When a well no longer pumps as it should, that doesn’t mean a new pump or well is in the homeowner’s future. These pumps are designed to work for 20 years or even longer and because residential wells contain many parts, any failure can cause the pump to stop working. In this article is a brief discussion of the various parts of a well pump plus some tips on well pump repairs in Wall NJ.
Power Parts
The first step in well pump repair should be to test the system to see if it’s getting power. An absence of power is the most common well complaint. When someone lives in the country, blackouts and power surges can be quite common during the summer. Find the electrical service panel and check to see if the circuit breaker is tripped. Turn it off and back on again. Sometimes, when a circuit breaker is tripped, it can look as if it’s still on but it really isn’t.
Pressure Switches
The next step should be to ensure the pump’s pressure switch hasn’t turned the system off. Too much pull on the system automatically tells the pressure switch to turn the pump off. It’s a safety measure to prevent pumping if there’s a failure in the plumbing. When it’s operational, the switch sits at a 45-degree angle. To reset the switch, close all valves and lift the handle until it is engaged. Allow the tank to refill, and reopen the valves.
Pressure Tank
The third step in well pump repair should be to check the functioning of the pressure tank. If there’s not enough air pressure inside, it won’t send the appropriate signal to the switch to activate the tank. Pressure tanks can become filled with water, or the internal air bladder can rupture. Use a pressure gauge and find the valve on top of the tank. Pressure should be 2 psi less than the setting activating the pressure switch.
Water Discoloration
The final step in self-diagnosis should be to check for smelly or discolored water. A well with rust or contaminants in the water requires the use of a water treatment system. Residential wells, depending on location, can be put in areas containing calcium, iron, magnesium, sulfur and other minerals. Homeowners can click here to Look for Well Pump Repairs in Wall NJ, to solve the problem, as faucet-mounted filters are insufficient.
