Category Archives: Blog

A Guide to Removing a Utah Submersible Well Pump

While most clients are naturally concerned with a well pump should be properly installed, there are also some situations where removing a submersible pump will be needed. Whether for repairs or possibly to install a different or upgraded pump type, there are several such settings where this may be required. 

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service, we’re here to help with all your Utah water well pump needs, including any situation where removal might be necessary. What are some of the reasons why this might be the case for your well, and which steps should be followed – either on your own or by our professionals – when carrying this process out? Here are some basics.

removing submersible well pump

Reasons for Submersible Well Pump Removal

Firstly, what are some of the reasons why this might be necessary? Perhaps you are looking to replace your pump entirely due to age, or because of a malfunction that can’t be fixed anymore. Maybe you’re considering an upgrade to a different type of well pump, such as one with more power or efficiency.

In any case, the need for removal usually arises either when repairs or upgrades are needed, or when the pump has become too old to function properly anymore.

Can You Do This Yourself?

In some cases, such as if your well is under 150 feet in depth and uses PVC pipe, it may be acceptable for those without training to perform removal on their own. However, there are a few key risks you should be aware of if you’re going this route:

  • Weight: Even smaller submersible pumps can be very heavy, weighing 150 pounds or even more. This makes them difficult to lift out of the well with manual tools, and you should not attempt it without assistance from others if possible.
  • Depth: Even when weight is not an issue, deeper wells may be beyond what can be reached by normal ladders or other tools. A professional water well service team will have the right equipment for deeper pulls.
  • Safety: The job of removing a submersible pump can be dangerous. Besides the risk of falls, there are also a few other potential issues to consider: electric shock, water damage, and more. Professional technicians can take these precautions into account when lifting out the pump.

In most cases, however, it’s strongly recommended that you call a professional, experienced water well service team like Mike Zimmerman Well Service in order to ensure that the job is done safely and with minimal risk. Our technicians have the right equipment and experience to perform this kind of work quickly and efficiently, while also being mindful of safety protocols.

Our next few sections will go over the simple steps typically followed to carry this job out.

Power Shut-Off

First and foremost, before any work can be done, the power to the well pump must be turned off. This is a critical safety step that should never be ignored. The power shut-off switch or fuse should be located at the main panel and clearly labeled for easy identification.

If you are performing this process on your own and notice that there are no labels on the main panel, you should call a professional water well service team to help. It’s always better to be safe than sorry in these cases.

Well Cap Removal, T-Handle Insertion

Once the power has been shut off, the next thing to do is to remove the well cap. For most wells, this involves simply unscrewing it until it can be lifted away. In some other cases, bolts may need to be loosened or a wrench may be required.

Once the cap has been removed, you will typically insert a T-handle into the pipe attached to the well casing. This is necessary for later pulling the pump out from below – without it, the pipe may come off and cause a lot of extra work.

Pulling the Pump Out

Once the T-handle or other tool is in place, the next step is to pull the submersible pump out. This should be done slowly and steadily, with even pressure applied all around. If possible, it’s best to have another person help you out during this process – as mentioned earlier, bigger pumps may be too heavy for one person alone.

Once the pump is out, the last step is to disconnect any wiring and take off any fittings or pipes. After that, you can consider your job finished!

As always, safety should be your top priority while performing this task – no matter if it’s done by yourself or a professional service team like Mike Zimmerman Well Service. Even with proper precautions, there is always a risk of falls or other accidents when removing a pump from the well. As such, we recommend you take all necessary steps to ensure your safety before beginning. If in doubt, call us and let our experienced technicians handle it!

For more on water well services and associated tasks, please do not hesitate to contact us. Mike Zimmerman Well Service is here to help with whatever work you need done on your Utah well or well pump, and we’re standing by to take your call.

How to Remove Sulfur Smell From Well Water

There are a few common indicators that often signal an issue in your water well, and one of the most common areas here is that of odors. The “rotten egg” smell is one that some are familiar with, and the most likely culprit if this is the case in your well is an issue related to the presence of sulfur gas. 

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service, LLC, we provide not only water well drilling, but also well pump services, well rehabilitations and many other forms of service if your well is experiencing issues. Why is sulfur sometimes an issue in wells, what are the risks it poses if it’s present, and what should be done to get rid of it – either on your own or with the help of our professionals? Here’s everything you need to know.

remove sulfur well water

Why Sulfur Is Sometimes a Well Issue

Sulfur gas is one that’s naturally occurring in many forms of bacteria, and there are some cases where this bacteria seeps into well water through the ground, meaning the water you are using is contaminated. This can happen if your well casing is not sealed properly or if the well was otherwise damaged during installation.

Sulfur gas can also collect in stagnant water and bacteria can feed on it and cause an increase in sulfur gas levels. This most commonly happens when a pump stops working, so if your well pump stops working, it’s important to get it back online as soon as possible.

Finally, it may also sometimes come from your plumbing system or pipes that are contaminated by sulfur. This may come from inside your own system, or in other cases it could be due to improper runoff from your local water sources.

