There are a few components that play a major role in the operations of any water well, and the well pump is at or near the top of any such list. One of the most important parts of long-term water well maintenance is avoiding any kind of issue or failure with your pump, and there are a few things that may cause this.
At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we’re happy to provide comprehensive water well services for clients around Utah, including well pump service and repair for any need you may have. Here are some of the top possible causes of water well failure, plus how to steer clear of them at all times.
How Well Pumps Work
Before we dig into the causes of water well failure, let’s first take a look at how pumps work. Having an understanding of their operation and the components involved can help you spot problems before they become major issues.
A water pump is designed to move liquid from one place to another in order to create or maintain adequate pressure throughout a system. The force behind this movement comes from electric power, and there are generally two types of pumps that can be used in water wells: submersible pumps or surface-mounted jet pumps.
Submersible pumps are installed inside the well itself and they draw liquid up to the top through suction, while surface-mounted pumps sit outside the well and use pressure to force liquid upward. Both types may need to be serviced or repaired at some point, and that’s when you’ll need a qualified and experienced professional like Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC.
However, there are also some possible causes of well pump failure that you can avoid – and we’ll go over those in our next few sections.
Low Water Levels
One of the most common causes of well pump failure is low water levels. If the water level in your well drops too low, it can actually cause an airlock, which will prevent your pump from functioning correctly. It’s important to monitor your water levels regularly and make sure that there’s always enough to keep the system running smoothly.
If you have a submersible pump, then you’ll need to have it checked by a professional at least once a year in order to make sure that there’s no buildup of sediment or other debris, as this can also cause problems with the pump.
Clogs and Debris
Another major issue that can cause your water well pump to fail is clogs and debris. Dirt, sand, and even small stones can all find way into the system, which can cause major issues with both submersible and surface-mounted pumps. It’s important to check your filters regularly in order to make sure that clogs don’t occur, and also to have a professional inspect the system at least once a year for any signs of debris buildup.
In some cases, you may also need to have your pump replaced if it’s become too damaged or worn out due to clogs and debris.
Tank Too Small
Some well systems also have well tanks, which are holding tanks that store water inside the home once it’s already been pumped. If your tank is too small for your home’s needs, however, the pump will have to run too often and for too long in order to keep up with the demand – which can cause issues like motor burnout. In this case, it’s important to make sure that you have a tank that is able to hold enough water for your home’s needs, or even two tanks if necessary.
Lightning Strike or Other Impact
While it’s less common than the we’ve already discussed, it’s still possible for a lightning strike or other impact to cause problems with your water well pump. In cases like these, you’ll need to call in a professional as soon as possible, especially if you don’t feel confident tackling the issue on your own.
At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we’re happy to provide comprehensive well pump service and repairs for any water well system around Utah. We can help you diagnose any issues that may have arisen, repair or replace damaged components, and even install a brand-new system if necessary. So don’t wait – contact us today to get the reliable, professional service you need for your water well!
