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What Are the Most Common Well Pump Repair Issues in Miami?
Many people all around the U.S. have their own private well, and well pump repair is common for all of us. Here in Miami, we share some common well pump problems but we also have some more specific problems in our area. Some of the most common well pump repair issues in Miami include the following.
Well Pump Quits
This may not be as disastrous as it sounds. The well pump draws a lot of power. If the pump stops working, check the circuit first. If it doesn’t appear tripped, flip it off for 60 seconds and then back on. If that doesn’t resolve the problem, check to see if your pump has a reset switch.
If your pump still doesn’t work, move on to your well’s pressure tank. The pump is dependent upon the pressure tank. If the tank isn’t working properly, your pump won’t either. The pressure tank has a switch, located on top of the well tank’s feed line. If too much water is drawn into the tank, it can flip the switch shutting down the system. Try resetting it.
Still no water? Call the plumber.
Incorrect Pump Size or Poor Installation
Each type of pump is available in multiple sizes. The size you need is dependent upon the amount of water usage of your home and yard. How many faucets, showerheads, and water-using appliances, along with the amount of irrigation water used, helps determine your pump size.
Typically, a residential well pump in Miami pumps about 10 gallons of water per minute. If your family has grown, or the number of people living in your home increases, that increases the water usage. Your pump may now be too small to accommodate the need. If you see an increase in your water usage, you should contact your well plumber and see if you need to expand your pump size.
If a plumber that is not trained or experienced in pump installation, installed your well pump, it could be installed incorrectly. It may still work, but not up to its expected capacity. If you are having problems, you should contact an experienced well plumber to check out your pump.
Drought
In 2020, and again in 2021, the Miami area has been suffering from drought-like conditions. According to the National Integrated Drought Information System, Miami has been abnormally dry. Such conditions lead to lower water levels of underground aquifers and the possibility of a well going dry. If the pump is left on with no water to pump, it will burn out. A low-water cutoff switch can alleviate the problem.
Hurricanes
Living in Southeastern Florida, you grow accustomed to the possibility of hurricanes every year. Hurricanes can affect private residential water wells in various ways. It can damage the well or its pump due to strong winds or flooding. The water can also become contaminated and unsafe to drink or cook with.
When a hurricane warning is in effect, you should store water and turn off your well. Following a hurricane or near hurricane conditions, your well and pump should be inspected. The well could become flooded and/or may have suffered damage. The pump could be damaged, too. Plumbers are in high demand following a hurricane. You should place a call into your plumber as soon as possible to get you in his queue to make sure your well and pump are operational before you restore power. At the same time, he can also retest the water quality.
What Factors Cause Premature Well Pump Failure in Miami?
If you are experiencing a loss of water at the tap, your water pressure is low, there is a problem with the water quality, or your pump is continuously cycling, it could be a sign of well pump failure. There are many reasons a well pump could fail ahead of its time.
An Overworked Pump
A well’s pressure tank should be sized to accommodate your water usage. It works in coordination with the pump taking some of the workloads off the pump. But, if the pressure tank is a mismatch, it will force your pump to work overtime. A pump that works harder, cycling on and off many times a day, will wear out more quickly.
Part Breakdowns
There are many working parts to a pump and a pressure tank. At any given time, one part can wear out or break down causing the entire system to go awry. If the cutoff switch, the check valve, or the wiring in the control box goes out, so will the entire pump.
Poor Water Quality
The quality of the water pumped in Miami is out of your control. While the city works hard to meet state and federal standards for drinking water, the water here is very hard. Water hardness is determined by the amount of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals in the water. Hard water can be hard on your water pump and your pipes. It, along with sandy water, can clog your pump and corrode your well.
Your plumber can test your water quality for you. Having your well and pump inspected annually will go a long way in protecting the pump from complications due to water quality as well as ensuring your well liner is in good condition to prevent erosion of your well.
How Much Does Well Pump Repair Usually Cost in Miami?
The cost of having a well pump repaired averages between $170 on the low end to $1,400 on the higher end. Having your pump inspected and serviced regularly will help you avoid expensive repair bills. You should only have a licensed plumber work on your well. Plumbers in Miami must be licensed with the state’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation. You can access any plumber’s information on the department’s website.
Some of the things that can factor into the pricing for your pump repair include the size and depth of your well, the type of pump required by that well, and the age and condition of the other parts of the well.
Well Size and Depth
Most Miami residential wells are between 100 and 400 feet. Aquifers undergo fluctuations in water levels, which is why it is best to have a deeper well, at least 200 feet, to avoid running dry.
The type of pump required for a well 100-feet or less is different than that of a deeper well. A shallow well uses a jet pump with a motor that sucks water up through a pipe. A submersible pump that pushes water up is used in a deeper well.
Type of Pump
A jet pump is located outside the well. It is less expensive than a submersible and easier to access. Repairs on a jet pump will cost less than a submersible. As the name implies, a submersible pump is submerged inside the well itself. In part because of its location, it is generally more expensive to repair than a jet pump.
Repairing either kind of pump will cost less than replacing it if the pump still has some projected longevity. Discuss the options with your plumber before proceeding either with repairs or replacement.
Age and Condition of the Well System
If your pump needs repair, you should have other parts such as the pressure tank, the wiring, and switches all checked at the same time. While it may cost a bit more at the time, it makes sense to have everything checked and repaired at the same time. This can save time and money on potential future emergency calls.
How to Avoid Costly Well Pump Repairs in Miami?
A good jet pump should last about 8 to 10 years. A good submersible should live between 10 and 15 years. Pumps made of PVC rather than steel may be less expensive but are apt to have a shorter life.
The best way to avoid costly well pump repairs is to first get a good quality pump and then have it checked out annually. Between those inspections, pay attention to potential signs of problems and possibly impending pump failure. They include:
- Lower or higher water pressure than usual. Lower water pressure can indicate that your pump is overworked, which could cause it to burn out. Be sure to talk with your plumber about water consumption, including irritation, and the grade of pump you should be using.
- Spitting water or sporadic water bursts at the tap. This is caused by air in the pipes. That abundance of air may be a result of tank bladder failure or a leak somewhere in the pipeline. The excessive air can cause additional work to the pump.
- Sounds emitting from your water tank. Quick clicking noises are a sign of water pressure loss. This makes your pump turn off and on more often than usual. It will age a pump more quickly than normal use.
- If your electric bill seems higher than usual, it could be that your water pump is running too much. The pump recycles more often when it isn’t keeping the tank full. That can be due to a broken pipe or another problem in the well tank or with the pump itself.
When Do You Need Permits for Well Pump Repair in Miami?
According to the South Florida Water Management District, you need a permit for new wells and the repair or modification of an existing well. However, repairing or replacing the pump with the same type of instrument does not fall under permit requirements. The well permit process is designed so that wells are built to conform to state standards and are built by licensed well water contractors.
If, however, you are changing energy sources for your well pump, such as a conversion from electric to solar, you may need a permit and inspection. Your qualified, licensed plumber should be aware of any permit needs and will take care of them for you.
