AFFORDABLE WELL PUMP REPAIR IN Wilkes Barre, PA

What Are the Most Common Well Pump Repair Issues in Wilkes Barre?

The weather in Wilkes Barre, PA is surprisingly rainy throughout the year. Such high levels of precipitation create a nuisance for anyone who sources their drinking water from wells. This can especially become an issue during floods and even during droughts. 

Well pumps are complicated devices and require someone with expert knowledge to fix any problems that may come up. Such complicated devices come with their own potential problems, but the good news is that these problems can be fixed by our experienced plumbers. 

• Inconsistent Water Pressure: Inconsistent water pressure can be detected if you turn on the faucet and the water comes out in a gush but then settles to a trickle and then starts to gush again. This is often caused when the tank becomes waterlogged and there is no oxygen in the top of the tank to force the water into the pipes. This causes there to be no air pressure to push the water through.
  
• Cloudy or Muddy Water: Water that does not come out clear, but cloudy or muddy, means the water table is sinking and the well pump is pulling from shallow water where there is a higher concentration of silt or sand. It can also mean the water pump is failing and is unable to filter through the silt before it gets pumped to the surface. Either way, the pump is going to break down at a much quicker rate and will need to be replaced soon.

• Higher Utility Bills: If the homeowner notices a spike in the utility bills with no obvious reason for the rise, it could very well be the well pump is not turning off. The pump can fail to turn off if it malfunctions, the water table is low, or the switch on the storage tank needs readjustment.
  
• No Water: The most basic problem for a well pump is when you turn on the faucet and no water comes out. Sometimes it can be as simple as a tripped breaker, and it can easily be fixed by resetting the breaker. It can also be a well pump problem. A lack of water can also be caused when the water table drops due to a lack of rain and the water dips below the depth of the pump. Sometimes this can be fixed by reducing water usage in the household for a season to allow the water to replenish, and sometimes it requires the pump to be dropped deeper down.

Whatever the problem you are experiencing with your well pump, we have you covered. Don’t wait to get the problem fixed and don’t try to fix the problem yourself. The peace of mind of knowing the job will be done right, and you will have steady access to good water is worth the extra money. 

What Factors Cause Premature Well Pump Failure in Wilkes Barre?

Seasons of excessive rain and drought can cause unwanted wear and tear on the well pump at your home at Wilkes Barre. The drier months can especially make the pump work harder as it tries to pump water that is harder and harder to access. 

While all that is very true, the main cause of premature pump failure is equipment problems. There are many moving parts of a working well system and when one part starts to go bad it can cause all the other parts to work harder or even fail right alongside. 

The most important parts to a residential well system are: 

• Casing: The casing provides the structure for the system within the drilled hold in the ground. The casing keeps grout, possibly contaminated surface water, and other contaminants from mixing with the well water. It also protects against unstable earth collapsing in on the well.
  
• Well Caps: The well cap is exactly as the name sounds. It is the cap to the entire system on the surface level. It fits snuggly to keep debris, insects, or small animals out of the well system.
  
• Well Screens: Well screens are filtering devices that prevent excess sediment from entering the well. The screens attach to the bottom of the casing and allow water to through the well while catching the gravel and sand.
  
• Pitless Adapters: The pitless adapter gives your well a sanitary seal between the well casing and the water line running to the house.
  
• Well Pump: The well pump is the very heart of the whole well system. It is what pumps the water upward and to the residential household. The type of pump required for your well system is determined by the depth of the well and the amount of water used in the household. 

Your well system may seem like it is working fine and then all of a sudden it isn’t. When one part stops working, it can become like falling dominoes. Sadly, all these things can contribute to your rising repair bill. We are ready to help you navigate the complications of well pump repair and to help you stay as close to your budget as possible.

How Much Does Well Pump Repair Usually Cost in Wilkes Barre?

It is hard to give an exact figure of how much well pump repair is going to cost you in Wilkes Barre. There are so many things that could potentially need fixing. Some of these things could be a simple fix and some could be much more complicated, requiring more people and time to fix.

On average, though, a rough estimate of how much residents in Wilkes Barre will pay for well pump repair is about $830. It could be as low as $200 for a simple job and possibly as high as $1,500 for a more complicated job. 

Size of the Pump

The size of your pump is going to affect the cost of the repair. Some pumps used for deeper wells for larger homes are going to cost more to repair. There is more pump that needs repair and is much deeper in the ground. Smaller pumps for shallow wells, however, maybe only 25 feet down. That brings the difficulty factor much lower and brings the price down as well. 

Type of Pump

There are two main types of well pumps for residential homes: 

• Jet Pumps: Most households want to use jet pumps because they are easier to remove when necessary. Jet pumps save time on labor because of this ease of removal.
  
• Submersible Pumps: Submersible pumps are much harder to remove and put back into the proper place. This trouble will add to the time it takes for our team to ensure repairs are done properly. More difficulty and time for us equals more cost to you. 

Labor and Materials 

Repairing a well pump requires specialized expertise and with that comes the price of hiring the right people for their labor. The larger the job, the more it is going to cost you in labor. Don’t forget any parts or equipment that may be required for the proper repair. We will need to assess your particular well system and choose proper parts and materials accordingly. The price will change based on how much needs to be replaced and how long it takes to get the job done. 

The cost of labor will also change based on when the repair needs to happen. If we are doing a well-planned and scheduled repair, that will be much more affordable than a repair that needs emergency attention. It will cost even more if the repair needs to happen during holidays, weekends, or other non-working hours.

How to Avoid Costly Well Pump Repairs in Wilkes Barre?

There are a few things you can do to prevent having to call us for well pump repairs too soon. Consider the following:

Check

Regularly perform visual checks on the well. Look at the well cover, pressure tank, pump, and pipes. This is to check for any evidence of rust, corrosion, cracks, and visible leaks. Any damage or worn parts in your well can cause the pump to work harder to keep good water pressure in the house. Working too hard will cause the pump to burn out and need to be replaced sooner. Cracks can also lead to bacteria, chemicals, or other substances in your water. We can help you with professional inspections, but it’s important to remember that neglect is the main cause of pump failure. Keep your eyes open and notify us when you notice anything wrong. 

Listen 

Turn on your water and listen carefully. Does your pump turn on and off as it should? If it runs sporadically, it could be a sign of bigger problems. These problems could include the pressure switch, the air in the pressure tank, or a problem with the pump itself. Whatever the case, when these problems go unaddressed they can cause the pump to work too hard and eventually need replacing much too soon. 

Inspect 

It may seem somewhat inconvenient to have your well pump inspected every six months, but it is more than worth the effort. This can mean finding something that can be fixed more inexpensively now than finding out months later and being much more expensive. 

Our team can put your well pump in Wilkes Barre on a routine inspection. We look for leaks, potential insect damage to wiring, and the overall condition of the wiring. It is possible for residents to perform their own inspections, but hiring our professionals is well worth the peace of mind. 

When Do You Need Permits for Well Pump Repair in Wilkes Barre?

The State of Pennsylvania requires residential building permits for any renovations and repairs on an existing single-family or two-family dwelling. The Wilkes Barre government takes it further and clarifies any work done on electrical, plumbing, HVAC, driveways and curbs, and building (framing, roofing, etc.). Licensed contractors typically apply for building permits. However, homeowners can apply under the condition the homeowner is applying for their primary residence. Any homeowner who is applying for their primary residence is responsible for all work and inspections are done at their house and ensuring everything is done according to code. As licensed professionals, we can take the extra challenge of all these extra details and guide you through the whole well pump repair process, from permitting to repairing the problem.