5 Ways to Reduce Time and Money on Well Pump Repairs

Aside from a few annual maintenance recommendations for your pressure tank and well pump and product life spans of ten years or more, having a well for your home's water is generally low-maintenance and low-cost. However, there are times when you may need to troubleshoot a problem or call a technician for repairs and when that happens, you want the process to be as simple as possible. Fortunately, there are easy steps you can take to make that happen, and our well pump repair company is sharing what they are and how they'll benefit you in the long run.

Keep Well Pump Information Easily Accessible

When you get a well pump installed, the technician will tell you things like the model number, the depth it's been installed at, and other information. While committing that information to memory may seem like a good idea at the time, by the time you need it, you'll have long forgotten it. If you have to call for repairs and don't have the information you need, the technician will have to remove the pump to get the details which takes up time (and time is money!). This information doesn't just benefit you, this is also vital information if you sell your home so the future homeowners have the details they need to get the well pump repaired or replaced.

Instead, when you have your well pump installed, keep your owner's manual, a small notebook for keeping well records like testing information, and receipt for the pump in a plastic bag and attach it to the wall beside the control box so you know exactly where it is when you need it. Don't have a control box? Attach it to the wall beside your breaker box. Then, you can either write down the following information in your records, or, just grab a permanent marker and write it on the control box itself.

• Model number
• Date of installation
• Depth at which pump was installed
• Amp meter reading (Use an amp meter to take a reading as the pump is filling the pressure tank and record the info. If you're not sure how, ask your installer to show you!)

Label Your Breaker

Most troubleshooting and well pump repairs start with turning off the breaker that runs the pump. Instead of the time and hassle involved in trial and error, take a few moments, grab a piece of masking tape and a permanent marker and clearly label the breaker for your well pump. It may seem like a small step, but when you are trying to figure out why you don't have water, the last thing you want to deal with is checking every breaker and possibly shutting off internet connections, lights, and appliances.

Know Your Pressure Switch Settings

The pressure switch is the sensor that triggers the pump to turn on when the pressure tank dips below a certain amount (called the "cut in pressure") then turn off when the pressure tank reaches a certain level (called the "cut out pressure"). Most pump switches are set at 40/60 or 30/50, meaning they cut in when the psi dips below 40 or 30, and the cut out pressure is 60 or 50 psi.

Why is this important to know? First, you'll need it when you test your pressure tank annually. Second, you'll need it to troubleshoot problems such as low water pressure or strange noises. You can either write this information down in your well notebook we mentioned above, or just grab your marker and write it directly on your pressure tank.

Annual Maintenance

These are some simple things you should do at least once a year to make sure everything is in proper working order and your water is safe.

• Water testing - You can purchase a simple water test that will tell you what's in your water, including bacteria, nitrates, nitrites, VOCs, and other hazards.
• Check your pressure tank - The tank's pressure, when not running, should be at two to three psi below your cut in. For example, if your cut in is 40 psi, when you test it with a pressure gauge, it should read 37 or 38 psi.
• Check your well cover and cap - Your well cover or well cap keeps out chemicals, leaves, waste run off and other hazards that could jeopardize your water.
• Look for any corrosion or damage to above-ground fixtures and wiring. Catching problems early can save you a great deal of time and money!

Schedule Well Pump Repair and Installation in Raleigh Today

If you do need to replace your well pump, need a hand with testing the amps, or well water sanitizing, we can help. We have an experienced team of licensed well pump professionals here to help you keep water flowing safely and freely to your home. Call us today at 919-291-4063 or fill out the contact form below to learn more.