Risks of Sulfur in the Water

The presence of sulfur gas in water can lead to a number of issues if not addressed – most notably, a rotten egg odor in your water, but also taste and health concerns. The smell is usually the most noticeable symptom, but it can also cause discoloration of fixtures and laundry. Health risks are higher if ingested in high quantities – leading to an upset stomach, nausea, headaches, and other potential issues.

What Should You Do?

If you experience a strong rotten egg smell in your well water, the first thing you should do is check to confirm that sulfur is indeed the issue. We recommend checking both your hot and cold water sources here, using a hose bib or tap as close to the well as you can get. If the smell is present in both, then sulfur gas could be the issue – if not, it’s more likely that your plumbing system is contaminated, so you’ll need to address that separately.

If testing confirms sulfur gas is the issue, there are a couple things that need to be done:

  • Testing: Firstly, you need to test the water – both as a secondary confirmation of the presence of sulfur gas, and to figure out the source. This test will include pH analysis, iron, manganese, hardnesss, and total coliform.
  • Removal: We’ll go over your options for removal of sulfur gas in our next section.

Sulfur Removal Options

There are several robust options for removing sulfur gas from your water well, and which is chosen will depend on a few factors – the source of the sulfur gas, the level of contamination, and what you’re comfortable with in terms of maintenance.

  • Use a carbon filter: In cases where sulfur odor is found without any iron or manganese issues also present, the best course of action is usually the use of an activated carbon filter. This is a great solution for removing sulfur gas from the water, and it’s relatively affordable and simple to maintain.
  • Chlorine shock: In cases where odors are especially pungent, chlorine shock may be a better option. This is a more aggressive form of treatment, and it should only be done with extreme caution – under the guidance of a professional or licensed contractor who has experience in sulfur gas removal.
  • Chlorinator: Another form of chlorine usage that’s sometimes used is the chlorinator system. This works by introducing chlorine continuously into the water system, with a control valve regulating how much chlorine is used. This can be effective against sulfur gas but it needs to be monitored closely and adjusted as needed in order to be successful.
  • Hydrogen peroxide: In other cases, instead of a chlorinator, hydrogen peroxide can be used in order to treat the water. This is not as common and it needs to be done with proper knowledge of well water treatment.
  • Compressor aeration tank: Typically installed along with a backwash carbon or iron filter, a compressor aeration tank is a great way to reduce sulfur gas and other contaminants in your well water. This works by introducing air into the system, which oxidizes the sulfuric acid and reduces odors.
  • Ozone gas injection: While this option is quite expensive, it’s especially effective against sulfur gas and other contaminants. Ozone gas is injected into the water, oxidizing the sulfuric acid and reducing unpleasant odors.

The presence of sulfur gas in your well water can be a serious issue, leading to not only an unpleasant odor but also health risks if ingested in high concentrations. It’s important to identify the source of the sulfur gas and to use one of these options for removal. With the right treatment, you can ensure your water is safe and free from odor and other contaminants.

For more here, or to learn about any of our water well installation or service solutions, speak to our team at Mike Zimmerman Well Service, LLC today.

How to Increase Water Pressure From a Well

There are a few considerations that will always be top of mind when dealing with a water well on your property, and one of these is water pressure. In particular, there are several things you can do to help increase your pressure if you’ve noticed that it’s lower than you’d prefer – some that speak to specific issues taking place within the well, but others that are just general in nature. 

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we’re happy to assist with every element of water well service, including comprehensive solutions for water well pumps that play a major role in regulating pressure and similar features. What are some common ways of going about increasing water pressure from your well, either on your own or with the help of our team wherever necessary? Here are some top suggestions.

increase water pressure well

Upgrade to a Higher-Capacity Pump

One of the simplest and most effective ways of increasing water pressure is to upgrade to a higher-capacity pump. Depending on the specifics of your current well and water system, making the switch could have an immediate effect in terms of water pressure – especially if you’ve noticed a gradual decrease over time due to regular wear and tear.

When changing out your pump, there are several different sizes and models to consider based on the pressure you’re hoping to achieve, but our team can provide assistance in terms of making sure you get the right one for your needs.

Check and Clean the Tank Screens

If it turns out that your problem isn’t a lack of capacity on the pump side, then another potential issue is with the screens located on the water tank. Over time, these screens can become clogged with sediment and small stones, which means they don’t do as effective a job of letting air into the tank – another major factor in pressure regulation.

Taking the time to clean out and inspect your tank screens can make all the difference when it comes to managing pressure, and this is another area where our team can provide assistance if needed.

Adjust Pressure Tank Settings

In other cases, your fix will be relatively simple here: Your pressure tanks have not been turned up to their maximum or ideal settings, which is an easy enough thing to do. It’s also important that the tanks themselves have plenty of air in them, as this will help with keeping the pressure up – otherwise, you might end up with more water than air in there, and this can lead to lower pressure all around. In some cases, you may need to adjust both the tank settings and size, and this is yet another area where our team can provide valuable support.

