AFFORDABLE WELL PUMP REPAIR IN Redwood City, CA

What Are the Most Common Well Pump Repair Issues in Redwood City?

Redwood City is a city on the San Francisco Peninsula in Northern California’s Bay Area. It is approximately 27 miles south of San Francisco and 24 miles northwest of San Jose, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the technology-rich region extending from the San Francisco Peninsula to the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. However, more importantly, because the city has such a vibrant downtown, the area has quickly become known as the San Francisco Peninsula entertainment hub because it offers residents and visitors unique entertainment, retail, and restaurant experiences.

Yet, although the city is a fantastic place to set up roots, it is still important that residents learn more about what it takes to keep their house in good working condition in this area, specifically when it comes to their well pumps. That is why homeowners first need to learn more about some of the common signs that may indicate their well pump has gone bad and what they need to do to keep their well pump in good working condition. 

Water Pressure Fluctuations 

If you start to experience water pressure issues in your home, it does not necessarily mean your well pump is going bad, but it is still a good idea to hire a well pump professional like us to come and check on the problem.

Generally, well pumps run on electric motors. This means that if the electric motor starts to fail, you will likely notice a difference in your water pressure. That is why water pressure fluctuations are often a common sign that you have a well pump dilemma. 

Noisy Pressure Tanks

It is important to know that pressure tanks have a bladder that is full of air, and it is similar to the inner tube in a bike. This bladder can end up leaking or losing air. Yet, when this happens, you will notice a rapid clicking noise coming from the pressure switch located near the pressure tank. 

When this air from the bladder escapes into the pressure tank, it causes the well pump to stop and frequently start, straining the motor. Over time, this failed pressure tank bladder can be very hard on the well pump’s engine, and it will reduce the well pump’s life expectancy. That is why if you hear a noise coming from your well pump, you need to reach out to our professionals as soon as possible to inspect what is going on. 

Sporadic Air Spurts

If you have a leaking pressure tank bladder, you will also notice sporadic air spurts in your water, also referred to as “spitting” faucets. These issues may occur intermittently, but if the problem is ignored or left unchecked, it can shorten the lifespan of your well pump. 

What Factors Cause Premature Well Pump Failure in Redwood City?

Generally, most homeowners do not even think about their well pump until it stops working. Although there are many reasons why these pumps can break down, some of the more common causes for well pump failure in Redwood City tend to include the following:

Drought

Unfortunately, California is known to go through periods of extreme drought, and Redwood City is no exception. This is because the area depends heavily on a few big storms each year, and when they do not get them, the city and the state descend into drought.

However, these periods of drought can often cause the well to run dry, meaning that if you continue to run the faucets, it will cause the well pump to call for water and run, ultimately causing the pump to burn out and break. 

Well Pump Age

Even the best well pumps have an expiration date. Typically, a high-quality and properly installed well pump will be able to last anywhere between 15 and 20 years. However, anything after that is a gamble, as the well pump parts will often start to break down at this point. 

Lighting Strikes

Although massive summer storms are rare in Redwood City, they do happen and can cause some issues. For instance, these summer storms can result in a siege of dry lightning that has been known to start massive wildfires that can quickly spread throughout the state. Yet, more surprisingly, these lightning strikes can also affect your home. In terms of your well pump, if the fixture is struck by lightning, it can stop working altogether. You may not even know that the lighting strike was the problem until we pull the well pump up by a machine and diagnose it. 

How Much Does Well Pump Repair Usually Cost in Redwood City?

On average, well pump repair will usually cost homeowners around $600. However, depending on the circumstances, these costs can go as high as $1,400 or as low as $200. That is why it is so important to understand the factors that influence these repair costs. This way, you can be better prepared to cover the extensive bill.

Well Pump Type

Usually, the type of well pump you install will affect your overall price. For instance, the construction of jet pumps makes them easier to remove and install than if you have submersible options. 

One thing to keep in mind is that although jet pumps tend to be more affordable, it does not mean they are necessarily better or cheaper in the long run. In fact, switching to a submersed model can benefit your home in more ways than one. This is because submersible pumps are self-priming which lessens upkeep and wear and tear on the unit. They can also save you energy and are often much quieter. Plus, they can create instant pressure. However, if you have one of these self-priming pumps, expect to spend more on the repair work. 

Well Pump Depth

Generally, the depth and the size of your well will play a significant factor in determining your replacement costs. For example, installing pumps in shallow wells will often require less work from our experts than the broader and deeper locations. Usually, shallow pumps, which tend to be more affordable, are best suited for wells that are less than 25 feet deep. On the other hand, deep pumps are often necessary for wells that are up to 150 feet in depth. Yet, purchasing, installing, and repairing these deep pumps will cost more. 

Well Pump Location

In addition, depending on the location of the well pump and how it is set up, you may have to pay more for the pump replacements. This is because if your well is buried, our specialists will first have to locate the well before they dig it up. This will entail more effort from our team, and we will have to use advanced techniques and tools to find it. Plus, if your pump is placed in an underground well, our team will have to dig it up from great depths, which may be a major challenge for them and ultimately result in steeper bills. 

How to Avoid Costly Well Pump Repairs in Redwood City?

As you can see, the cost of well pump repairs in Redwood City will depend on several factors. Fortunately, there are things you can do to avoid these costly well pump repair bills from creeping up on you.

Purchase a High-Quality Water Pump

Although you may have to spend more money upfront, a high-quality water pump will often pay for itself because it often results in fewer breakdowns and replacements. That is why before you purchase just any type of water pump, you need to ensure that it is a good quality pump and that you install the right size and style for your well.

For example, if you install a pump that is too big, it may pull up sand and other sediments from the aquifer, potentially resulting in clogging of your pump parts and motors. Yet, if your pump is too small for the well, it will have to work harder to keep up with your home’s water demands, which can increase the need for repairs. 

Be Proactive With Regular Maintenance 

If you are proactive with your water pump and ensure that it is adequately maintained, it can save you money from costly repairs down the road and assure that you have a consistent water flow and no water quality issues. 

This is especially true in Redwood City, during times of drought. If you have been experiencing these drought periods, you should reach out to an experienced well pump repair professional like us to check on your well pump and ensure that it is in good working order. However, if you notice a change in your water’s odor, appearance, or taste, do not wait for your regular maintenance visit. Instead, you need to call our professionals as soon as possible, as a broken water pump can mean that your water has been contaminated. 

When Do You Need Permits for Well Pump Repair in Redwood City?

In Redwood City, any owner or authorized agent who intends to enlarge, construct, repair, alter, move, demolish, or change a building’s structure or install, enlarge, repair, modify, remove, replace, or convert any gas, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing system is first required to obtain a permit.

In addition, when it comes to your water and plumbing work, Redwood City often requires a homeowner or agent to obtain a permit if new parts or materials need to be installed to stop leaks in the water, drains, soil, vent pipes, or waste.

However, there are also some instances that a permit may not be needed, even if the job involves a well pump repair. That is why before you start any well pump replacement work, it is essential to reach out to the city and verify with the staff whether a well pump repair permit is needed, and if so, what you need to do to obtain one.