Well pumping is a crucial part of your household water system. The pump draws water up from its source and into the pipes of the home. When a pump breaks down, you will no longer have dependable access to clean water, which is both inconvenient and potentially dangerous. For these reasons, it's important to be aware of the common signs that your pump needs to be replaced.

How to Tell If You Need a New Water Well Pump

1. Water Pressure Changes

A faulty pump will often not be able to effectively draw water from the ground. This decrease in supply will alter the water pressure within your pipes. When you turn on a tap, the water will come out noticeably slower than it usually does, or it may fluctuate significantly in faucets throughout the home. Water pressure changes don't automatically mean a new pump is in order; they can also indicate problems with the pressure tank or a leak in the drop pipe, so be sure to have the issue checked by a well pumping professional before purchasing a new pump.

2. Inconsistent or Dirty Water

A broken well pump will sometimes draw in large amounts of air along with water, and when you turn on a tap, both the water and air will escape at once with a spitting effect. You might also see dirty water coming from your faucets due to the pump pulling up dirt, sand, silt, and other impurities. In either of these situations, the pump is not working properly and has issues drawing healthy amounts of fresh water; a pump professional can determine if a replacement is needed.

3. Lack of Water

If you turn on your faucets and have no running water, a failing well pump may be the cause. In some cases, the fix may be as simple as resetting a circuit breaker; if there's a power surge that trips the well's circuit, the pump will stop working. However, if the breaker continues to trip, there is likely something wrong with the pump’s wiring or motor. It's generating too much power for the circuit to handle safely, and this can be dangerous. Keep the circuit turned off and schedule an inspection by a well pumping technician as soon as possible.

If you notice any of the above signs, contact Anchorage Well & Pump Service, Inc. Since 1983, they have been serving customers throughout the Anchorage, AK, area. They offer a variety of well-pumping services, including pump sales, replacements, repairs, testing, and monitoring, as well as hydrofracking solutions. Call (907) 243-0740 to request a quote, or visit their website for a complete list of services.