Who do you call when your home’s water pump stops working? Forget about Ghostbusters and phone a plumbing company that offers water pump services and water well repairs. Your home developed one of the most specialized problems to address.

Well Maintenance and Pumps

The plumbing services needed in this situation may reference pump services or well maintenance services. When water no longer pumps into your home, the problem might lie in a few places. The water pump itself could have broken, piping between the well and home may have developed a leak or disconnect, or the well could have dried up.

Diagnosing the Water Problem

How does a plumber address these vast options? Most pump repair and service professionals use a gadget that looks like a drain snake but has a tiny digital camera attached to one end. By snaking this line through the pipes, the plumber finds any problems. Similarly, they lower the line into the well and use the camera to observe potential problems, such as a dry well.

Addressing a Dry Well

Yes, water wells can run dry. A finite amount of water rests in an underground aquifer. Once you deplete it, it’s gone. In many cases, precipitation recharges the aquifer because rainwater and snow melt seep into the ground, partially refilling it. During a dry spell or drought, this may not occur thus the well dries.

Examine the geological data and maps for your area. A well-drilling team may be able to drill further down and reach water after breaking through limestone or sandstone layers. When not an option, consider other areas on your land where you could have a new well drilled.

Water pumps are an important fixture in many buildings, especially those that use well water. While many pumps are designed to last up to a decade before they need repair, it’s good to know the signs that you need to seek professional water pump services. This is especially important to homeowners who weren’t responsible for the installation, and as such have no way of knowing the exact age.

Signs You Need Professional Water Pump Services

A few signs that your water pump is on its last legs can include:

• No Water. This one is really hitting the nail on the head. If you are unable to get any water from fixtures in your home, there is definitely an issue with your water pump. To cover all the bases you can try resetting the circuit breaker, and of the pump begins working again it might have been a power issue. Though it may be worth getting it checked out just in case. However, if the pump still doesn’t work, or if it blows the circuit, professional water pump services are the only way to go. If a pump shuts down completely you could be without water until a replacement can be installed, and that is something no homeowner wants to go through!
• Water Pressure. Water pressure issues can be caused by a variety of smaller issues. Hard water scaling on the pipes or on the faucet heads can result in a drop in pressure. Low well water levels, or a pressure tank issue could also be the culprit. However, if all these check out, it could be a sign that the water pump is on its last legs, and is unable to draw in as much water as needed.
• Constant Running. This could be a pressure tank issue, but often it’s a sign that the pump is having difficulty drawing in enough water. This can go hand in hand with the above issue. If you notice your pump constantly running, along with a drop in water pressure it’s definitely time for an inspection, and possibly a replacement.

The water pump is an integral part of any house, and it is also something that many people tend to forget about, or take for granted, until something goes wrong. If you are experiencing any of the above mentioned issues it’s worth contacting a professional near you to determine the best course of action. Sometimes a minor repair will be all that is needed, but if your pump is over 10 years old, it may warrant replacement. It’s important to nip this problem in the bud before the pump cuts out completely. If that happens you could be without water until a new pump can be installed.