Frequently Asked Questions About Well Pumps
How long does a well pump last?
A submersible well pump typically lasts 8 to 15 years, and jet pumps often fall toward the shorter end. Sediment, iron in the water, frequent short cycling and a failing pressure tank all shorten pump life. Santos Mechanical repairs, maintains and installs well pumps for homes in Morgantown, Douglassville and nearby Berks County towns.
How do I know if my well pump or pressure tank is bad?
Pressure tank trouble usually shows as the pump clicking on and off every few seconds, a gauge that swings quickly, or a tank that sounds full of water when tapped. A failing pump shows as weak pressure, no water, sputtering faucets or a pump that runs nonstop. Our technicians test both to find the cause.
What does it mean when my well pump keeps turning on and off?
Rapid on-off cycling, called short cycling, most often means the pressure tank has lost its air charge or is waterlogged. A faulty pressure switch, a leak in the plumbing, or a clogged sediment filter can cause it too. Short cycling wears out the pump motor quickly, so have it checked before the pump fails.
Why does my water pressure drop then come back?
Pressure that drops and recovers is often normal tank cycling: pressure falls until the switch turns the pump back on. If the swing feels large or fast, the pressure tank may be waterlogged, the pressure switch may need adjustment, or a sediment filter may be clogged. A low-yield well can also cause it.
Can a bad pressure tank cause no water?
Yes. A waterlogged or ruptured pressure tank makes the pump cycle so hard that it can trip the breaker, burn out the pressure switch contacts or overheat the motor, leaving you with no water. If you have no water, check the breaker first, then call Santos Mechanical to test the tank, switch and pump.
Does a power outage affect my well pump?
Yes. A well pump runs on electricity, so during an outage you only have the water already stored in the pressure tank. Once power returns, the pump should restart on its own. If it does not, check the breaker and pressure switch; a pump that still will not run needs a service call.
