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What Are the Most Common Well Pump Repair Issues in Orlando?
There are many different components to your well pump. Any number of them can go bad for many different reasons. If you need well pump repairs in Orlando, you don’t want to put it off. The longer you wait to fix an issue, the longer that problem affects other parts of the system. This could cause bigger problems later. These are the more common issues we see.
Electrical Problems
If your water doesn’t turn on, you might want to check the power on your well pump. We often get called out to a home for well pump repair in Orlando only to find out there is no power to the system. This can happen most often after a big storm causes power surges. Your well pump will have a dedicated switch in your breaker box. Storms can cause surges to the breaker. Sometimes the issue will be a more in-depth electrical problem.
Wrong Size Well Pump
We often go out for a well pump repair in Orlando and find that the pump has already failed. After troubleshooting the problem, we see that the pump was too small. The size of your pump should be chosen based on how big the house is, the number of plumbing fixtures throughout the property, and how many people use the water. Sometimes the pump is the right size, but after a few years, the family size changes, and so does the water needs.
When a well pump is too small, it is forced to work twice as hard as it was designed to. Some signs of this could be your pump constantly running or a higher-than-usual energy bill. When planning a well, you will want to decide on a pump for your water needs now and in the future. If you are planning on having a bigger family, you may want to go bigger.
Leaky Pipes
Leaks are a common issue requiring well pump repair in Orlando, and they can happen without warning. Sometimes the first sign of this problem is a decline in water pressure. This is because water leaves the pipes before it gets to the home. If the leak is big enough, you might not get any water at all, but your yard will be wet. There might be more grass and vegetation in the yard where the leak occurred. Most of the time, cracked and burst pipes in Orlando are due to the hard, acidic water.
Water Quality
The quality of your water is important to your health. Over the years, we have heard from many homeowners who have had water quality issues due to their wells. Here are some signs to watch out for and what the likely culprit is. If you have any of these issues, you will need well pump repair in Orlando.
- Cloudy Water – The water hardness in Orlando is very high. Most often, cloudy water is harmless, and it’s caused by excessive minerals in the water. These minerals can be corrosive to your pipes and plumbing, causing damage. They are usually manganese, iron, calcium, and magnesium.
- Dirty Water – You will need a well pump repair in Orlando if sediment and silt get into the water. Your pump is designed to filter this stuff out, so if you have dirty-looking water, your pump has silt and sediment inside. This will cause your pump to work harder and wear out sooner.
- Foul Odor – The aquifer you’re getting your water from is natural, and it supports all forms of life. This includes microorganisms like bacteria. As these decay, they can become smelly. You should have your water quality tested regularly. We can sanitize the well if the bacteria is too high.
- Bad Taste – There are four main reasons for lousy tasting well water, which are high bacteria, nitrates, sulfur, and minerals. If this rarely occurs, you may want to try aerating or sanitizing the well. If this happens often, you may want to consider getting a filtration or osmosis system installed.
Water quality problems can be fixed in Orlando in the same way that the city and state fix them. Water testing should be a part of your regular maintenance.
What Factors Cause Premature Well Pump Failure in Orlando?
While there are many reasons why a well pump might prematurely fail, the main reasons are typically due to choices. The first choice is to ignore a problem. If you notice inconsistent water pressure, you will eventually turn on the tap and get nothing. If you ignore hard water problems, your pipes will likely break and leak due to corrosion.
Another cause of premature well pump failure is forgoing routine maintenance. Florida’s Department of Health recommends getting your water tested and well pump inspected every year. Getting your private water system checked by our professionals can help spot issues before they turn into expensive problems.
If your well pump is too small for your water needs, you will have a premature failure. You will also need well pump repair in Orlando because we will need to pull up the pump to fix it or install a bigger unit. This happens because your pump is working way harder than it was designed to. A larger pump will perform better, and it will likely save you money on your electricity bill.
How Much Does Well Pump Repair Usually Cost in Orlando?
If you need well pump repair in Orlando, you are probably trying to determine how much it will cost you. Unfortunately, we can only give you a rough estimate based on past work. If you need a more accurate estimate, we can help. In most cases, the cost range will be between $110 and $1,990 and will average around $600. Here are the common factors that will change the price you pay.
Well Pump Depth
How deep is your well? The depth is one of the biggest cost factors for well pump repair in Orlando. This is because the pump is usually at the bottom of the well. If we have to pull up 300 feet of pipe to get to the problem, it will cost you more than if your well pump is only 100 feet deep. The deeper it is, the more work, time, and equipment are needed to reach it.
Well Pump Type
The technology of well pumps has changed a lot from the days of bricks and buckets. There are many modern types to choose from, and they all have different price tags. Here are the most common pumps that we work on the most.
Submersible
This type of well pump is submerged deep underwater, pumping it up. These can get pretty pricey, but they’re often more efficient and last longer. These are the most popular for homeowners in Florida. A submersible well pump repair in Orlando will range between $220 and $1,850.
Jet Well Pumps
Jet well pump repair in Orlando will likely cost you less. The price range will be about $115 to $1,200. These cost less because the pumps are closer to the water surface, not 200 feet deep. Therefore, they are much easier to reach, repair, or replace.
Solar
If lower electric bills and sustainability are important to you, solar well pumps are an option. You can switch your pump to solar, taking your water supply off-grid. This will cost you more upfront but less each month on utilities. Plus, you will still have access to water when the power grid shuts down.
Manual Pump
Yes, manual pumps are still a thing, and they are still popular. These work great in areas that are far from the house, where a hose won’t reach. If you live on a farm, you might want a pump near a trough or in the garden.
Labor and Materials
If you need well pump repair in Orlando, labor and materials will be a cost factor. Labor prices can change depending on when you need service. If there is an emergency and you need help on the weekend or a holiday, you will pay more. This is why it is important to do regular maintenance on your well pump. You will be less likely to have a surprise failure.
The type of materials and equipment needed to do the job will also influence the price you will pay. If you need top-of-the-line parts, you will pay top prices for them. If the job requires heavy machinery to complete the work, it will cost you more.
How to Avoid Costly Well Pump Repairs in Orlando?
The number one thing we recommend to Orlando residents is to keep up with routine well pump maintenance. This includes well pump inspections and water testing each year. It is also a good idea to do your own inspections weekly or monthly. This should include:
- Checking the PSI in your well pump pressure tank
- Checking for signs of leaky pipes from well to house
- Listening for any clicking or unusual sounds
- Looking at your water through a clear glass
If anything seems like a red flag to you, trust your instinct and give us a call. The longer you wait to get help, the more costly the repairs can become. If anyone in the house shows signs of stomach aches, the CDC recommends more frequent inspections.
When Do You Need Permits for Well Pump Repair in Orlando?
If you need well pump repair in Orlando, you will need to have a permit before work can begin. This is because your well and well pump are considered structural, and both concern the health of the water supply. Therefore, any changes will require approval from the city and state. If there is an emergency problem, an experienced, licensed professional like us can do the work without a permit. However, that work must be reported to the city immediately, so they have a record of the changes.