The key metric here, one some of our clients are already aware of, is psi, or Pounds per Square Inch, which is a related measurement for water pressure. If you’re noticing that your psi is lower than it should be, then taking steps to increase the setting will likely lead to better performance from both your pump and pressure tanks.

Utilize a Constant Pressure System

If your issue is less to do with constant low pressure, and speaks more to water pressure that fluctuates more than you’d prefer during regular use, then a constant pressure system may be just the fix you’re looking for. These systems are designed to keep your water pressure at an even, consistent level no matter how much you’re using or when, and they can help with ensuring that all of your fixtures perform as expected without any issues whatsoever.

In fact, many well installers recommend a constant pressure system for every new well installation. This is because such a system makes it easier to keep your pressure at an ideal level, especially if you have multiple fixtures that need to be serviced. Our team can provide assistance with this as well, and we look forward to helping you out however possible.

Water Pressure Booster Pump Installation

Another possible solution, one that’s a bit more in-depth and involved than some of the others suggested here, is to install a water pressure booster pump. These pumps are designed to increase the available flow rate from your current well setup, leading to better performance overall – and as an added bonus, there will also be less wear and tear on your existing pump.

The installation process will be a bit different here, and you should always check with your local regulations to make sure that such an installation is allowed. However, once it’s done, the results can be dramatic – better flow rate and pressure in addition to improved water quality overall.

Check on Interior Components

Finally, there are some cases where low water well pressure has little or nothing to do with the well itself, and rather speaks to the components located inside your home. In this case, you’ll want to check on your pipes and valves, as well as any other fixtures throughout the house – things like shower heads or faucets might be blocked up or corroded, leading to lower pressure at each spot.

If all else fails, a professional inspection and repair job may be in order, and our team is more than happy to provide assistance here.

For more on how to increase the water pressure coming from your well, or to learn about any of our water well installation or rehabilitation services, speak to our team at Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC today.

All You Should Know About Utah Water Well Caps

There are several important components that play a role in the operations of your water well system, and several of these are partially or fully responsible for helping prevent contaminants from ever making their way into your water supply. Among these components, the water well cap is one of the smallest, but also one of the most important. 

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we’re proud to assist Utah clients with all their water well needs, from water well drilling and installation to well service, rehabilitation and more. What are water well caps, what role do they play, and what are some situations where you might need to look into repairing or replacing yours? Here’s everything you should know about these tiny but vital components of a well.

know water well caps

What is a Water Well Cap?

To understand what a water well cap is and what it does, you first have to be aware of how typical water well casing systems work. A standard water well comes with a casing, which is a long, slender pipe that is placed below the surface of the earth to allow water to flow freely into the well. A water well cap is then placed on top of this casing and acts as a barrier between contaminants found in surface soil and the water inside the well.

You see, most water well casings will have small gaps between themselves and the ground surface. Without the water well cap, these gaps could cause dirt and other contaminants to seep into your water supply. The water well cap is designed to seal these openings and keep the inside of your well clean and safe.

Types of Water Well Caps

There are a few different types of water well cap out there, and which is used will depend on a few factors – including the size of the well and the location. Here are some of the most common such cap types that you’ll typically find on a well today:

  • Basic well cap: Basic well caps are those that do not have any kind of power cables or piping connected to them. They have a single hinged lid that is bolted down and kept closed with a chain or padlock. They’re usually used in places where the pump’s power supply is found in a basement or pump house – in these cases, for safety, jet pumps are usually installed on a pitless adapter instead of cables actually running from the cap. These are the least expensive form of well cap, though they may not have as many useful benefits as other types.
  • Conduit well caps: Typically used with submersible well pumps, conduit well caps are those that have power cables leaving the well via the top of the casing. They’re built with a “conduit zone” that allows these cables to enter a power tube just outside the well pit without any risk of moisture-related issues.
  • Watertight well caps: Watertight well caps also allow an electrical tube outside the well pit, but in this case the conduit and casing are sealed fully for a waterproof tightness. There’s a vent screen added near the conduit, allowing for the well to maintain ventilation and keep pests away.

Risks of Well Cap Damage

While we’ll go over a couple specific ways well cap damage may impact your well in our next section, we also wanted to discuss the general risks of damages.

First and foremost, a damaged well cap means you have a hole in your well casing – which could lead to contamination of your water supply if left unchecked. This is why it’s so important to regularly inspect your water well cap for signs of damage or wear and tear, as this can help make sure that such risks are avoided.

Additionally, a damaged well cap may also allow water or other liquids to enter the well casing, which could result in pumps and other components being damaged by moisture. In some cases, these problems can be very costly – but if caught early on, they can usually be fixed with minimal expense.

Finally, there’s always the risk of animals entering the well casing through a damaged cap – which can lead to a number of issues, including clogged pumps and pipes. Again, this is why it’s important to be on the lookout for any signs of damage or wear and tear in your cap.

