Contents (Click To Jump)
What Are the Most Common Well Pump Repair Issues in Rochester?
When something happens to your water supply, it can be a plumbing emergency. It’s hard to function without water in your home and you’ll need to have the problem amended quickly. Here are some of the most common well pump issues we see in Rochester so you can watch out for them. If you notice any of these problems, call a professional immediately so they can get your water running smoothly again.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure tends to slowly appear and gets worse over time. If you notice this very common issue, it’s best to have a plumber diagnose the cause. Sometimes your well pump may be to blame if it’s old and tired. In other cases, the pressure valve can get stuck or can become faulty and that’s an easy fix. If your pump is working well, we’ll check your pipes for any signs of damage. Clogs, cracks, and corrosion can all be signs that your pipes need to be repaired or replaced in order to fix your water pressure problems. And finally, if your well pump and pipes look great, we’ll check to make sure your well screen is free from debris.
Although low water pressure is not a plumbing emergency, it is usually a sign that something isn’t working properly and needs attention. Don’t ignore your low water pressure for long or you’ll risk a much larger plumbing issue down the road.
No Water
If your home suddenly has no water, it’s a good sign that your well pump needs some immediate attention. Water pumps rely on electricity to function so sometimes it’s as easy as resetting your breaker. If that doesn’t work, you may need to call a plumber for help. Wells have an ever-changing water supply and the level can fluctuate throughout the year. If it’s summertime and you’ve been using a lot of water, try limiting your water use for a few days. Sometimes, this is all you need for your well to replenish its supply. If that doesn’t work, your well pump may not be functioning correctly and it will need to be repaired or replaced.
Discolored Water
When you turn on the tap, your well water should be crystal clear and delicious. If instead, your water is suddenly brown and murky, it’s a good idea to call a plumber for help. There are several causes for this issue and their solutions are very different. Sometimes, minerals can leach into your water supply, causing the water to become discolored, but it’s usually harmless. According to this Groundwater Report of Oakland County, your water is likely safe to drink, but it’s always best to determine the cause of your discolored water.
In other cases, your water level may be low and your pump can pull up water from the bottom that contains a lot of sediment. In these cases, you’ll want to have the issue fixed quickly since the sediment can damage your pump and cause it to fail. Another cause for concern is that the discolored water is due to old and corroded or cracked pipes. Regardless of the cause, your plumber will be able to identify the issue and ensure that your water supply is safe again for consumption.
Sputtering Water
If you turn on the tap and the water spits out, it’s an indication that there’s air somewhere in your water supply. In these cases, we usually find either a crack in the water pipes above the well pump or the well pump isn’t working properly. If that’s the case, we’ll need to pull your pump to diagnose the problem and the faulty part will need to be replaced.
Unusually High Utility Bills
If you suddenly notice an increase in energy usage, your pump may be the problem. Sometimes, a faulty pump can run constantly, causing your utility bill to increase drastically. A licensed plumber can repair your pump, and if it’s old, it may just need to be replaced. If your well pump isn’t the problem, it’s probably a faulty pressure switch. If it’s not communicating with your well pump correctly, it’ll need to be repaired as well.
What Factors Cause Premature Well Pump Failure in Rochester?
Oftentimes, homeowners don’t think about their wells or well pumps at all until something goes terribly wrong. Luckily, your well pump doesn’t need a lot of care and it will last you at least 15 to 20 years, on average. There are a few things you can do to make sure your well pump lasts for years to come. Here are some of the best ways to avoid problems.
Poor Installation
If you have a new well installed, make sure you choose a contractor who is licensed with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (or EGLE for short). This will ensure that they abide by all of the standards set forth by the state of Michigan. Quality work with quality materials will make a world of difference to the longevity of your well and well pump’s lifespans. If you need to have maintenance work done on your well or well pump, it’s important to hire a contractor who is licensed with the EGLE who will go above and beyond to make sure your well is in perfect working order. Your water supply is essential to your family’s health and your well is not a home project that you want to cut corners on.
Neglect
Most of the time, your well and well pump will run smoothly without any need of attention. If you want to make sure your well pump lasts as long as possible, it’s important to respond to any problems as quickly as possible. If you notice any of the issues listed above, have a plumber check it out right away. Small issues like discolored water and low water pressure are signals that something is wrong. Low water pressure can be amended early, but if you wait too long, your pipes could become completely clogged and can even burst, leading to a plumbing emergency that is very expensive to fix.
Similarly, a well pump works best when it’s properly maintained. If your well pump has been running constantly or if your water becomes discolored, you’ll want to have it checked out right away. A pump that works too hard will fail quickly and you’ll end up having to replace the entire pump much sooner than necessary. Overall, if you notice small issues, it’s always best to have them checked out early. Usually, you’ll save far more in the long run by paying for a service call at the first sign of a problem.
How Much Does Well Pump Repair Usually Cost in Rochester?
Well pump repair usually costs around $950 in Rochester, which is right around the national average of about $1,000. Since each job is unique, we’ll take several factors into consideration to determine your final price. Some of the biggest factors include:
Size of Well
Wells can vary in size and it’s important to take your unique well’s design into consideration before calculating a quote. Shallow wells make it much easier for us to access the pump, while a deep well, on the other hand, requires more time, effort, and skill. Your final price will be directly affected by the size and depth of your specific well.
Type of Pump
Well pumps are not cheap, and if you need to have yours replaced, we’ll factor the cost into your final bill. There are several well pumps available, and we can help you choose the type that works best for your needs. Each well pump has its advantages and disadvantages and we can go over them together. A jet pump, for example, is located in a spot that is easy to access and repair when needed. A submersible pump, as the name suggests, is submersed deep inside your well, causing repair work to be more difficult when it’s needed.
Extent of Damages
If your well is old or if it has been neglected, it’s probably going to need a lot of work. Most plumbers work at an hourly rate and the greater the damage, the longer it’s going to take to fix your well. You can expect to pay more for a well that is in need of lots of repairs and much less for one that just needs a little care.
How to Avoid Costly Well Pump Repairs in Rochester?
If you need to have repair work done to your well pump, make sure you hire someone who is licensed through the EGLE. The state of Michigan requires that all contractors who do well pump repairs are licensed through their system so they can ensure that the work is done safely and effectively.
Additionally, it’s important to call a contractor at the first sign of a problem. Don’t wait until your small issues become major problems because you’ll only cost yourself extra time and money. If you notice any of the problems listed above, it’s always best to call a technician early. You’ll pay far less in a service call than you’d pay to have a big mess cleaned up down the road.
When Do You Need Permits for Well Pump Repair in Rochester?
If you are having a well installed or a well pump repaired, you need to obtain a permit through the EGLE. They will help you fill out all the required paperwork and jump through the hoops needed so you can have your well pump repaired or replaced. If you have any questions about the permit process or whether you need one, you can call the Environmental Assistance Hotline at (800) 662-9278.
