One of the most important—yet frequently neglected—devices in your home is the water pump for your well. When something goes wrong with it, however, the quality and quantity of your household’s water supply can be severely compromised. Mike Woolsey and Sons Pump Service, a residential and commercial drilling company serving customers in southern Missouri, shares some of the signs that your water pump needs to be replaced.

What Are the Symptoms of a Failing Water Pump?

Well pumps make it pretty obvious when they require repair or replacement. First, you might notice your water pressure decreasing. It’s also common to hear unusual noises such as a groan or a loud growl. Once you start seeing rusty or sediment-filled water coming out of your faucets, you might not have any other recourse but to have the entire well pump replaced. Some of the metal parts in the system are already corroded at this point.

What Causes Water Pumps to Fail?

Poor water quality can make a well pump fail. Hard water contains minerals that can clog up the pump, causing it to burn out prematurely. A pump running in a dry well can also suffer, as if there is no water to cool and lubricate the device, it will eventually overheat and malfunction. In areas that experience heavy rain and thunderstorms, a pumping system could become severely damaged if struck by lightning or storm debris. Finally, age will eventually catch up to it, as a water pump is built to last for around 15 to 20 years.

How Can You Prevent Premature Failure?

You should install a water softener and have your well liner checked regularly to prevent mineral and other sediments from building up. To counter a dry well, consider installing a low water cutoff switch, which detects when the water is low and keeps the well pump from burning out. When installing a new well pump, make sure that it has more than enough power to match your household’s demands.

Hiring a reputable company to install your well pump is likewise critical. For reliable and efficient water pump services, turn to Mike Woolsey and Sons Pump Service. This pumping contractor not only offers installation and repair services, but they also sell high-quality pumps and tanks from manufacturers such as Schaefer, F&W, Amtrol, and Berkeley. Give them a call at (417) 932-4036 for inquiries, or visit their website for more information.