Repairing Guides

how to repair a well pump

by Mr. Johnny Mueller II Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
image

Instructions

  • Check and Repair Your Power Source Lifting water is hard work, and your well pump uses electricity to do that work. ...
  • Repair Your Well Pump Pressure Switch Well pump pressure switch failure is one of the main reasons why well pumps break down. ...
  • Replace the Well Pump Pressure Switch If you decide to replace the well pump pressure switch, make sure to purchase a switch of equal specifications. ...
  • Check the Foot and Check Valves At the bottom of the well, the foot valve and its strainer must allow water to pass through freely, unobstructed by debris. ...

Part of a video titled How to Fix a Dead Well - YouTube
2:30
3:24
Take the whole unit to the home center to get a matching replacement for about $75. The replacementMoreTake the whole unit to the home center to get a matching replacement for about $75. The replacement cover contains a new capacitor.

Full Answer

When should I replace my well pump?

  • Make sure the well pump equipment is easily accessible
  • Salvage and reuse components
  • Keep records. You must know your pump model and horsepower, pipe size and type, wire size, well depth, and well casing type and diameter
  • Provide as much information as you can to your well repair expert

How do you troubleshoot a well water pump?

  • PRESSURE CONTROL SWITCH PROBLEMS with water pressure or well pumps traced to the well pump pressure control switch: short cycling, pump won't start, pump won't stop, wrong cut-in pressure, wrong ...
  • LOW WATER PRESSURE problems, questions, suggestions
  • NO WATER PRESSURE: lost all water pressure, problems, advice

More items...

How to tell if your well pump is bad?

Some of the most common indicators of a faulty well pump and pressure tank include:

  • Fluctuations in water pressure throughout the home
  • Strange noises or rapid clicking sounds coming from the tank
  • Spitting faucets
  • Scalding shower water
  • High electric bills

Why is my well pump not turning on?

The most common causes of hidden causes of intermittent pump cycling:

  • water is running somewhere in the building without notice, such as a running toilet
  • a leaky check valve or foot valve at the water pump or in the well
  • a leak in well piping somewhere between the bottom of the well and the pressure tank in the building

image

What causes a well pump to stop working?

Your well pump may have stopped working due to lack of power. Sometimes resetting a breaker or replacing a fuse affected by a power surge or brownout can fix this. If the well pump circuit breaker has tripped, the well pump itself may be failing.

Can I fix my own well pump?

And there are special tools that contractors have to lift the pump from that kind of depth. Look at it this way: Even if you have someone else pull the well, you can do the repair/replace action on your own once it's out of the ground, and still save money. ;) My well was dug about 25 years ago.

How do you know your well pump is bad?

How To Tell If Your Well Pump is Going Bad Decrease in Water Pressure. ... Air Spitting From the Faucet. ... Pumping Sand or Sediment. ... Water Quality Change. ... Water Pump Cycles On and Off Constantly. ... Loud or Unusual Noises. ... High Electric Bills.

Can a water pump be repaired?

Fixing a water pump refers to the process of replacing an essential part of your vehicle's cooling system. It is one of the least complicated procedures to carry out, as far as auto repairs go, so almost anyone who can operate a wrench can do this on their own.

How much does a pump for a well cost?

The average price of a new well pump falls between $1,330 and $5,300, including installation and depending on the size and type of pump. Submersible pumps range between $400 and $2,000 while jet pumps cost $400 to $1,200. Solar units will run you at least $1,500. Hand pumps start at only $150.

How much does it cost to fix a well pump?

The average cost of replacing a well pump is between $900 and $2,500. The cost varies based on the well size, materials used, and installation required. For example, replacing a shallow well pump will cost less than a deep well submersible pump.

How many years does a well pump last?

around eight to 15 yearsThe average lifespan of a well pump is generally around eight to 15 years. However, where your pump will fall in that pretty wide age range depends on many factors. The single largest factor in your pump's life expectancy is the frequency of your pump's duty cycle.

How do you unclog a well pump?

Fill a bucket with water and add a small amount of detergent and bleach to it. Remove the filter from the water pump and submerge it and the pump in the cleaning solution. Move the filter and pump briskly through the water to loosen debris from each one.

How do you reset a well pump?

Hold the reset lever in the start position until the pressure builds up and the gauge reads over 40 PSI; then let it return to the AUTO position. The pump should now run on its own and continue until the pressure reaches the cut out setting, (usually between 50 - 60 PSI), and then shut off.

Is it worth replacing water pump?

About Water Pump Replacement The water pump is an essential component that keeps the coolant circulating, a critical role in ensuring that the engine maintains the proper operating temperature. Without coolant being circulated, the engine will overheat, leading to premature wear and damage.

