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What Are the Most Common Well Pump Repair Issues in Saline?
Three of the most common types of well pumps in use today are shallow jet pumps, deep jet pumps, and deep submersible pumps. A well’s depth determines what kind of pump can be used. While a handful of wells in Saline are as shallow as 35 feet, many are between 75 and 130 feet deep. At these depths, deep jet pumps and deep submersible pumps are used the most often. If you don’t know how deep your home’s well is, you can look up the depth on the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGL) Water Well Viewer. No matter what type of well pump you have, you will encounter repair issues at some point.
We receive phone calls from customers who say that they don’t have running water and that their well pump has died. And, could we come out ASAP? While no water can be a sign that your pump has reached the end of its lifespan, there are other explanations. If none of the faucets in your home work, you should first check the circuit breaker. You may just need to reset it. If your well pump starts working again but you continue to have problems with the circuit breaker, let us know. The pump may be malfunctioning or there could be an electrical issue. If the circuit breaker is fine, you can then check the pump control box. Some have a “reset” button you can push. If, after taking these two steps, you still don’t have running water, give us a call.
Another common well issue in Saline is water that “spits” or “sputters” out of the faucet. Air bubbles are actually the cause of this interrupted water flow. There are a few reasons why air may get into the water pipes. The first is that the pump motor is dying and struggling to pull up water. Another cause of air bubbles is small, hairline cracks in the pipes. Or, the water level could be to blame. The water table may have fallen below the pump or the well has dried up. If the pump is still in good condition, it may just need to be lowered below the new water table level. If the well is dry, it may need to be dug deeper or it might be time for a new well.
A well pump that runs constantly is another common well pump repair in Saline, MI. Some homeowners won’t notice this is even happening until they receive a sky-high electrical bill! A pump that runs more than usual might be reaching the end of its lifespan. An older well pump won’t draw up water as efficiently, so it may have to work extra hard to do so. The wrong size pressure tank for your household’s needs can also cause a pump to run more than normal. Every home’s water usage is different. The number of people that are home during the day, an irrigation system, or water needs for animals will all impact water usage and the need for a larger pressure tank. And if the pressure tank isn’t the right size, the well pump will need to be repaired or replaced more often.
Lastly, the amount of sediment in a well can cause the pump to need more frequent repairs or replacements. Sediment is things like hard water buildup, sand, and grit. These particles are abrasive and will damage the pump and its components. One reason that a pump pulls up sediment is that the pump is too powerful for the well. Bigger is not always better, in this case! You may need a smaller pump to accommodate your well. Another reason that a well pump will pull sediment is if the well screen needs to be replaced. Over time, these screens can degrade or corrode. If your well has a lot of sediment, you may need to plan on replacing the well screens on a regular basis.
What Factors Cause Premature Well Pump Failure in Saline?
Most well pumps for a single-family home in Saline will last 10 to 15 years. If you are unsure of the age of your well pump, you can search the Washtenaw County Well Permit Records for more information. If your home is older or a previous owner did some DIY repairs, the information in this database may not be complete. If a pump fails before the 10-year mark, certain factors may be at play.
First and foremost, it’s true that you get what you pay for. As with any consumer product you buy, the quality of the pump motor will affect its lifespan. If you need to replace your pump’s motor, we’ll have some manufacturer recommendations for you.
A well pump may also fail prematurely due to heavy use. A pump that is in use a couple of times in the morning and evening will last considerably longer than one that is in use all day. If your pump fails because of heavy use, your home may need a larger pressure tank.
The amount of sediment in a well will also impact how long a pump lasts. Sand and other organic solids will wear away at a pump’s moving parts, shortening its lifespan.
How Much Does Well Pump Repair Usually Cost in Saline?
When customers call us, usually one of the first things they ask about is cost. This is understandable, but it is difficult to give an estimate without seeing a project firsthand. We can, however, give you some ballpark figures.
The average cost for well pump repair in Saline is $940.00. Many projects will fall within the $209.00 to $1,700.00 range. These prices do not include permit fees or taxes.
The Type of Pump
A shallow jet pump typically sits in the well house, is the easiest to repair or replace, and comes with the smallest price tag. Deep jet pumps and deep submersible pumps take a little more work to replace and may need special equipment brought in to do so. If you have a deep jet or deep submersible pump, you’ll pay more for service.
The Location and Accessibility of the Well
Some wells are easily accessible from a well house or other outbuilding. Older homes without any written record of well work may have a buried well that needs to be located. The more detective work we have to do to find or access the well, the more it will cost.
The Condition and Age of Other Well Components
The well pump may not be the only part that needs to be replaced. The pressure tank or pipes may also be worn out or due for replacement soon. Fixing these components during a well pump repair will raise the cost of the project, but will save you money in the long run.
How to Avoid Costly Well Pump Repairs in Saline?
Many homeowners don’t think about their well pumps until there are issues. Your home’s well and well pump will both benefit from routine maintenance.
We usually recommend that all wells be inspected on a regular basis. How often your pump should be looked at depends on the pump type, age of the pump, water usage in the home, and well depth. We can set up a maintenance schedule that is specially tailored to your home and your well. During these regular checks, we can spot small issues before they turn into expensive repairs.
Some people will attempt to inspect or perform minor repairs on their own. We discourage this for several reasons. Every time a well cap is removed, there is the possibility of contaminating the well. You risk introducing bacteria and pests into your family’s drinking water supply. It is not easy to remedy contaminated well water and you could end up having to drill a brand new well.
It is also easy for DIY well pump repairs to get out of hand. You probably won’t be able to see all of the components—we have special tools and cameras that allow us to do so. You also run the risk of dropping tools or flashlights into the well. And, the mix of water and electrical components puts you at risk of electrocution.
You can also avoid costly well pump repairs by protecting your well cover or well cap. Be careful when doing any mowing or landscape work around that area. Occasionally check the cover to make sure it fits tightly. If you can easily move the cover, so can pets, children, and wild animals. You’ll also want to make sure that the cap isn’t damaged in any way—look for cracks or chips.
When Do You Need Permits for Well Pump Repair in Saline?
Washtenaw County requires a permit for well replacements. The office of Environmental Health issues permits for all septic and well permits and can be reached at 734-222-3800 or zeebcss@washtenaw.org. You may also need electrical and plumbing permits, depending on the nature of the repairs.
If you’re attempting to handle well pump repairs on your own, it can be difficult to know exactly what permits you do and don’t need. If you don’t obtain the correct permits, you could be fined and risk having finished work not being approved. One benefit to hiring us is that we take care of obtaining the permits on your behalf.
Permits aren’t the only reason you should hire a licensed professional for well pump repair. Fixing a pump is more than just replacing gears and parts—it’s about the integrity of your family’s drinking water.
