Anyone who relies on a well understands the importance of having a pump in good working condition. It's critical to know, though, what the signs are that a water well pump repair job may be necessary. Pay attention to these five issues to stay ahead of potential problems with your well's pump.

Sputtering Faucets

If there isn't sufficient pressure coming from the faucet, there's a good chance the pump is at fault. That's especially the case if you previously had good pressure. An odd sputter here and there could just be air in the lines, but consistent sputtering is usually an indicator of trouble.

You might also note this problem when you turn the shower on. However, the hot water tank may stabilize the situation enough to make it less noticeable until the system is at the brink of failure.

Noises

Sometimes, the pump will struggle but continue to work a bit for a while. As it strains, though, it may begin to groan, clank, or click. The sound might only come through the pipes, but you should be able to hear it if you go to the access hole for well maintenance. 

The pump has an electric motor so it shouldn't make much noise if it's running properly. To the extent it might be noisy, it should have a consistent sound. If the sound oscillates or wobbles, the pump might be struggling but largely overcoming the problem. 

Don't ignore the sound just because the pump keeps functioning. Contact a water well pump repair contractor and have them check it out before it gets worse.

Smells

A failing pump may not provide sufficient pressure to keep the pipes clean. The water can stagnate and pose a health risk. If this happens, a potential first sign of trouble is smelly water. Typically, the water smells of rotten eggs or something similarly foul.

Take care of the situation immediately. Assume you will need to boil any water before consuming it.

Increasing Electricity Bills

Occasionally, a pump can overcome some malfunctions by drawing more electricity. If you see your electric bills going up without any other explanation, it may be worth checking the pump.

Discoloration

Presuming the installation was correct, you shouldn't have discolored water. You may have had to treat or filter the water, but that should solve the issue. If the discoloration continues after you've replaced the filters and done the treatments, the problem could be that the pump isn't getting sediment or contaminants out of the pipes because it lacks pressure.

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