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What Are the Most Common Well Pump Repair Issues in Odessa?
Well pumps are common in Texas because many people prefer to have their water supply on their property. Some people use a well because they live in rural areas, far from city hookups. We get called for well pump repair in Odessa for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the most common issues we see:
Water Quality
Unlike city water that comes out of the tap clean and usually clear, well water can sometimes look, smell, or taste a little off. If the water comes out cloudy or dirty, you may need a well pump repair in Odessa because it’s no longer filtering out the minerals or silt. This can cause the water to look and taste terrible. You may need to test the water for bacteria and other pathogens before drinking it. Any sand or silt that is in the pump can cause friction and wear it out faster. Below are the usual culprits for poor water quality.
- Corroded pipes
- Contaminated water
- High mineral content from the hard water in the area
- Silt in the water
Strange Noises
Sometimes your first clue that there’s a problem and you need well pump repair in Odessa is strange noises. If you hear a clicking sound coming from your pressure tank, it might be the bladder inside. This usually means that there is a tear and air is getting in. This problem will get worse and needs to be addressed. This is often accompanied by lower water pressure.
Another strange noise you might hear is spitting or choking from the sink. If the pump cannot get enough water pressure, it will sound like it’s struggling to get to the faucet. Sometimes dirty water and air will come out as well. The three main reasons this might happen are due to leaky pressure tank bladder, breaks in the water lines above the pump, or a faulty well pump.
No Water or Low Pressure
If you turn on the shower and nothing comes out, or the pressure is low, you might wonder if your well has dried up. This is one of the questions we get asked a lot. The truth is that there are many reasons for a well to stop producing or losing its pressure. Even though Texas is prone to droughts, this issue is rarely because of a dry well. Here are the more likely causes of wells that stop producing.
Your pump may be pulling more water than your well can produce. For example, your well produces 2 gallons a minute, but if you have a pump that pulls 5 gallons a minute, your well will be dry unless there is a cutoff safety switch. We see this when someone tries to “upgrade” their system. The right size pump is always better than the biggest pump.
The age of the well can play a factor in water pressure and, in some cases, no water. Your pump is designed to pull in the water not the sediment and silt. The older your well is, the more sediment builds up in the well. We see this a lot for well pump repair in Odessa. This is a relatively easy fix that usually involves clearing out the well.
High Energy Bill
Sometimes your first clue that there is a problem is a high energy bill. If your pump is in the basement, you will likely hear it pumping hard or all the time. If your pump is out closer to the well, you might not hear it. The longer and harder the pump runs, the more energy you will be paying for.
What Factors Cause Premature Well Pump Failure in Odessa?
If you need a well pump repair in Odessa, your best bet is to take care of it sooner rather than later. This is because well pump problems often wear out the pump and reduce its lifespan. Sometimes the problem is a quick fix, but if left unfixed, you may need to replace the pump. That’s going to cost you more in the long run.
Droughts are a big concern throughout the country and Texas is definitely feeling it. You may need well pump repair in Odessa if the section of Trinity Aquifer you’re tapped into is lower due to drought. If this is the case, we may need to dig a little deeper to better submerge your pump.
Another problem is choosing the wrong pump size. This can occur if your household demand for water increases over time or previous homeowners used way less water. If your pump is constantly running to keep up, it will wear out faster. You can have your well pump evaluated to see if this is your issue.
Broken pipes, often from corrosion, can be a big problem. The groundwater in Texas is very hard and because you get it straight from the source, it’s worse. The hardness is made up of minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium. These minerals coat the inside of the pipes, making them more likely to corrode and eventually crack. Leaks are a common reason for well pump repair in Odessa.
How Much Does Well Pump Repair Usually Cost in Odessa?
Every well pump repair in Odessa is a little different. But if you need an accurate quote for your well, we can help. Below, we’ll discuss some of the most common cost factors that influence the price. On average, the cost is around $800, with most past repair work totaling between $400 and $2,000.
The Depth of the Well
If you need well pump repair in Odessa, the depth of your well will influence the cost. Most private wells in Odessa are between 100 and 200 feet deep. The average is around 145 feet. The deeper your well is, the more money you will pay for repairs. This is because the pump is deeper into the ground and you will need it pulled up to fix or replace it. You will also need to place it back down a hundred or more feet. This takes extra time and heavy machinery to complete.
Well Pump Type
Wells have come a long way. Technology has allowed us to ditch the bucket and pulley system for electric pumps, which are far more efficient and better for our backs. Unfortunately, well pumps are also much more expensive than buckets, and they come in a few main options.
Submersible – This type of well pump is submersed deep underwater, pumping it up. These are usually more pricey, but they are often more efficient and can pump more water. In addition, because they are submerged, they are less likely to have lower water levels even as the aquifer lowers periodically. A submersible well pump repair in Odessa will range between $500 and $2,000.
Jet Pumps – Jet well pump repair in Odessa is usually less expensive. They will range in the area of $400 to $1,300. They cost less because they pump water closer to the surface, not 200 feet deep. Therefore, they are easier to reach and easier to repair or replace.
Solar – You can now upgrade your well pump to solar. This is the ultimate in off-grid living plus it can save a lot of money on electricity. This will cost quite a bit upfront, as solar often does, but it will save a lot in utilities. It can also give you better peace of mind the next time the power goes out. You will still have access to your well water.
The Age of the Well Pump
Another cost factor you need to think about for well pump repair in Odessa is the age of your well. Not only will older wells need more maintenance but over time, it will be harder to find the right parts. You will need to either make more modern changes with each breakdown or make all the changes at once. Depending on the age of the well and how efficient it is, you may need to dig a new one.
New well pumps are much more efficient, and they come with all the bells and whistles, like sensors that measure the water and turn it off if there is a risk of burning up. Many of these features will increase the life expectancy of the pump, which will save you more money later.
How to Avoid Costly Well Pump Repairs in Odessa?
The first thing you should do is keep up with regular maintenance. This includes professional inspection by someone like Mr. Blue Plumbing not just on the well pump but also on your water quality. Depending on the age of your well pump, you may only need an inspection once or twice a year. If there are signs of corroding in the pipes or leaking, they can be fixed before the pump burns out.
Additional inspections should occur after any major storm, especially if it caused flooding or power outages. Floods can cause water contamination in your well, which can be a real concern for your health. Also, power outages may cause your pump to short circuit.
You should also be doing your own inspections. This can be as simple as walking to the well pump and listening for sounds of strain, checking for any leaks, and checking the pressure in the tank.
When Do You Need Permits for Well Pump Repair in Odessa?
If you need a well pump repair in Odessa, you may need to get a permit first. It will depend on what the problem is and what needs to be done to fix it. If there is something wrong with the well itself, it may need to be dug deeper. This will require a permit. Needing to dig a new well would also require one. If the problem is the pressure tank, you won’t need a permit for repairs.