Possible Signs Your Well Cap Needs Repair or Replacement

There are a couple common situations where well caps will need either a repair or a simple replacement:

  • Cap is broken: If your cap has undergone some sort of physical damage, such as being cracked or broken, then you’ll need to either repair it or replace it with a new one.
  • Cap is leaking: If the cap is starting to leak or has signs of water seeping in through it, then it’s likely time for a replacement. This will help ensure that your well system remains in good shape.
  • The well cover is damaged: In other cases, the cover (or lid) may be damaged, which could mean that the seal is no longer tight. A new well cap will help prevent any possible contaminants from entering your water supply.

It’s important to always remember that a functioning, intact water well cap is integral for ensuring a safe and reliable water supply – so make sure you’re regularly checking yours to ensure it’s operating properly.

For more on well caps, or to learn about any of our water well services for Utah clients, speak to our team at Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC today.

Well Pump Leak Signs, Causes and Remedies

Leaks are never desirable within any kind of water system, and water wells and their pumps are no exception. One of the first and most important parts of handling such an issue is being able to identify where it’s coming from, and one of the more common such locations for water well leaks is the well pump. 

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we’re happy to offer a wide range of water well services, including comprehensive well pump service and repair for any of our Utah clients. What are some of the common causes of leaks in your well pump, what are some signs this might be happening in your system, and what can be done about it? Here’s a rundown.

well pump leak causes remedies

Common Causes of Water Pump Leaks

There are a few issues that can cause leaks in your water well’s pump, including:

  • Corrosion: In some cases, the materials of your pump might react with its surroundings over time, resulting in cracks and other openings that lead to leaks. This can be a problem no matter what type of material your well’s pump is made out of, though there are treatments that can help keep it from corroding further.
  • Improper installation: In other situations, these leaks might be caused by a problem during the installation process, such as incorrect sealing or not connecting pipes correctly. This can be a result of poor workmanship on the part of your pump company, so it’s important to check with them if you notice any issues or signs that your system is leaking.
  • Major impact on pump: Whether due to something like a lighting strike, a vehicle accident, or some other major event that causes your well’s pump to be jarred loose or otherwise affected, leaks can occur as a result of this type of impact.
  • Casing pressure: Your well’s pump is protected by a casing, which can become damaged over time and lead to leaks. However, this type of leak is not always necessarily a problem as it’s often just due to the natural pressure on your system; check with your pump company if you’re unsure what to do next.

Signs From Your Water Pump System That It Might Be Leaking

If leaks are taking place in your well pump, some of the signs might be pretty obvious — but in other cases, they could be a bit tougher to pick up. Here are some in both these categories that might help you spot concerns:

  • Puddles around the pump: One of the more visibly apparent signs that leaks might be occurring in your pump is a water puddle under or around it. If you’re not sure if there are actually leaks, check with your local water well company to see what they recommend doing next.
  • Unusual sounds: In other cases, these leaks can cause some unusual noises within your system, such as gurgling, squealing, or other noises that might be unique to your system. If you notice any such sounds, it’s worth checking with your pump company as soon as possible to reduce the risk of larger problems down the road.
  • Pooling around storage tank: In other situations, leaks can lead to issues with your well pump’s storage tank. If you notice pooling water around this part of your system, it’s important to address this as soon as possible.
  • Sediment in the water: If you notice some extra sediment in your water that is not normally there, this could be a result of leaking within your pump. This can be a sign that it’s time to have your system checked out more thoroughly by a professional, as the leak itself might not necessarily be the end result of larger problems.
  • Sputtering faucets: If you notice that your faucets are sputtering quite a bit, this could be another sign that leaks within your system might be taking place. 
  • Reduced water flow: In other situations, leaks that are taking place in your well pump’s system can lead to a reduced amount of water being pumped into or around your home. If this is happening to you, it could be worth checking with your local professional about the issue and making sure everything is working as intended.
  • Higher water bills: Finally, if you’re noticing that your water bills are higher than they usually are, this might be a sign of leaking in your well pump. If you’re seeing issues like this, it’s important to get them checked out as soon as possible rather than letting them continue for extended periods of time.

Remedying Well Pump Leaks

If you’ve begun to notice signs or symptoms of leaks in your well pump, it’s important to address them as soon as possible. There are a few different potential fixes for this issue, including both repairing it and upgrading your well pump.

An important recommendation here: Unless you have specific training in well pumps and their repair, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional about the best solution for dealing with any such leaks. This is because these repairs can be very complex depending on how severe they are, as well as specific circumstances surrounding your system.

This is where our team at Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC comes in. We can work with you to determine the best solution for fixing these leaks, and we can also help you make sure that your well pump is in good working order as a whole. So if you’re worried about any potential leaks or anything else related to your system, don’t hesitate to give us a call today.

