A Quick Guide to Well Pump Troubleshooting

A well pump is essential if you get your water from a well. However, sometimes things can go wrong, leaving you without any water or facing other difficulties. The first thing you may think of if you experience any problems is to buy a new piece of equipment, however this may not be necessary. Problems could be due to any number of issues, and you may just need to hire a well pump repair specialist instead. Here are some troubleshooting tips to keep in mind.

When Things Stop Working

If the equipment simply stops working, there may be any number of problems that you can check before calling out a specialist in well pump repair. First of all, check whether the power is working. If it is not, it could be that the electrical circuit has tripped. Fortunately, this is quite simple to fix and you may even be able to do it yourself. Simply find the service panel and circuit breaker, then turn the circuit breaker off and on again, and that might be enough.

Alternatively, it may be due to a problem with the wiring. Check to see if you can find anything wrong with it, or hire a specialist to do it instead if you don't have confidence.

It could also be a problem with the pressure. Sometimes the pressure switch can shut the workings down if there is too much draw. To check, simply locate the pressure switch, close the valves that lead to the delivery system, and reset the switch. When the pressure comes back, let it fill up with water and then release the valves.

It could also be a problem with the pressure tank, which could occur if the air pressure inside is wrong. If so, it may be that the air bladder is broken. Check the pressure, and if there is a problem that you are unsure how to fix, contact a specialist in well pump repair.

When the Motor Stops Functioning Properly

If the motor turns on and off all the time, you may want to start by checking the valve. Sometimes the valve needs to be replaced to stop this problem. Alternatively, you may find that the motor is running all the time. In this case, pipe leaks may be to blame, but you will probably need a professional plumber to fix this problem.

When the Water Quality Is Bad

What about if the problem is not the function of the tank itself, but the quality of the water? Sometimes the water may start to come out brown or with an unpleasant smell. In this case, it could mean the treatment system is broken. You will certainly need a specialist to help with this, as it is not normally something you'll have the skills to fix on your own.

Find Out What's Wrong

It is certainly a good idea to know how to troubleshoot issues involving your water supply. However, although sometimes you may be able to fix it yourself, in many situations you may need to hire a well pump repair specialist. Make a few basic checks on your own to find out if the problem is something you can fix yourself, then call out a professional if you are at all unsure.

Sarah Saadoun works for HMS Plumbing, a family-owned business in Manassas, Northern Virginia. If you need a well pump repair, Herve and his dedicated employees at HMS are proud to be serving the plumbing needs of Northern Virginia residents and businesses. For reliable Fairfax plumbers HMS Plumbing is your first choice.