If you live or work in an area that runs on well water, it’s no surprise that you’ve seen the giant water tank inside your property. That water tank is essentially the lifeline of your way of life and can be a hassle if it decides to break down for some reason. At Five Star Plumbing, a plumber in Harford county, we often get questions about well pumps and if replacing them is a viable option for their home. Well pumps can be tricky to work with and can be expensive to repair, but luckily we’re here to help. Here are a couple signs that you might need to replace your well pump.

What Is A Well Pump?

Well pumps are designed to move water from the well into your home’s water storage tank (also called a pressure tank). The pump automatically turns on based on the air pressure in the tank and will disperse the water throughout the house. There are three types of well pumps, each operating in a different way but overall still does the same job. Finding the right pump for your home is primarily based on the design of the house and the way water runs from the well. 

Change in Water Pressure

One of the most common signs of a well pump issue is if your water pressure is fluctuating or is relatively low. Now that doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to replace your well pump right away, but it is an option to consider when investigating the cause of the water pressure problem. Water pressure fluctuations can also be an indication of any cracks in either your pipes or the pressure tank. Whatever the cause might be, it’s best to have a professional check it out.

Dirty Water

If you notice any dirt and sand in your water, your water pump might actually be too strong and would probably need to be downgraded to prevent further damages. Dirty water can also be caused by a damaged pump filter that was either installed improperly or wear and tear. If your water appears dirty, do not consume it and contact a professional to diagnose the issue.  

Water Spitting

Water spitting happens when you have air mixed in with water when going through the pump and out to the faucet. This creates a spitting sound and will cause the water to come out in bursts at times because of the air mixture. Water spitting is likely due to your water pump being installed above the water line, which causes the pump to not properly get water through the pipes and create air bubbles as a result of it. Cracked pipes and leaks can also cause water spitting as well as not only is it letting out water, it’s also letting in air through the cracks.

No Running Water

A clear sign of a water pump issue is if there’s no running water in your house. If nothing is coming out when you turn on your faucet or flush your toilet, then your well pump isn’t working properly. There can be a number of reasons as to why you don’t have any running water, so it’s best to reach out to a professional plumber as soon as possible. We recommend that you contact a professional plumber to check it out soon because if left unattended, your water pump will eventually burn out.

Non-stop water pump running

Well pumps are not designed to be constantly running and will burn themselves out if they do. If you notice that your water pump has been running nonstop, it could indicate several things: a leak in the suction line, a faulty control switch, or your pump isn’t able to pull water from the well. This is an issue that needs to be checked out by a professional and should be addressed accordingly. 

Do you need to install a new well pump?

Five-Star Plumbing has been proudly serving the Harford county and Baltimore county area for over 30 years.We offer many different services, including well pump services, water treatment, plumbing repair and installation, outdoor plumbing services, drain cleaning, and water heater services.Our technicians will provide you with a flat rate fee up front so you know exactly what to expect. No hidden fees. We’ll explain what we plan to do and why we plan to do it, so you know exactly what’s going on.

Call us today at 410-836-0118 to schedule an appointment! You can also submit an online form at plumber-baltimore.com 

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