Diagnosing well problems can be a big challenge. All of the well’s major components, including the water pipe and submersible pump, are located deep underground, which means they have to be physically extracted before your well technician can inspect them up close.
Therefore, if you’re noticing symptoms of a water well problem, then you should narrow down the problem as much as you can before calling a professional. Troubleshoot to the best of your abilities so you can give the professional plenty of information and detail. Doing so will enable them to be strategic about how they approach their diagnosis so they don’t take any unnecessary measures.
So, here’s what you should know about the four most common pump problems that well owners encounter:
Problem: Water Not Coming Out — When you turn on your faucet or shower and no water comes out, the first thing you should check is your circuit breaker. Flip the breaker on and try the faucet again. If the water comes back on, great! If not, it could mean that your water table isn’t high enough and the groundwater needs to be replenished (which is common at the end of summer). If this problem persists, you may need to have a professional lower your pump so it’s beneath the water level.
Problem: Water Comes Out in Spurts — When the water comes sputtering out of the tap, that means air is getting into your pump system. You’re looking at either a pump defect or a fault in the water pipe above the pump. Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do until a professional pulls up the well.
Problem: Water Looks Cloudy or Murky — When your water is no longer clear, this means it contains a high concentration of sediments. You have either a low water table (which causes your pump to pull from shallow, silty water) or your pump isn’t filtering out sediment as effectively as it should be. You can measure the water table’s level by dropping a fishing line with a bobber attached to the end down the well and seeing how long it takes to hit the water. Mark the line when it hits the water and measure the length. If it seems longer than usual, you’re likely dealing with a low water table. However, if it comes back normal, then you’ll need to pull up the well so you can inspect the pump.
Problem: Water Tastes or Smells Bad — When your water has an unpleasant taste or smell (or both), that is a likely indication of bacterial contamination. This may not be dangerous, as many bacteria are harmless, but the only way to know for sure is to have your well water tested by a state-certified lab. If the tests come back normal, then your issue may have to do with corroded pipes.
Of course, Goold Wells & Pumps is here to help you troubleshoot and diagnose any of the above well pump problems and more. Whether you’re in Columbia County, the Capital District, or the Berkshires, we’re the experienced well contractors you can trust for an expert diagnosis and effective solution. Call now!