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Getting water from the well on your property to your home requires a functioning well pump. Pressure is an integral component of pump operation, and when there are problems with pressure regulation, water can pulsate or surge out of plumbing fixtures. Understanding the common causes of surging water can help when scheduling repairs.  

3 Causes of Well Pump Surges

1. Problems With the Pump Control Switch

The control switch activates the pump when air pressure drops below a certain set point. For example, if your minimum setpoint is 35 pounds per square inch (PSI), the pump will be activated when the pressure drops to that level. Switches also have a maximum setpoint, which triggers them to turn off.

Pressure sensors can sometimes be clogged with sediment, which occurs when your water source has high mineral content. Electrical contacts on the pressure switch also cause surging if they become corroded. 

2. Pressure Tank Issues

well pumpPressure tanks maintain the proper pressure, so your pump doesn’t turn on every time you use a faucet in your home. Some tanks contain both air and water, while others have one compartment for air and one for water and are kept separate by a rubber bladder.

If you have the first type of tank with a single compartment, airflow is sometimes cut off, causing the tank to fill with water. If you have a bladder tank, pressure problems will arise if the bladder is damaged. 

3. Clogs in Water Supply Pipes

Surges can also be caused by clogged water lines. Dirt and debris can block a pipe and trap water behind the clog, which causes pressure in the tank to decrease. Once the water breaks through, the pressure in the tank will increase suddenly. This results in a pump that is constantly being triggered on and off, which can create surges of water.

 

Surging water pressure in the home shouldn’t be ignored. If you have questions about a well pump in Nixa, MO, Hewitt-Messenger Well Drilling & Pump Service is happy to provide clear and concise answers. With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau®, you can rest assured that these licensed and insured well contractors will identify your pump issues and repair them efficiently. Along with pump service, they also provide well drilling, water purification, water treatment, and testing. See their full list of services online, or call (417) 725-8816 to schedule an appointment.

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