Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Well Pump Repair Issues in Palm Harbor?
- 2 What Factors Cause Premature Well Pump Failure in Palm Harbor?
- 3 How Much Does Well Pump Repair Usually Cost in Palm Harbor?
- 4 How to Avoid Costly Well Pump Repairs in Palm Harbor?
- 5 When Do You Need Permits for Well Pump Repair in Palm Harbor?
What Are the Most Common Well Pump Repair Issues in Palm Harbor?
Your private well water system comprises several components that all need to work together to get water to your tap. If any one of those components fails, you can be left without water. This section will go over the most common reasons we are called out for well pump repair in Palm Harbor.
Electrical Issues
One common issue we see that causes well pump repair in Palm Harbor, Florida, is no power to the system. If you do not have power going to your well pump, you won’t have water.
The first thing we usually do when there is an electrical issue is to check the breaker box. You should have a dedicated switch for your well pump (hopefully, it’s labeled). After locating the switch, you will need to see if it has tripped. Is it lined up with the other switches? If not, you can push it off and then back into the on position. If this turns your system back on, then your problem was likely temporary. We see this a lot after big storms.
If this doesn’t fix the problem and your well pump is still not getting power, the problem will need more investigation. There are a few areas of your system that have electrical components. If any of these suffer a power surge, they may need to be replaced or repaired.
Water Quality Issues
Water is essential to all life. When the quality of our water is off in any way, it can be stressful. We see a lot of well water quality issues. You may need well pump repair in Palm Harbor if you have any of these problems.
- Cloudy-looking water is standard, and it’s usually harmless. The two main culprits are typically tiny water bubbles and dissolved minerals in the water. The amount of dissolved solids in the water determines how “hard” it is. The water in the Floridian Aquifer is considered very hard, causing water sometimes to look cloudy. Hard water is not likely to harm you but can be tough on your plumbing fixtures and pipes.
- Dirty-looking water is often due to sand and sediment getting into your well pump. If this happens, you will need to call us to look because your pump is supposed to filter debris out. The sediment will cause your pump to wear out faster.
- Bad smells and tastes are usually a result of high bacteria and nitrate levels in the water. The aquifer that supplies your water is home to good and bad microbes. As they die off, they will decay, causing a foul smell or taste.
- Health concerns can arise if the harmful bacteria levels are too high. For example, if E. coli is in the water, it could cause members of the household to become sick. If symptoms of infection are seen, it’s a good idea to get your water tested.
Most water quality issues are temporary, but if this is a big concern for you, we can help. There are whole-home filtration systems, like reverse osmosis, that can remove nitrates, bacteria, and excess minerals.
Overworked Well Pump
If your pump is overworked, you will need it repaired. Some signs that this is your problem include a well pump that is constantly running and a larger-than-average energy bill. There are a few reasons why your well pump is running too hard.
The first common reason is that your well pump is too small. Maybe your household size has increased over the years, or you added a new bathroom to the house. For whatever reason, your well pump is not strong enough to supply enough water effectively. Not being able to provide sufficient water will make it try harder and, as a result, it will constantly run and use more electricity.
Another reason your well pump is overworked could be due to a leaky or torn bladder in your pressure tank. Your tank needs to maintain a certain level of pressure to help keep a consistent supply of water to the house. If there is a leak or tear, your well pump will keep building pressure without success. This problem usually requires pressure tank replacement.
Water Pressure Issues
If you turn on the shower and little or nothing comes out, you have a water pressure problem. Several different issues could cause this problem. Here are the more likely ones.
- Leaks can appear anywhere throughout your well water system. If your leak is in the underground pipes, your water pressure won’t be as strong, but the grass and vegetation in that area of the yard will be greener and taller.
- Pressure tank failure is probably the number one reason for sudden water pressure loss. If the bladder inside the tank tears, it will not produce enough pressure and will need to be replaced.
- Sediment can clog your well pump. As the well gets older, more sediment will be present, making this problem more likely to happen. You can have your well cleared out to help limit this issue.
- Low water levels can occur due to droughts, overworking well pumps throughout the region, or using a pump that is too big for your well’s output. Sometimes, limiting your water use will help. Other times we need to dig your well deeper.
