Three Signs You Need A New Well Pump

Your well pump works to power the entirety of your home's plumbing system in the absence of a municipal water supply. However, this large job and the constant rate of water usage means that well pumps can degrade over time as they are worn down. Understanding what a few of the earliest symptoms associated with a well pump that is no longer working properly are can help you figure out when to replace your pump without experiencing any serious disruptions to your home's plumbing system.

Low Water Pressure

One of the most common signs of a well pump that is no longer working at peak performance levels is the water pressure dropping for the entirety of your property. Keep in mind that a bad pump will affect all of your water fixtures and appliances: individual rooms or fixtures that have reduced water pressure either have a blockage in the pipes or are suffering from a leak—while both are valid plumbing problems, they aren't related to your pump. In some rare cases, whole-property low water pressure can be caused by damage to the plumbing around the well pump which is causing a leak, but the process of replacing the pump in the first place will uncover such a problem.

Increased Electricity Bills

Another easy to spot signs associated with a well pump that has reached the end of its lifespan is when you notice a marked increase in your electricity bills. This is usually caused by a motor that is unable to pump the same amount of water through your home's plumbing system due to wear. Therefore, it has to operate constantly to meet the normal demand of your home, increasing your utility bills. Replacing your pump can actually end up being cheaper in the long run.

Dirty Water

Finally, the last sign that you should watch for that is a sure sign that your well pump needs to be replaced is dirt or other materials coming out of your water fixtures. The presence of orange rust can be attributed to the age of your pump and associated pipes, but the presence of dirt and other contaminants in your water points to physical damage to your pump and the surrounding plumbing. In either case, a replacement is the best course of action to restore the normal operation of your home's plumbing system.

Contact a plumber in your area for more information.