If you live out in the county, you know that having a private well is a double-edged sword. You don’t have a monthly water bill, which is great. But when you turn on the faucet and nothing comes out, there is no city utility department to call. The problem—and the repair—is entirely up to you.
Well systems are complex, involving pumps, electricity, and pressurized tanks. At Sunrise Plumbing, we specialize in rural plumbing systems. If your well is acting up, here is a look at the most common culprits.
1. The Dreaded “Short Cycling”
Do you hear your well pump clicking on and off rapidly while you are taking a shower or watering the lawn? We call this “short cycling,” and it is the number one killer of well pumps.
The Cause: This usually happens when the air bladder inside your blue pressure tank bursts or loses its charge. The tank becomes “waterlogged,” meaning there is no cushion of air to push the water out. Consequently, the pump has to run instantly every time you open a tap.
The Fix: If you ignore this, you will burn out your expensive well pump motor. You likely need a new pressure tank immediately.
2. The Pressure Switch
Sometimes, the problem isn’t the pump itself, but the small grey box that tells it when to turn on. The pressure switch is an electrical component that senses water pressure.
Here in Idaho, we often find that earwigs or ants have crawled into the switch housing, getting crushed between the electrical contacts and breaking the connection. Other times, the nipple connecting the switch to the pipe gets clogged with sediment or rust.
3. Low Water Pressure
If the pump runs but the pressure is weak, you might have a hidden problem:
- A Clogged Filter: If you have a whole-home sediment filter, check it first. It might be packed with sand.
- A Leak in the Drop Pipe: The pipe hanging down inside your well casing can develop a hole. The pump pushes water up, but it sprays out the side of the pipe and falls back down the well before reaching your house.
- Falling Water Table: In late summer, the water level in the aquifer may drop below your pump intake.
When to Call for Help
Troubleshooting a well involves high-voltage electricity and heavy plumbing equipment. It is not a DIY project.
Don’t burn out your pump. If you notice fluctuating pressure or strange noises from your tank, call Sunrise Plumbing at +1 208-312-0041. We can diagnose the electrical and plumbing sides of your system to get your water flowing reliably again.