Handling Rare Instances of Lead in Your Well Water Supply

No one wants to deal with known contaminants in their drinking and other home water supply, and one of the single most well-known such contaminants that’s undesirable is lead. Lead is known for some of its negative health effects, and exposure to it in any setting isn’t ideal — and while this sort of thing is not common at all with a water well system, it’s still worth knowing about for the rare instances where it becomes notable. 

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we’re here to provide full-service water well services throughout Utah, including numerous different areas. From our water well drilling and installation to comprehensive professional water well inspections and more, we’ll ensure that you get a great system that’s kept up-to-date at all times. While we again want to note that lead in well water is a very rare occurrence (and one that, as you’ll see, usually isn’t related directly to the well itself), it’s worth taking the time to be aware of. Here are some reasons why lead is a risk in any drinking water supply, plus how it may make its way into your supply and how to deal with it in these unusual situations.

handling lead well water supply

Why Lead is Dangerous in Drinking Water

First and foremost, it’s important to understand why lead is such a risk in drinking water. Lead is a heavy metal, and it’s one that can cause serious neurological damage — including learning disabilities, developmental problems, and more — in both children and adults. It doesn’t take much exposure to lead to start seeing these effects, which is one of the reasons why it’s so important to be aware of.

In addition, because lead is a heavy metal, it can also cause other health problems on top of neurological ones. These include kidney damage, anemia, high blood pressure, and more. In short, there’s no level of lead that’s considered “safe” in drinking water — which is why you always want to take steps to avoid exposure if at all possible.

Lead is Rare in Natural Water Supplies

Luckily for those who utilize water well systems that draw from natural water supplies, lead is not a common contaminant in these sources. In fact, it’s not found in very many water supplies at all — and when it is, it’s almost always due to contamination from another source (more on that in a moment).

This is good news for those with water well systems, as it means that the likelihood of lead being in your water is very low to begin with. Still, it’s worth taking the time to understand how lead can enter water supplies, as well as what you can do to further protect yourself and your family against exposure.

How Lead Gets Into Drinking Water

There are two primary ways that lead can end up in drinking water: through corrosion of lead pipes or other materials, or through contamination from another source.

  • Pipe Corrosion: One of the most common ways that lead gets into drinking water is through corrosion of lead pipes or other materials. Over time, the acidic water can eat away at these materials, causing them to break down and release lead into the water supply. This is why it’s so important to have your pipes regularly inspected and replaced as needed — and if you do find lead in your water, replacing these pipes is usually the best way to fix the problem.
  • Contamination: The other primary way that lead gets into drinking water is through contamination from another source. This can happen when lead-contaminated water from another source (such as an industrial facility) seeps into the ground and contaminates a groundwater supply. In these cases, it’s often impossible to remove all of the lead from the water, so treatment is the best option.

Occasionally Due to Improper Well Installation

In a small number of cases, the sort of contamination we went over above can be caused partially or even fully by improper well installation. This is one of the many reasons why it’s so important to make sure that your water well system is installed correctly in the first place — and why you should always use a professional, experienced company like ours for the job. If you’re not sure whether or not your well was installed properly, we can help with that too.

For instance, if your well was not properly cased or sealed, contaminants can more easily enter the water supply. This is why it’s so important to make sure that the job is done right the first time — because correcting these sorts of problems can be difficult and expensive.

How to Deal With Lead in Drinking Water

If you do find lead in your drinking water, there are a few things you can do to mitigate the risk of exposure. First, you can have your water treated by a professional company like ours. This will remove the lead from the water, making it safe to drink.

You can also take steps to reduce the amount of lead that’s released into the water in the first place, usually by taking a look at your pipes and making sure they’re in good condition. Replacing any lead pipes or other materials is the best way to do this, but if that’s not possible, you can also have them regularly inspected and replaced as needed.

You can also install a water filter that’s designed to remove lead from drinking water. These filters are relatively inexpensive and easy to find, and they can be a great way to protect yourself and your family from exposure to this contaminant.

Finally, you can make sure that you’re not using any lead-based products in your home, such as paints or solder. These products can release lead into the air, which can then end up in your drinking water.

For more on how to handle rare instances of lead in your drinking water, or to learn about any of our water well drilling or maintenance services, speak to the team at Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC today.

Why is My Utah Water Well’s Pump Running Constantly?

The pump is one of the single most important components on any water well, and if anything goes wrong with it, it’s possible this may disrupt or even halt the well’s ability to send quality water into your home. One such potential issue: When the well pump, instead of turning on and off periodically as it should, instead runs constantly and will not turn off. 

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we’re happy to provide water well pump service and repair to clients throughout Utah, including situations like this where the pump simply won’t turn off. Why is this a problem for any water well system, and what are some of the possible reasons that might be behind this happening, so you can avoid them in the future? Here’s everything you need to know.

water well pump running constantly

Why a Constantly-Running Well Pump is Problematic

First and foremost, let’s discuss why a constantly-running well pump is problematic in the first place. If you’re not an experienced hand with water wells, you might not realize that your well’s pump shouldn’t be running all the time.

