Well Well Well: How to Monitor the Condition of Your Well Pump
If you rely on a private well for your water supply, it's crucial that you provide proper upkeep. Part of that upkeep involves the pump, which tends to be the most overlooked component of any well. Most people are under the impression that as long as there's water coming out of the faucets, the pump is working properly. Unfortunately, that's not necessarily the case. Your well may appear to work fine while hiding underlying problems. That's where good pump maintenance comes into the picture. With proper maintenance, you can identify problems with your pump. Here are three tips that will help to ensure a well-working well pump.
Listen for Odd Sounds
When you spend enough time around your well, you know that the pump can make some noise. In most cases, a well-working pump will emit a low-frequency hum. That hum is a good indication that your well pump is doing exactly what it should; pulling water up from the well and into your home. To catch problems with your well, head out and listen to the pump at least once a week. If you hear gurgling, hissing, ticking, or any other sound that's out of the ordinary, call for pump service right away.
Look for Unusual Signs
In addition to sounding a certain way, your pump should also look a certain way. There are visual signs your pump will present that will point to significant problems. To make sure you can identify those visual cues, it's a good idea to pay attention to the way your well pump looks when it's working at full capacity. If you see loose fittings or notice damage to the gaskets and seals, it's a good idea to have your pump serviced as soon as possible. Those are visual cues that your pump is in need of repairs.
Monitor Water Pressure
When it comes to monitoring the condition of your well pump, you might forget to check the water pressure. Water pressure is a good indication of how well your pump is functioning. Slow or sluggish water pressure is usually a sign that your well pump isn't functioning as well as it should. But, it's equally important to monitor excess pressure as well. If your pump is forcing water through the faucets or if you notice any signs of water pressure changes from your well, have your pump serviced immediately.
Don't forget about your well pump. While you're caring for your private well, use the tips provided here to identify potential problems with your well. If you encounter pump problems, call a professional well pump company, such as Hull Well & Pump Service.