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What Are the Most Common Well Pump Repair Issues In Rigby?
It’s easy to go about your life, assuming that your well pump will do its job to provide water every time you turn on the faucet. Usually, that’s the case, but on occasion, issues may arise and your pump can fail. Most of the time, we’re able to repair your pump and get things flowing again in no time. Here are the most common well pump issues we encounter in Rigby.
Low Water Pressure
This common issue can be caused by a variety of factors but they aren’t usually plumbing emergencies. When a customer has low water pressure and they can’t pinpoint a cause, we typically check the pipes first. If your pipes are corroded, damaged, or clogged, water will have trouble flowing through them and your water pressure will be affected. If that’s the case, we’ll need to replace the pipes that are damaged. If your pipes look good, we’ll check your well pump’s pressure valve to see if it’s stuck since this can happen occasionally. If the valve is working properly, it’s probably a faulty well pump that needs to be replaced. This can happen as well pumps age and begin to fail.
If you do notice that your water pressure is low, go ahead and schedule a service call with a licensed plumber in Rigby. Oftentimes, low water pressure won’t be a costly repair, but if you wait too long, we’ll have a much bigger problem to fix and you’ll pay much more to have things amended.
No Water
If your water supply suddenly stops, it’s a good sign that something’s wrong. In some cases, it’s as easy as resetting the circuit breaker. In more serious instances, you may need to have your well pump replaced. If you reset your circuit breaker and your water still isn’t flowing, then it’s time to call a professional for help. Your well has an ever-changing water level that is usually low during the spring and summer months. This is common, and it will be replenished during the winter months when water usage is much lower. If you’ve cut back on water usage for a few days and you still don’t have any water coming out of the tap, your well has either gone dry, your pressure switch needs to be replaced, or your pump needs to be placed deeper into the well.
Dirty Water
No homeowner wants to fill a glass with murky water and that water is a good sign that something is wrong with your well or well pump. The EPA suggests that homeowners have their water supply tested occasionally to ensure that it’s safe to drink, but in many cases, discolored water is just a nuisance. In some instances, murky water is a sign that your water table is sinking and causing your pump to pull water that has high amounts of silt and sand in it. In other cases, it may indicate that your pump needs to be replaced. Only a professional can determine the cause, but if you notice discolored water coming from the tap, have someone assess the problem right away. If it’s just a pump placement issue, we can fix things quickly, but if you wait too long, the sediments can damage your pump and you’ll have to have it replaced as well.
High Electricity Bill
One of the greatest perks to owning a well is that you don’t have to pay a water bill every month, but if your electricity bill suddenly increases, it kind of defeats the purpose. An increase in energy usage can be a sign that your pump is constantly running and that’s never normal. Sometimes, this just means that your pump is malfunctioning and needs to be repaired. It also may be a sign that your pressure switch isn’t working correctly. Either way, a licensed plumber can determine the cause and get things working again quickly.
What Factors Cause Premature Well Pump Failure in Rigby?
Most well pumps will last anywhere from 15 to 20 years, but they will fail and will need to be replaced eventually. There are several things you can do to ensure that your well pump lives a long, healthy life. Here are some basic steps to take to keep your well pump working for years to come.
Make Sure Your Well Is Installed Properly
A private well and well pump that are properly installed will last for years. If you have a well installed on your property, make sure you’ve hired someone with the appropriate licensure that complies with all of the regulations set forth by the Idaho Department of Water Resources. Quality materials and workmanship make a world of difference in the longevity of your well and it’s important that their work is top-notch. If you’ve already got a well, keep this in mind when it’s time to have repairs done as well. Your water supply needs to be clean, efficient, and dependable, and the right plumbers can ensure that your well and well pump will work effectively for years to come.
Call at the First Sign of a Problem
It’s easy to neglect your well and well pump and assume that water will always be available at the turn of a tap. That’s perfectly fine until a problem arises and your water supply isn’t working properly. Many homeowners choose to ignore problems like low water pressure or discolored water and assume that the problem isn’t a big deal. Unfortunately, these minor issues become much larger as time passes since they usually require your well pump to work much harder than it usually does. Without intervention, the well pump fails and homeowners have a plumbing emergency on their hands that is very, very expensive. If you notice a minor issue, have a plumber check it out right away. We’re able to diagnose and treat minor issues quickly that will save you money (and headaches) in the long run.
Keep an Eye on Your Water
Many wells in Rigby can pull sediments into the water supply, causing your water to become dark and discolored. If you notice this problem, don’t ignore it. Sediments are abrasive and they’ll force your well pump to work much harder. When this happens, your well pump can give out and will need to be replaced much sooner than it should. A licensed plumber will know how to quickly treat your water quality issue, and we can save your well pump in the process.
How Much Does Well Pump Repair Usually Cost in Rigby?
You can expect to pay around $800 to have your well pump replaced in Rigby. Since every well and situation is unique, it’s always best to call ahead for a quote. When we calculate the price for your specific job, we’ll take several factors into consideration. The biggest factors include:
Well Size
Your well’s size and depth will probably be the biggest factor in determining your final price. A shallow well makes it much easier for our crews to access the well pump and it will cost you less to have it repaired. If your well is much larger and deeper, it will require more time, effort, and skill to replace your well pump, and your price will reflect that extra effort.
Pump Type
If you’re having a new well pump installed, we will factor the price of your replacement part into the final bill. Since there are many different types of pumps on the market, we’ll need to discuss ahead of time which type you’d like to have installed. A jet pump, for example, is fairly easy to install and makes repair work a breeze. A submersible pump, on the other hand, is more difficult to access since it’s located deep inside the well. Together, we can pick the pump that works best for your family’s needs.
Maintenance Needed
Most plumbers work at an hourly rate, and if your well and well pump need extensive repairs, it’s going to take a lot of time. Depending on the state of your well, we’ll determine how much work needs to be done and how long it will take to complete the project. The more work and care needed, the more you can expect to pay.
How To Avoid Costly Well Pump Repairs in Rigby?
When it comes to well pumps in Rigby, proper maintenance is the key. Your well pump will work efficiently with little effort on your part, but if an issue arises, it’s important to have a professional address the problem early. Small issues can be dealt with quickly to keep your well pump working effectively, but if you ignore them, you’ll end up with much bigger (and more expensive) problems on your hands. If you’ve got questions about your well pump, you’re welcome to contact the Idaho Department of Water Resources at idwrinfo@idwr.idaho.gov.
When Do You Need Permits for Well Pump Repair in Rigby?
If you are drilling a new well on your property, you need to contact the Idaho Department of Water Resources before any work begins. This organization oversees all of the wells throughout the state and you’ll need to apply for a permit ahead of time. The state is divided into four quadrants and Rigby’s well inspector is in the east division. If you have any questions about well pump repair or whether you need a permit to replace your well pump, you can call them at (208) 525-7161.