Water pumps are designed to cycle on and off as needed, only turning on when there’s a demand for water (i.e., when someone in your home turns on a faucet, flush a toilet, or runs the washing machine or dishwasher). If the pump is instead running constantly, this means it’s working much harder than it needs to be – and that, in turn, means it’s going to wear out faster.

A water well pump that’s running constantly is also going to increase your monthly energy bills quite a bit, as it’s using up more electricity than it should be. In some cases, the problem might even cause physical damage to the pump itself.

So, those are some of the reasons why you want to avoid having a water well pump that’s constantly running. But what can cause this issue in the first place? Our next several sections will look into this.

Pump is Old/Worn Down

Perhaps the simplest and most common answer to the question of why your water well pump might be running constantly is that it’s simply old and/or worn down.

Like any other appliance or mechanical device in your home, a water well pump has a limited lifespan. Over time, all the moving parts inside the pump are going to wear out, and at a certain point, it’s just not going to work as efficiently as it used to.

In some cases, you might be able to get a few more years out of an old water well pump by having it regularly serviced and repaired. However, eventually, it’s going to reach the point where it needs to be replaced entirely.

If your water well pump is more than 10-15 years old, it might be time to start thinking about replacing it. Of course, if it’s showing other signs of wear and tear (like making strange noises or not pumping as much water as it used to), you might need to replace it even sooner.

Damage to Submersible Pump Section

The submersible pump section is the part of your water well pump that actually sits down in the well itself. This section can be damaged in a number of ways, but one common cause is simply exposure to corrosion or rust.

If the submersible pump section of your water well pump is corroded or rusted, it’s going to cause all sorts of problems with the pump’s performance. In some cases, it might cause the pump to run constantly, as it’s not able to turn on and off as efficiently as it should.

If you think this might be the problem with your water well pump, the best course of action is to have a professional take a look at it. They’ll be able to tell for sure whether or not the submersible pump section is damaged and, if so, what needs to be done to repair it.

Problems With Pressure Control Valves

Another key set of components in your water well system are the pressure control valves. These valves are responsible for regulating the amount of water that’s allowed to flow into your home.

If there’s a problem with one or more of these valves, it can cause all sorts of issues with your water well pump – including making it run constantly. In some cases, the problem might be as simple as a valve that’s not opening or closing properly.

In other cases, the problem might be a bit more complicated, such as a valve that’s been damaged by corrosion or rust. And like other issues here, these are best assessed by professionals if you believe they’re taking place.

Low Water Levels

Whether caused by our current drought or other factors, low water levels in your well can cause your water well pump to run constantly.

When the water level in your well drops below a certain point, it can cause the pump to “cycle,” which means it turns on and off more frequently than it should. In some cases, this might happen so often that it seems like the pump is running constantly.

If you think this might be the problem with your water well pump, there are a few things you can do to try and fix it. First, you can have a professional come out and check the well to see how much water is actually in it. If the water level is low, they might be able to increase it with a process called “recharging.”

Another option is to have a professional install a device called a “submersible well pump protector.” This device helps to prevent the pump from cycling too frequently, which can save it from wearing out prematurely.

As you can see, there are a number of reasons why your water well pump might be constantly running — but also some good solutions available. For more here, or to learn about any of our water well installation or services throughout Utah, speak to the team at Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC today.

How to Check Your Well’s Static Water Level

There are a few forms of general upkeep that will be important for your water well once it’s been installed on your property, and one of these involves checking what’s known as the static water level present in the well. There are a few reasons why such a check will often be needed, including situations where you’re purchasing a new pump for the well and several others. 

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we’re happy to help with any and all such needs. We’re your comprehensive water well specialists in Utah, serving clients in areas ranging from water well drilling and installation through water well inspections and more. What is the static water level, why does it sometimes need to be checked, and what are some ways of doing this on your own (if you’re comfortable doing so)? Here’s a rundown.

check well’s static water level

What is Static Water Level in a Well?

When we talk about static water level in a water well, we’re referring to the distance from the ground level in that area to the water’s surface underground — during normal conditions. Essentially, this is the depth of water that your well will typically contain at any given time.

It’s important to remember that the static water level can change depending on a few different factors. These include things like how often the well is used (and for what purposes), evaporation and transpiration rates, changes in barometric pressure, and more. However, in general, the static water level will be relatively stable most of the time.

Why Check Static Water Levels?

As we mentioned, there are a few reasons why you might need to check on your well’s static water level from time to time. One common reason has to do with installing a new pump. If you’re having a new pump installed, the company doing so will likely need to know the static water level in order to properly size the pump for your well.

Another common reason has to do with maintaining adequate water pressure. If you notice that your water pressure seems lower than usual, it could be because the static water level has dropped below the intake point for your pump. In this case, you’ll need to have the water level raised again in order to bring the pressure back up.

Of course, there are other potential reasons for wanting to check on your well’s static water level as well. If you have any concerns or questions, it’s always best to consult with a professional like Mike Zimmerman Well Service.

