Approximately thirteen percent of New Jersey residential properties get their water from a well. It doesn’t sound like a lot but considering the state’s population in 2021 was more than nine million, there are over a million people in New Jersey using well water. At some point in time, their well pump will need service. Residents who have been using a well for years understand the importance of proper maintenance and well pump services NJ. However, if you’re the first-time owner of a property with a private water well, there are some things you need to know to keep your well operating properly and your drinking water safe.
What is a Well Pump?
This may sound like a silly question to veteran well owners, but for those new to private water well ownership, it’s the perfect place to start. The well pump is a piece of equipment with an electric motor that powers an impeller or centrifugal pump to move water up through a pipe and into your home. The well pump is installed after the well is dug or drilled.
Where is the Well Pump?
The location of the well pump can vary. If you are purchasing a home with a well, it’s a good idea to ask the seller where the well pump is located. This will make it easier if you need well pump services NJ. The well pump is normally in one of three places and the depth of your well dictates its location.
It is either inside your home (usually in the basement), in a shed outside of your home, or down inside the well itself. With shallow wells, the well pump is located outside of the well and sucks water out of the well. With deep wells, the well pump is submerged in the well and pushes the water up out of the well and into your home.
How Does a Well Pump Work?
There are different types of well pumps and some differences in how they work. To give you a basic overview, the well pump either pulls or pushes the water out of the well and into a pressurized storage tank. From there, the pressurized air pushes the water out of the tank and through your home’s plumbing system. This allows water to flow from your faucets and your toilets to flush.
Signs You Need Well Pump Service
If your well stops working, your home won’t have any water at all. However, before you find yourself in this situation, be aware that there are signs that you should schedule professional well pump services NJ.
Low Water Pressure
There can be a few reasons for experiencing low water pressure. The worst-case scenario is that the well is running dry, but it is often a problem with the pressure switch. It may not be getting power due to a tripped breaker. It could also be because the switch or connections are old and corroded. Well pump services NJ can install a new pressure switch and restore your water pressure.
Air in the Plumbing System
This may be a sign that the water level in your well is low. Air is drawn into the pump when the water level is low and causes water to spit and sputter when you turn the faucet on. Deepening the well and lowering the well pump may solve this problem. However, in some cases, a new well will have to be drilled. If you have a shallow well pump, air in the plumbing system can also be a sign that your well pump needs to be purged and re-primed. This is a much simpler solution than deepening your well or digging a new one.
Loss of Prime
Water is what makes a well pump work. If a shallow pump doesn’t have enough water to operate properly, it loses its prime. This can be the result of a power outage or other incidents that cause the pump to be emptied. The pump will have to be refilled with water. This is referred to as “priming the pump.” It can be an easy DIY fix, but if you’ve never done it before, you may want to have well pump services NJ and let the professionals walk you through it the first time.
Dirty Water
If your water contains dirt or sediment, this is a definite sign that you need well pump services NJ. Dirty water means your well pump is too far from the well or the water level in the well is insufficient. Dirt running through your well pump can cause damage and, if left unchecked, can cause it to fail. A well pump professional can assess your situation and determine if moving the well pump or drilling a new well is necessary to fix the problem
High Electric Bills
If you see a sudden spike in your electric bill, it could be a sign that there is a problem with your pressure tank. This causes the well pump to run more than normal. You may have to replace the pressure tank to resolve this problem. If you don’t, your electric bill will become higher, or worse, the well pump will eventually cause it to fail.
Professional Well Pump Services NJ
If you’ve just moved into a new home with a water well or you’re experiencing issues with your water supply, it’s time to call the professionals at A1 Well Drilling and Pump Service. With four generations of experience and quality workmanship, we offer well pump service, water well drilling, and more. We also offer the custom design and installation of various water well systems. We are available 24/7 throughout Monmouth, Ocean, Burlington, Middlesex, and Mercer Counties. Contact us for all your water well and pump needs.