How do you know when water pump needs to be replaced?

Five Signs You Need a New Water PumpLeaking Coolant. A coolant leak coming from the front and center is probably coming from the water pump. ... Rust and Corrosion. Age doesn't work in the water pump's favor, either, when it comes to rust and corrosion. ... Whining Noises. ... Overheating Engine. ... Radiator Steam.

Can you fix a leaking water pump?

If you want to avoid expensive mechanic bills but don't have the technical knowledge or experience needed to resolve a leaking water pump in any other way, K-Seal is the option for you – it can fix most leaks in the water pump casing and in the seals.

Why is it important to keep a well pump in good shape?

Not to mention you’ll have a pretty good idea of what kind of chemicals are in your water. That’s why it’s important to keep your pump in great shape so you can be in control of your water supply.

Why is my well pump not delivering water?

Another reason your well pump may not be delivering water is sediment. Rocks or other small materials may be blocking the pump from water getting through. These materials can wear your pump down so it’s important to remove them immediately.

Why does my well pump make a clicking sound?

Noisy Pump. When a well water pump turns on you will hear a clicking sound. That sound is the pressure switch opening and closing. If your pump isn’t delivering water but you hear this clicking sound its time to get professional well pump services. This sound indicates that the problem with the well water pump may be between the pump and your house.

What to do if water is not flowing through pump?

If water is not flowing through your pump the next thing you should do is check the air pressure. Look for the air valve at the top of the water tank and test it with a tire gauge. If the pressure is low the tank may be filled with water or the air bladder is broken.

What happens when a water pump is dry?

This problem can happen during a drought or dry seasons. This means that there isn’t that much water to move through the pump. This problem could be fixed when the dry spell is over. If it isn’t temporary your pump will need to be moved deeper into the ground.

Why is my well not working?

One of the most common causes of a well not working is that it has no access to power. This happens a lot in residential areas. If you can recall a power surge that happened in your area or an increase of power this may have caused the issue.

In This Article

If your home is one of the more than 43 million in the United States that has a water well, you are pretty much guaranteed to have to address well pump problems at some point.

Anatomy of a Deep Well Pump System

The well on most properties isn't the kind in which you throw coins and make a wish; it's a 4-inch-diameter or larger hole bored in the ground to the depth of the water table, which can be hundreds of feet.

Start With the Pressure Switch

The pressure switch is usually located near the pressure tank, although in systems with external jet pumps, it's usually mounted on the jet pump. It senses the pressure inside the pressure tank and switches on the pressure pump when the water pressure falls below the cut-in value (usually 30 psi).

Check the Float Operation

In systems that have both a holding tank and a pressure tank, the holding tank has a float that signals the pump to come on when the water in the tank drops below a preset level. This could be a ballcock float valve much like the one in a toilet tank, or it could be an electrical pressure switch.

Replace the Controller Capacitor

Not every water well pump system has a controller, and if yours does, it's usually housed in a rectangular metal box mounted to a wall near your pressure tank. When you unscrew and remove the cover, you'll find a large, cylindrical capacitor inside whose purpose is to supply the extra jolt the pump motor needs to start working.

Test the Pressure Tank

One of the possible causes of low water pressure is a rupture in the bladder that separates air from water inside the pressure tank. This is known as waterlogging, and it prevents the tank from building pressure. One indication of waterlogging is that the pressure pump runs constantly.

How deep is a well pump?

Deep well pump. Repairing a deep well pump may prove to be a tricky job. This is because such pumps are usually found at a depth of 300 feet below ground level. If the pump fails to transfer water from the well to your house, you must try and repair any problems as soon as possible.

What causes a well pump to bring up mud?

Other problems include the pipe, the foot valve, and the strainer being clogged. If these parts are clogged, the deep well pump may bring up mud or sand instead of water. You may also find that the check valve is broken.

Why is my well not coming out?

If the water still does not come out of the well, inspect the wires and cables that run out of the fuse box down into the well. The cause of the problem may be a damaged wire. When you are sure that the problem is not related to electric power, check the water pump.

Why is my water pump not working?

If the water pump is not working, then the cause of the problem is probably related to the motor. You may also have a faulty starter switch. Replace the starter switch with a new one. Now turn off the power supply and clean the pressure switch using a piece of paper because it could be dirty or obstructed.

Why is my shower pump freezing?

On the other hand, if the place where you live is very arid, then the water may have dried to a point that the pump cannot reach it. Troubleshooting Problems with a Steam Shower Generator.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9