Strange Noises
We get called out for well pump repair in Palm Harbor when homeowners start hearing strange noises coming from their private well water system. The top complaint is a clicking noise coming from the tank. If this clicking noise is accompanied by water pressure changes, it is likely the seals or bladder. If these go bad, you will hear a clicking sound each time the tank builds pressure inside.
What Factors Cause Premature Well Pump Failure in Palm Harbor?
A new well pump should work for at least five to ten years. If yours stops working before this, it can be considered a premature well pump failure. The causes of well pump failure can be either natural or human-made.
Natural Causes of Well Pump Failure
Droughts – Your well pump can only pull up water if there is water in the well. Water shortages are affecting most of Palm Harbor, and if the aquifer is not replenished by rain, the water levels can fall below the pump.
Flooding – Floods are a big issue in Palm Harbor and most coastal areas. As floodwater pours over your land, it can bring contaminants with it. If your well pump casings are covered in water, you should have your water tested before using it.
Thunderstorms – If there is a storm and lightning in the area, it can cause power surges that disrupt or damage the electrical components of your well pump. These may only be temporary, but in some cases, parts will need to be replaced.
Human-Made Causes of Well Pump Failure
Wrong Equipment – Choosing the wrong equipment can cause your well pump to fail prematurely. For example, if you choose a smaller pump than your household needs, you will be forcing it to work harder. The pump working too hard will effectively wear it out sooner rather than later.
Forgetting maintenance – All water and plumbing systems require some form of regular maintenance. If you forget or choose not to keep up with inspections and testing, you may miss a problem, causing more damage later.
Avoiding Repairs – If you know there is something wrong with your system, you should contact us to take care of it right away. Waiting can cause the issue to worsen and damage other parts of your well water system.
How Much Does Well Pump Repair Usually Cost in Palm Harbor?
Most well pump repairs in Palm Harbor will run between $155 and $1,655 to complete, with an average cost of around $600. However, this is just an estimate based on past work. Many different cost factors will influence your price. If you need an exact quote, we can help. Here are some factors to consider.
Depth of Well Pump
How deep is your well? In Palm Harbor, Florida, wells are usually drilled at a depth of 100 to 400 feet, sometimes more. If you have a submersible well pump and your well is 400 feet deep, it will take a lot more time, work, and equipment to do the job. This is because before the pump can be looked at and fixed, the pipe needs to come up. If, on the other hand, you have a shallow jet pump closer to the water surface, it will not cost as much money because it will be a more straightforward job.
Type of Well Pump
Depending on the type of well you have and how deep it is, you will likely have either a submersible or a jet well pump. You might even have a solar, off-grid setup. There are several different types of pumps, and they all come with different price tags. Submersible well pumps are usually more powerful and efficient. These also cost more to repair because there are more parts to maintain.
Labor and Equipment Needed
If you need well pump repair in Palm Harbor, your bill will depend on labor and equipment requirements. For example, if you need emergency service for a well pump failure on a holiday weekend, you can expect to pay more. If heavy equipment and more crew are required to pull up several hundred feet of pipe in your 50-year old well, it will also cost you more.
How to Avoid Costly Well Pump Repairs in Palm Harbor?
One of the things you can do to avoid costly well pump repair in Palm Harbor is to keep up with all maintenance. Keeping your well pump maintained might seem like a no-brainer. However, many people choose not to schedule regular inspections and testing because they think their well pump works fine. Inspections and water quality testing should be done by a professional like us at least once a year. You also need to do your checks. It’s a good idea to look for signs that your system is in trouble. Here are things to keep an eye out for:
- Look for signs of leaks, like rust or pools of water
- Checking the PSI in your well pump pressure tank
- Listening for any clicking or unusual sounds
- Look at your water through a clear glass
When Do You Need Permits for Well Pump Repair in Palm Harbor?
If you need well pump repair in Palm Harbor, you will first need to apply for a permit. The State of Florida keeps a tight ship when it comes to public and private water supplies. Depending on the type of well system work that needs to be done, you may also need inspections and other paperwork. They will need to see that all safety regulations are in place. If all of this sounds overwhelming to you, you are not alone. We can help because we have experience with well pump repairs and permitting in Palm Harbor, Florida.
