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What Are the Most Common Well Pump Repair Issues in Denver?
In general, several key issues can come up with regard to your well pump.
Water Loss
A complete lack of water in your home could mean a lot of things, including a failed well pump. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a power supply issue, like a breaker that tripped during an overloaded period, for example. Of course, during power outages, you may need a backup generator or other solution to help provide water to your home until power is restored. If you notice ongoing problems with your water pump, including a regular lack of water or breakers that flip regularly, you may need to give us a call to take a look at your well pump and determine whether it has any ongoing issues, including power supply problems, that you need to address.
Intermittent or Changing Water Pressure
Sometimes, you may notice changes in water pressure when you change the burden you’re placing on your system. For example, if you have your dishwasher, washing machine, and shower all running at the same time, you may notice that you don’t get as much water pressure in the shower as you would under normal circumstances. On the other hand, if you notice that your water pressure seems to fluctuate for no apparent reason, it could indicate a leak somewhere in the line or a problem with the pump.
A Well Pump That Runs Constantly
A constantly-running well pump can spell just as much disaster as one that never seems to run when you need it. If you hear the pump running constantly, even when you do not have water running through the house, it could indicate a serious problem that you need to address quickly to prevent the motor from burning out.
Frozen Well Pump
Frozen pipes usually make themselves known as your water supply trickles through the pipes instead of rushing through at its usual speed or when your water supply seems to cut off completely. A frozen well pump can prevent water from moving through your pipes at all. The well itself, which sits well below the surface of the ground, will not usually freeze, even during Denver’s coldest winter days. However, Denver averages an estimated 21 days per year with temperatures that remain below freezing all day. Furthermore, minimum temperatures in Denver can dip as low as 16º Fahrenheit. If you do not adequately protect your well pump from those cold temperatures, you may find that it freezes just when you need it most, and just when you least want to have to go outside to deal with it.
Dirty Water
Dirty water does not sound appealing to anyone, whether you’re sticking a cup under the faucet to get a drink or you’re trying to run a load of clothes through the washer. Unfortunately, as you start to have problems with your well pump, you may notice dirty water as opposed to clean water. A crack in your lines could allow dirt to make its way through your home.
What Factors Cause Premature Well Pump Failure in Denver?
Many Denver residents rely on their wells to provide water to their households. Knowing the challenges that could result in premature pump failure can help you avoid them.
High Sediment Content
A US Geological Survey notes that Denver falls into the hard water category, being in an area of the country with considerably more mineral buildup in its water. Mineral and sediment buildup can quickly lead to increased problems with your pipes, your faucets, and, yes, your well pump.
However, Denver Water notes that a large percentage of Denver’s water comes from snowmelt, which may increase water levels in your well and decrease overall mineral content. In general, Denver’s water hardness varies throughout the year.
Are you wondering if high sediment content could be to blame for your well pump problems, including premature well pump failure? A simple hardness test could let you know your average water hardness level. To get a better idea of how that changes throughout the year, consider checking your water hardness during different seasons, which could provide you with a better understanding of whether you need to consider softening your water.
Running Excessively
In addition to a well, homes that rely on well water will typically have a well tank somewhere on the property, usually located in the basement of the home. Well tanks hold the water that the well pump moves into your home, providing you with ready access to water that doesn’t require the pump to run constantly. However, if your tank isn’t large enough for your household’s water usage, you may quickly find that your well pump ends up running all or most of the time, which can increase the risk of premature well pump failure. The pump is not, in general, designed for constant use. Rather, it should run intermittently to fill up your water tank. Inadequate tank size, therefore, could put immense strain on your well pump.
Drought
During periods of drought, which Colorado has seen its share of over the past few years, your well may run dry. During these times, when you try to run the faucets in your home, from taking a shower to washing your clothing, your well pump will try to pull up water despite the lack thereof. Even with no water moving through the pipes, the pump will continue to try to pull up water, but obviously won’t have anything to run through it. The combination of the lack of water and constant running can quickly cause your well pump to burn out, without supplying any water to your home. Installing a low water cutoff switch can help protect your well pump during periods of drought, preventing you from incurring costly repairs.
Lighting Strike
Most of the time, lightning strikes high points. Because of its proximity to the mountains, from spring through fall, Denver sees a high number of thunderstorms that bring with them a heavy amount of lightning. Sometimes, that lightning can hit homes, wells, and, yes, well pumps. In Colorado, you may start with a perfectly sunny day that ultimately ends in a serious lightning storm. You may not realize that your well pump has suffered lightning damage until a couple of days later, when you notice it laboring or when you go out to check on it after seeing changes in water pressure.
How Much Does Well Pump Repair Usually Cost in Denver?
The cost of well pump repair may vary based on several factors. On average, the cost can vary between $900 and more than $2,000. Talk to the specialists at Mr Blue Plumbing to get an estimate for your specific well pump repair costs.
Well Size
The bigger your well, the more expensive it can be to replace or repair your well pump. A large well may mean that you need to move a higher volume of water through your system, which may mean a larger, more complex well pump to begin with. The depth of the well can also affect the cost of your well pump repair; the deeper your well, the more difficult it is to access and repair the pump.
Materials Used
Well pumps can come in two key types: jet pumps and submersible pumps. The type of pump you use for your well may depend on a variety of considerations, including the location and depth of the well. A submersible pump often requires specialized machinery to remove it from the well without damaging it or the well itself, which can increase the cost associated with your repairs. Furthermore, well pump repair costs may depend on the power output of the motor and the amount of water that it can move.
Your Installation Needs
Do you have difficult terrain that the well pump repair company will need to navigate while accessing your well pump? Do you need special equipment to manage your well pump repair? Those factors may increase the overall cost of repair.
How to Avoid Costly Well Pump Repairs in Denver?
Maintaining your well pump is one of the best ways to ensure that you do not have to replace or repair your pump sooner than anticipated. Do you want to avoid costly well pump repairs in Denver? Try some of these key strategies:
Insulate Your Pump
Make sure your pump is well-insulated, particularly if it’s in a location that has a high potential for freezing during the cold winter months. If your pump is close to the surface, make sure you check its insulation as freezing temperatures start to roll in.
Install a Low-Water Cutoff
In low water conditions, as during a drought, your pump won’t be able to move water into your home, but it may keep trying anyway. By installing a low-water shutoff, you can significantly reduce the need for costly repairs down the road.
Have the Proper Equipment
Whether you’re installing a new well, repairing an old one, or just taking stock of your property, take a look at the equipment you need for your well and your home. Ensure you have an adequate water tank and pump motor that can handle your family’s specific needs. If you have a large family and high-volume water usage in your home, you may need a larger pump than someone who uses less water regularly.
When Do You Need Permits for Well Pump Repair in Denver?
According to Colorado law, you need a well permit in Denver any time you need to install or replace a well that diverts groundwater. Most of the time, since repairing a well pump does not require an entirely new well, it should not require a permit.
