Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Well Pump Repair Issues in Fort Lauderdale?
- 2 What Factors Cause Premature Well Pump Failure in Fort Lauderdale?
- 3 How Much Does Well Pump Repair Usually Cost in Fort Lauderdale?
- 4 How to Avoid Costly Well Pump Repairs in Fort Lauderdale?
- 5 When Do You Need Permits for Well Pump Repair in Fort Lauderdale?
What Are the Most Common Well Pump Repair Issues in Fort Lauderdale?
There is a lot of water underneath Fort Lauderdale, where the ground acts as a kind of sponge filled with fresh water. Water wells can tap into this resource, providing users with decades of fresh water. While wells are generally low maintenance, there can be the occasional issue. These are the three most common well pump issues we see in Fort Lauderdale:
- Low water pressure. There are many reasons your well pump suddenly experiences low water pressure. In Fort Lauderdale, though, the most common reason is that you have a leak in the pipe. Corrosion in the well system is common here, due to the high levels of iron in our water. This can lead to rust and corrosion in the well pump, which can eventually lead to a leak that causes low water pressure. If you have a sudden drop in low water pressure, you should have our well pump repair technicians do an inspection. They’ll be able to verify if there is a leak and give you options about repairing it. If it’s not a leak, the issue may be a low water table, clog in a pipe, or a valve not being completely open. Our well inspection team will be able to find answers and get your water flow back up to normal levels.
- Change in the water quality. Your water quality should be fairly consistent from a well, especially if your well is a deep-water well. In Fort Lauderdale, like in many other areas, the deeper your well, the more likely you’ll have high-quality water. Changes in water quality could be an indication of an issue. Saltwater intrusion isn’t uncommon here on the western coast and is an issue for both city water and groundwater well users. Fishy tastes and smells can also occur and may indicate the presence of organic materials in your well. Both of these issues can be resolved with the right filtration systems and cleaning procedures. If you notice a change in the quality of your well water, you should have the water tested before you continue using it.
- Rust in the water. There is a lot of iron in Fort Lauderdale’s groundwater. This is naturally occurring and the iron leaches into the water as rain passes through the soil. While the Florida Health Department reports there are no known links between drinking water with high iron content and illnesses such as cancer, it’s still unpleasant. The iron can stain your clothing and even discolor your fencing if you use it to water your lawn. One way to combat rust in your water is to install a water purification system. You can also install a water softener to help eliminate iron and other unwanted minerals from your water. You can do this as a part of your well system, making the water supply safer to use in all areas of your home.
What Factors Cause Premature Well Pump Failure in Fort Lauderdale?
A quality well pump should last between 10 and 15 years, as long as it’s well-cared for and properly maintained. There are things that can make your pump fail prematurely, though, and leave you with a big replacement bill. The most common reasons for premature failure in Fort Lauderdale are:
- Sand in the pump. Fort Lauderdale has soil with high sand content. That’s not surprising, as we’re right along the coast. That sand can be really hard on your well pump, though. Sand is highly abrasive, so even a little sand in your pump can cause a lot of damage. It can grind away at delicate pump parts and stop the pump from working altogether. Sand shouldn’t be an issue if your pump is installed at the right height, but sometimes storms and flooding can introduce more sand into your well. Annual inspections by our professionals will always include checking the screens to make sure sand is being filtered out before it can enter the pump mechanism.
- Iron in the water. Iron in your water isn’t just an annoyance, it can be deadly for your pump. High iron content can promote the development of rust in your pump. Rust will corrode the pump until it begins to have performance issues. Eventually, rust can bring your pump to a halt. Fort Lauderdale residents will want to consider the use of anti-corrosion treatments options for their wells. This will reduce the amount of rust in the water and prevent it from corroding your pump.
- The pump is the wrong size. Choosing a pump that’s the right size for your needs is very important. If you get a pump that’s too small, you’ll overtax the pump and wear it out much sooner. You don’t want to oversize your pump, either, because you’ll be paying too much and may have a lot of performance issues with the well. Talk to our knowledgeable experts who can help you choose a pump that’s the right size for your household’s needs.
How Much Does Well Pump Repair Usually Cost in Fort Lauderdale?
Well pump repair can cost anywhere from $100 to $900 in Fort Lauderdale. On average, though, homeowners can expect to pay around $400 for a repair. Your cost will vary depending on these factors:
Complexity of the Repair
There are a lot of parts that go into making your well pump work. A simple repair might cost you around $100. If the repair takes a lot more time, though, then you’ll start to edge up your cost. Our well repair technicians are typically paid by the hour, so they’ll factor their hourly rate into your final bill. If your repair is really complex, you may be paying for more than one technician, too.
Parts and Materials Required
Our well repair technician will add the cost of parts and materials onto your final bill. The more that they need to replace, the more you are going to end up paying. Replacement parts can be anything from a five-cent washer to total pump replacement. Our team should be able to give you an estimate on the costs before they do the work.
If It’s an Emergency Repair
Our well pump repair team will be especially busy after a big storm. These are common in Fort Lauderdale, which is one of the most hurricane-prone areas of the state. If you have an issue with your pump that can wait, you may end up getting a better deal from our repair team. If you can’t wait, though, go ahead and make the call. Getting fresh water back to your household is a top priority and worth the additional cost.
How to Avoid Costly Well Pump Repairs in Fort Lauderdale?
No one likes paying a big well pump repair bill. The good news is you can avoid costly repairs with a little preventative maintenance. Here are three things that will help keep your well system in good condition:
- Schedule annual maintenance. Sign a maintenance contract with a well service provider like us and stick with it. Our annual maintenance inspections can spot a lot of small issues before they become major problems. Your well inspection will include water flow testing, a comprehensive inspection of all parts, and cleaning of screens and filters. Most visits are very short but can add years of life onto your well pump.
- Use anti-corrosion products. Because of the high iron content in the water here in Fort Lauderdale, these products can extend the life of your well pump by years. They are easy to administer and safe if used correctly. Talk to our specialists about which anti-corrosion products are best for your well and pump type.
- Check for damage after every storm. Storms can damage the wellhead, introduce debris into the water supply, and bring your pump to a halt. The best thing to do after a storm is a visual inspection of your system. Look for cracks in any above-ground components, look for the soggy ground around the well site, and check the water for any strange odors or tastes. If you see any issues, call us for an inspection right away.
When Do You Need Permits for Well Pump Repair in Fort Lauderdale?
You need a permit for the installation, modification, abandonment, or repair of any well in Fort Lauderdale.
If the well is under 12 inches in diameter, you’ll need a permit from the Florida Department of Health in Broward County. If the well is more than 12 inches in diameter, you’ll need to apply for a permit from the South Florida Water Management District.
Well permits start at $100, though permits to abandon water wells are usually free. The South Florida Water Management District requires that a licensed contractor like us does all well repairs and they keep a list of registered contractors on their website.