Our next couple sections will go over some DIY methods for checking static water level in your well — but also look at situations where simply calling on our pros for this job is the way to go.

Electric Depth Gauge

The more modern DIY method for measuring static water level in a well is the use of an electric depth gauge, also called an electric sounder in some circles. This device has two separate metal probes that will be placed in the water, sending an electrical current through the water between them.

The amount of current that’s able to flow will be inversely proportional to the depth of the water. In other words, the deeper the water, the less current will flow — and vice versa. By measuring the amount of current flowing between the two probes, you can get a good idea of how deep the water is.

This method is generally considered to be quite accurate, as long as it’s done correctly. However, it does require that you have some experience with electrical work — so unless you’re confident in your ability to do this safely, we recommend calling on a professional instead.

Measuring with a Weighted String and Tape Measure

Another method that can be used to get an estimate of static water level in a well is to lower a weighted string down into the well until it hits the water. Once you feel resistance (indicating that the string has hit the water), mark that point on the string with a piece of tape.

After that, simply pull the string back up and measure the distance from the ground to the tape mark. This will give you a rough estimate of the static water level in your well.

One potential issue with this method is that it can be difficult to tell when the string has actually hit the water, especially if the water level is relatively low. In addition, it can be hard to get an accurate measurement if you’re working alone.

Rock and Stopwatch

For a more low-tech method of measuring static water level, you can try the “rock and stopwatch” method. To do this, simply tie a rock to a length of string and lower it into the well until it hits the water. Once it does, start a stopwatch and begin pulling the rock back up.

When the rock reaches the surface, stop the timer. The amount of time that it took for the rock to come back up will give you a good estimate of how deep the water is in the well.

The main issue with this method is that it can be difficult to get an accurate measurement, especially if you don’t have a lot of experience with using a stopwatch. In addition, this method only works if the water level in your well is relatively deep.

Call on the Pros

In some cases, the best course of action is simply to call on a professional like Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC to take care of checking static water level for you. We have the experience and expertise necessary to get the job done quickly and accurately, so you can rest assured that your well is in good hands.

In addition, we also offer a variety of other well services that can keep your well running smoothly for years to come. To learn more about what we can do for you, simply give us a call or send us an email today!

Health and Related Benefits of a Residential Water Well

In generations past, only certain people could realistically utilize a water well for regular water needs — typically those in remote or rural areas, for the most part. Available technology has changed this somewhat in recent years, however, opening up water wells to many more people — and also allowing a greater number of folks to learn about the benefits of owning such a system for your home. 

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we’re happy to offer Utah’s best water well drilling, installation and maintenance services. We’ve blown the minds of many a prospective client simply by running through all the major benefits that come with a water well, plus how easy they are to attain given the low cost involved. Whether we’re talking about health-related areas or several others, here are some of the major benefits well owners find from utilizing this sort of system.

health benefits water well

Taste Considerations

One area that speaks to both health and comfort is the taste of your water. If you live in an area with municipally-treated water, chances are good that you don’t love the way it tastes — and that’s perfectly understandable. The chemicals used to cleanse tap water can often give it an off taste, but this is completely negated with a residential water well.

With a well, you’re getting water that’s naturally filtered through the ground rather than receiving added chemicals. This not only results in better taste for you and your family but also gives you complete peace of mind about what you’re putting into your body.

Health Concerns

In addition to the taste, there are actual health concerns that come with treated municipal water. According to a 2009 report from the National Resources Defense Council, over 90 different pollutants were found in U.S. tap water — and many of them have been linked to cancer, reproductive issues and other major health concerns.

Clearly, this isn’t something you want your family to be dealing with on a regular basis. A private water well eliminates these worries and concerns, giving you crisp, clean water that you can trust.

Cost Efficiency

Some people assume that installing a water well will greatly increase their monthly water bill, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, many people see their bills drop considerably after making the switch — sometimes by as much as 50 percent.

This is due to a few different factors, chief among them being that you’re no longer paying for treated municipal water. Beyond that, well water tends to be much softer than municipal water, meaning you’ll use less soap, shampoo and other cleansing products over time. This ends up saving you a good deal of money as well.

Environmental Impact

For those who care about conserving resources and protecting the environment, a water well is definitely the way to go. Groundwater accounts for less than 1 percent of the world’s available water supply, so it’s important that we do everything we can to protect it.

By utilizing a water well, you’re not only drawing from this smaller resource but also cutting back on the amount of energy required to transport water to your home. This has a direct, positive impact on the environment — and it’s something you can feel good about as a homeowner.

Independent Water Sourcing

When you own a water well, you’re not relying on anyone else for your water needs — and that includes municipal water treatment plants. This can come in handy during times of drought, natural disasters or even simple maintenance issues at the local level.

No matter what might happen, you’ll always have a clean supply of water on hand when you need it most.

Improved Water Pressure

When thinking about the quality of your water in general, one area that’s sometimes glossed over is water pressure. If you live in an area with treated municipal water, chances are good that your water pressure isn’t all it could be — especially if you’re on a shared system.

