When you rely on a private well to supply your home with fresh water, you need to have a basic understanding of the system’s various components and how they work. This will make it easier to recognize when there’s a problem. Becoming familiar with the well pump is especially vital since this is the part responsible for drawing water from the ground and transporting it to the household. If it stops functioning correctly, you will have difficulty getting a sufficient amount of water to come out of the faucets. Here are a few signs a pump may be failing.

How to Know When You Need a New Well Pump 

1. Dirty Water  

If the well pump is in good working order, the water flowing out of the faucets will be crystal clear. However, if it has a brown or yellow tint, the pump may have been infiltrated with dirt, soil, rust, or other pollutants. Contaminated water can be hazardous so the pump will need to be replaced before you can drink, bathe, wash dishes, or do laundry again. 

2. Low Water Pressure 

Uncommonly low water pressure is another clue that the well pump is not operating at peak performance. If you begin to see the flow from the faucets slowing down, it’s possible the pump is having trouble pushing out enough water. This could be because of a faulty pressure switch mechanism, or if you’ve built on a home addition, the current pump may no longer be the right size to satisfy your household’s increased demand.

3. Continuous Running 

Well pumps are not supposed to run all the time. They are designed with a pressure switch meant to regulate their activity. A pump that doesn’t ever turn off will cause your electricity bill to spike, fill the pressure tank at an unreasonable rate, and place unnecessary wear and tear on the piping system. If the pump is running continuously, it could be the result of a flawed switch, internal damages, or inefficiency in drawing water up from the well. 

If you’ve noticed any of these problems with the well pump, contact Oehler Pump & Well Service Inc. right away. With nearly 50 years of experience, they offer expert pump repair and replacement services. As a family-owned company, they have a vested interest in the community and are committed to making sure residents in Charlotte, NC, and the surrounding areas can maintain a consistent supply of quality water. Call (704) 875-2209 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about the services they provide.