What is a well pump?
Let's start by defining what a "well pump" is. If you're connected to a city water source, your home doesn't have one. If you have a private well system, it's the workhorse that provides water to your home.In Eastern Connecticut, private well systems are common. The well is either hand dug or drilled and a submersible well pump is dropped in. The water source is lower than the the house. A submersible well pump uses its existing pressure to force water out of the surface to provide water for your home. The submersible pump saves you time because it is self-primed.
If your well pump is located in your basement, crawlspace or small shed outside, you have what's called a jet pump. These pumps are used for shallow wells. A shallow well is one where the water is within 25 feet of the ground surface. Jet pumps are becoming less common.
Submersible well pump replacement in Amston, CT
What causes well pump failure?
You don't usually think about your well pump...until it stops working. You have no water to take a shower or make your cup of coffee. It's time to do some troubleshooting and call a plumber! These are the most common causes of well pump failure in Eastern Connecticut:Age - Nothing is meant to last forever. A high-quality and properly installed well pump has an average lifespan of 15-20 years. Each year after that becomes a gamble, as the parts begin to wear down.
Water Quality - A well pump can prematurely fail if you have poor water quality. Minerals can clog up the pump and cause it to burn out. Bacteria can build up a slime that can also clog up the mechanics. The well liner should be checked, as that's your best protection against corrosion.
Lightning Strike - Summer storms bring lightning strikes. You may not know your well pump got struck by lightning until it stops working a couple days later. It may need to be pulled up by a machine to diagnose it.
Dry Well - Periods of drought cause your well to run dry. If you continue to try to run the faucets, it will cause the well pump to 'call' for water and run. This can cause the pump to burn out. Consider installing a "low water cutoff switch." It will sense when the water is low, and prevent the well pump from burning out and failing.
Well Tank - This tank is often located in the basement of your home. It's a holding tank for the water that the well pump has pumped into your home. If your well tank is too small for the demands of your family's needs, it can cause the pump to run too much to keep it filled. If the pump runs too much, it can burn out prematurely. Installing a larger well tank can protect your well pump.
