Proper well maintenance ensures your home enjoys a steady flow of fresh, clean water. While this is a preventive step, some problems can still occur, so you should recognize when the well is not operating properly. This allows you to take action and prevent a major breakdown that interrupts the water supply. Here are several common issues and how you can identify them.

How Can You Spot Water Well Problems?

1. Foul Taste or Odor

Water wells have components, like the well cap and casing, that prevent debris from getting inside. However, water can still become contaminated due to rain runoff, septic system leaks, and pollutants in the groundwater. If this occurs, you may notice that the water has a different color, odor, or flavor than it normally does. While not all contaminants are harmful to your health, it is difficult to identify what is entering the supply without a test. The best strategy is to avoid drinking the supply until you can get a test and consider treatment options.

2. Sputtering Faucets

If water comes from your faucets in spurts, this often indicates air is getting inside the well system. While this can be caused by holes in water lines or pipes, it can also result from a punctured air bladder within the pressure storage tank. The air bladder maintains a certain pressure when the tank is full. When it decreases, it signals the pump to bring in more water. A leaking bladder allows air to enter the water in the tank, which will flow out of your faucets when they're turned on. 

3. No Water Pressure

A faulty pressure switch can also result in a complete lack of water from your faucets, which prevents you from bathing, drinking, or washing dishes. In this case, worn wires or loose connections may prevent the switch from communicating with the pump. When this happens, the switch may have visible damage. Pressure switches also have springs, which naturally wear down over time. 

When you need professional well maintenance and repairs, contact Ace Drilling in Polson, MT. Owned and operated by brothers Dave and Jay Bick, these contractors have over 30 years of combined experience with well maintenance, drilling, and repair. They are committed to treating every customer like a member of the family. Visit them online to learn more about their services. Call (406) 883-3300 to schedule an appointment.