This can make things like showering and doing laundry quite difficult, but it’s not something you have to worry about when you own a private well. In fact, water pressure is often increased after making the switch, further enhancing your quality of life in the process.

Increasing Property Value

Finally, you may not have realized just how valuable a private water well can be from a financial standpoint. If you ever decide to sell your property, having a well in place will almost certainly increase the resale value.

This is due to the many benefits we’ve already discussed, as potential buyers will see all of the same positives that you currently enjoy. Not only does this make owning a water well a wise investment, but it’s also something that could pay off down the road.

As you can see, there are many reasons to consider owning a private water well — and very few downsides to doing so. If you’re looking for a way to improve your quality of life and make your home more valuable in the process, a water well is definitely worth considering.

For more on this entire realm and why it’s one that more and more people are entering, or to learn about any of our water well drilling, installation, rehabilitation or maintenance services, contact the pros at Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC at your nearest convenience to speak to one of our specialists.

Qualities to Look for in a Utah Water Well Drilling Company

For any service you’re considering spending money on for your property through a third party, it’s vital to do your research and find a quality contractor for your needs. The realm of water well drilling and installation is no exception — not all water well drilling and installation companies and professionals are created equal, and finding a reputable, quality option is of paramount importance. 

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we’re proud to offer Utah’s best water well drilling, installation and other services. We fully expect our prospective clients to compare our products and services to other similar companies in the area — and we’re supremely confident that our reputation, programs and pricing structures will stand out to you and reveal us as your best option when you’re doing this. What are some of the top qualities you should be looking for when searching for a water well drilling and installation company? Here are several.

qualities well drilling company

Written Contract

As you’re looking into your options for a well drilling company, one of the first questions you should be asking is whether they offer a written contract for their services. This contract should contain important details such as what the job entails, how long it’s expected to take, pricing and other associated costs, what happens if there are delays or other problems and more.

A well drilling contractor who doesn’t offer a written contract likely either isn’t confident in their ability to complete the job as described or they’re hoping to leave room for interpretation and unexpected upcharges later on. In either case, that’s not a contractor you want to do business with.

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we always provide our clients with a written contract outlining all aspects of the job before any work begins. We want you to know exactly what to expect from us and feel confident that we’ll deliver on our promises.

Accreditation and Licensure

Another vital quality to look for in your water well drilling and installation contractor is proper accreditation and licensure. In Utah, all water well drilling contractors must be licensed by the state.

In addition to state licensure, you should also make sure your contractor is properly insured. This protects you in case of any accidents or damage that might occur during the job.

Finally, look for contractors who have been accredited by organizations such as the National Ground Water Association and the Better Business Bureau. These accreditations show that the contractor has undergone a rigorous review process and meets all the standards set by these well-respected organizations.

Expertise in Surrounding Environment

As water well drilling requires a deep understanding of geology and the surrounding environment, you want to make sure that your contractor has extensive experience drilling wells in the specific area where your property is located. Different types of soil and rock formations require different approaches, and a contractor who doesn’t understand the local conditions could cause serious problems for your well.

Experience and Reputation

Once you’ve confirmed that a potential well drilling partner is at least qualified on paper, it’s time to start looking into their experience and reputation. How long has the company been in business? Do they have experience with projects like yours? Can they provide you with references from past clients? A well drilling contractor with a long history in the industry and a strong reputation is likely to provide you with better service and results than a newer, less-established contractor.

One great area to look into here is online reviews, which can give you an idea of what past clients have thought of a contractor’s work. Just be sure to take these reviews with a grain of salt — some companies will go so far as to create fake reviews to try and boost their reputation. The best way to get an accurate picture is to look at reviews from multiple sites.

Pricing

Naturally, costs are an important part of this conversation — but it’s vital not to just automatically take the lowest bid you receive. In many cases, the old adage “you get what you pay for” is true, and going with a less expensive contractor could end up costing you more in the long run if they cut corners or do a subpar job.

Instead of just looking at raw numbers, take the time to compare pricing between different contractors based on the services they’re offering and the value they provide. This will give you a better idea of who is actually offering the best deal.

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we pride ourselves on being able to offer our clients affordable well drilling and installation services without compromising on quality or customer service. We’ll work with you to find a solution that meets your needs and budget.

Maintenance and Upkeep Services

As any well owner can tell you, the story doesn’t simply end when your well has been installed. Wells require regular maintenance to ensure that they’re functioning properly and producing clean, safe water.

When you’re looking for a water well drilling contractor, be sure to ask about the maintenance and upkeep services they offer. A quality contractor will have a team of experienced professionals who can handle any issue that might come up with your well, from simple annual maintenance to more complex repairs.

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we offer a wide range of well maintenance and upkeep services to our clients, including annual water testing, pump replacement and repair, and more. We’re here to help you keep your well running smoothly for years to come.

For more on how to evaluate your well drilling options, or to learn about any of our well services for Utah clients, contact our professional team today.