you’re experiencing water pressure problems, there are a few things you can do to solve the problem before calling in a professional.

1. Check power supply
   Make sure the power supply to the well pump system is working properly. Check the circuit breaker to see if it has tripped. If so, reset it and see if the pump starts working again.
2. If there’s a fuse panel near your pump, replace the fuses. Your fuses may be burnt out due to a power surge.
3. Check pressure switch
   The pressure switch is an essential part of the well pump system, in the form of a small gray box on the pressure tank.
   It controls when the pump switches on and off according to the water pressure in the system, and maintains the correct water pressure. If the pressure switch is not working properly, the pump will not start or shut down when it should.
4. Check the pressure tank
   The pressure tank is another important component of the pumping system. It stores water for immediate use and helps maintain constant pressure. If the pressure tank is not working properly, it can cause a number of problems.
5. Check plumbing pipes
   Clogged plumbing pipes can lead to low or no water pressure. Plumbing pipes can become clogged with minerals or other debris.

What should I do when my well pump stops working?

Various factors can contribute to system malfunction. Start by identifying the type of pump you have:

Submersible pump:

• Check circuit breaker, switch on/off,
• Check if you have a low-level switch(see video for how to reset it).
• For those who are skilled, check the electrical current flowing in and out of the switch (if current is flowing in but not out, the pressure switch should be replaced).
• You can also try replacing the control box (this only involves replacing the cover containing the electrical components). If your system restarts after replacing the box, the tank is probably the cause of the control box failure.
• It’s important to check that the reservoir is in good condition, otherwise you run the risk of premature pump wear. Please refer to the tank calibration video(see tank calibration video).

Jet pump:

• If you notice that your jet pump is running constantly, you should definitely unplug it.
• Several factors can contribute to malfunction. (Check valve broken, air leak, well level too low, lack of water in well, turbine broken due to age or tube to pressure controller clogged).
• If your jet pump starts and stops too often, check the calibration and condition of the pressure reservoir. It will probably be faulty.

Contact us to help you with your well pump.

How do I know if my well pump needs replacing?

There are several signs that your well pump needs to be replaced:

• Changes in water pressure: Low or fluctuating water pressure may indicate a problem with your well pump.
• Frequent pump cycles: If your well pump switches on and off frequently, this may be a sign of trouble.
  No water flow: if there is no water at all, the pump may stop working.
• Air in faucets: If your faucets are spitting out air bubbles, it could be a sign that your well pump has broken down.
• Dirty water: If your water looks dirty, you may have a problem with your check valve.
• Strange noises: If the well pump begins to emit new or unusual sounds, this could be a sign of malfunction.
• Electrical problems: Your pump’s circuit breaker trips, a burning smell in the room where the controls are installed.

Please note that these are general signs and may not apply to your well pump system. It’s best to contact a professional for an accurate diagnosis.

How long does a well pump last?

The service life of a well pump can vary depending on a number of factors, such as pump type, water quality and frequency of use. However, on average, well pumps can last between 8 and 20 years.

Here are some more precise estimates:

• Submersible pumps have the longest service life, from 10 to 15 years.
• Jet pumps last an average of 8 to 10 years.
• A moderately used residential well pump can last from 10 to 16 years, with an average of 12 years.

Please note that these are general estimates and that the specific lifetime of your well pump may vary. Regular maintenance can help extend the life of your well pump.

Cost of replacing a well pump?

The cost of replacing a well pump can vary considerably depending on several factors, such as the type and size of the well pump, the depth of the well and the method of replacement.

Here are some average costs:

• The average cost of a new well pump is generally between $1,000 and $2,750, the national average being around $1,750.
• Installing a new well pump for your home will probably cost between $2250 and $5500, including installation.

Please note that these are average costs and that actual costs may vary according to specific circumstances.

What type of pump do you need?

Submersible well pump: You have a deep artesian well, more than 25 feet deep. The submersible pump never needs priming, and delivers more water volume and better pressure. Submersible pumps 3/4 HP, 1/2 HP, 1 HP, 2 HP, 3HP.

Single-line shallow-well jet pump: A single-line jet pump has a single water line running from the well to the pump, and is capable of sucking or drawing water from a maximum depth of 25 feet below the level of the jet pump itself. These pumps will only generate about 50 psi depending on the low water level at the time.

Two pipe deep well jet pump: A two-line jet pump has two water lines running from the well to the pump, and is capable of drawing water from one well to the other. maximum depth of 25′ to 110′ below the level of the jet pump itself. It draws water from the well, then returns some of the water to the well and to a “jet” located at the bottom of the well, where the water makes a “U” and the “jet” helps to draw water from a deeper depth than the single-line jet pump is capable of doing.

To choose the type of pump required, contact us.

How long does it take to install a well pump?

You must allow approximately a delay of:

• Jet pump: approximately 2 1/2 hours
• Submersible pump: approx. 4-6 hours, possibly more if excavation work is required.

However, some installations are more complex and require a more accurate assessment of the work involved. Ask the technician on site.