Essential Maintenance Tips for Well Pumps
The well pump motor powers the entire system, so ensuring it functions is critical
A well system might mean independence from municipal water supply and access to water in remote areas, but it also involves more maintenance. Proper well pump upkeep keeps it operating at peak efficiency for longer. Keeping the pump clean and running also reduces the risk of pollutant infiltration, maintaining proper water quality.
Please keep reading for essential well pump maintenance tips.
Perform periodic inspections
Periodically inspecting the well pump, even visually, is a simple yet effective way to identify any obvious problems like leaks, cracks, or indentations. If something seems off, take a picture for reference and check in later to see if the problem persists or has grown. A small issue can quickly spiral out of control.
Even if you don’t check the pump often and rely on scheduled services, inspect it after a storm. Debris and water contaminants can damage pump components, leading to significant problems that might warrant costly repairs.
While inspecting the pump, also check the pressure tank and valves. They shouldn’t have any signs of corrosion or damage, and the connections should stick firmly.
If visual inspection points to leaks or damage in the system, contact a pump repair service immediately.
Clean the cooling fans
Cooling fans regulate the motor’s running temperature, preventing overheating. If a pump’s motor overheats, it may break beyond repair and stop the system from working entirely.
Regularly inspecting the cooling fans and cleaning out debris will reduce the odds of a cooling issue and extend the well pump system’s lifespan.
Test the well pump motor
The well pump motor powers the entire system, so ensuring it functions is critical. The first step involves inspecting the wiring for any visible damage or fraying that could lead to electrical problems.
After making sure the wiring is intact, turn on the motor. Check for excessive heat or shaking since these often point to a problem. Furthermore, if the motor makes loud or unusual sounds, this could indicate an issue needing professional assistance.
Keep an eye (and ear) out for trouble
A change in tap pressure often indicates that the pump can’t pull up enough water from the well reservoir. This might require a simple fix such as cleaning, or the pump might need a full replacement.
Alternatively, a pump nearing the end of its life likely needs to work longer to deliver enough water. You can usually hear the problem since the pump turns on and off more often and runs throughout the day.
The problem also manifests in the electricity bill. The pump likely works more often if the electricity bill jumps up without any notable changes to the household.
Keep the pump warm
Well water rarely freezes since wells sit below the freezing line. However, exposed piping, including pump connectors, can freeze in low winter temperatures.
If the pump house lies above ground level, check its insulation for holes or gaps and insulate the piping with foam covers. This should prevent the system from freezing when the pump idles.
Turn off the pump when not in use
If the pump doesn’t need to run for the entire year, perhaps because the house stays empty for a season, shut it down in the off-season. Drain the system to prevent algae growth in stagnant water.
When you return to the property, flush the system to remove the build-up and inspect the pump.
Schedule professional services
An expert well repair technician can detect and fix problems before they have time to damage the well pump. Schedule an inspection at least once yearly, usually after winter or when the pump first gets turned on for the season.
Pump Repair Services provides residential and commercial pump repair services for water well pumps, water feature pumps, transfer pumps, industrial irrigation pumps, and more, as well as custom water filtration services in the Orlando area. (Sorry, no pool pumps or sewer pumps.) We offer 24-hour emergency service. Call us at (407) 625-5499.
