How Long Does a Well Water Pump Last?

How can you tell if your well pump is bad?

It’s sometimes difficult to tell if your water well pump is having problems. Often, many of the problems occur in the pressure tank rather than the pump. The pressure tank stores water and manages water pressure, while the pump draws water from the well. They work in conjunction, so any problems could mean either one or or both are experiencing issues. Some common pressure tank and well water pump issues include the following:

• Water pressure fluctuations throughout the home
• The tank produces strange noises or rapid clicking sounds
• The faucets start spitting
• Your shower starts producing scalding water
• Electric bills increase

If you’re having problems like these or others reach out to All About Plumbing & Septic. We can come out, take a look at your system and see if it needs to be repaired.

How do you fix a well water pump?

If you’re experiencing problems with your well water pump or tank like fluctuations in the pressure or if there is no water at all, there are steps you can take to troubleshoot the problems before a professional arrives.

• Make sure the power is on. The power switch near the pressure tank could be off or the double-pole circuit breaker may have tripped. A tripped breaker may mean a broken well pump.
• Check the pressure switch in a ¼-inch tube near the pressure tank. A bad switch will prevent the pump from powering up, so the switch will need to be replaced.
• Bang on the tube under the pressure switch. If the well pump kicks on, the surfaces of the electrical contacts may be pitted or burned and not making a good connection. Temporarily restore the contact surfaces to keep the pump running until you can replace the switch.

Well water pump repair kit

There are several pump kits on the market today. These kits are useful to help keep your well water pump maintained and to make temporary repairs. Kits may have parts like switches or belts or wiring. You may want to have handy tools like voltage testers to check switches. If you have a submersible pump you will need a water well pump removal tool known as a T-handle pitless adapter if you need to remove the pump.

How much does it cost to replace a well pump?

Costs to repair or replace a water well pump will vary. On average a replacement will cost somewhere between $874 and $2,313. Pump units retail for between $100 and $1,200, depending on the type of pump you buy. A submersible pump will run between $200 and $1,200, while a deep jet runs about $175 to $800. The type of pump you install will affect the price of the installation. The depth of the well will also affect the cost. The deeper the well, the more powerful pump motor you’ll need and pump motors can range in price from $100 to $300 or more. 

Is a well pump covered under homeowners insurance?

Insurance coverage on water well pumps will depend on the insurance policy you have. Wells may fall under the category of a separate building on your property, so a well may be covered may be covered in the same way as a detached garage. If the well is covered it will be subject to exclusions and perils in the same way that your home is protected. So, your well may be protected from perils like fire or hail damage or even vandalism. Separate coverage for perils like floods or earthquakes will need to be purchased, in the same way you might for a home. Check with your insurer to find out what is covered under policy.