If your home runs on well water and your water supply is suddenly interrupted, it could mean that the well itself has run dry, or it could be an indication that the pump is failing. Before you call for pump service, though, there are a few things that you can check on your own. Here's a look at a couple of common causes to investigate before you reach out to a pump technician.

No Power to the Pump

One common reason your well would stop supplying water is if the pump failed entirely. This often happens when the power supply to the pump is interrupted. Check the breaker controlling the pump to be sure that it hasn't tripped. Reset the circuit breaker and see if it fixes the problem. If the pump doesn't turn on or you still don't have water, there may be something else going on.

Overloaded Pressure Switch

In some well pump systems, there is a pressure tank that regulates water flow using a pressure switch. If there's too much draw on the system for the pump to keep up, the pressure switch may activate and stop the water flow. It's used as a safety measure to stop heavy water flow if a pipe should break.

You can reset the pressure switch, but you need to close the delivery valves first. Once the valves are closed, pull up on the pressure switch handle. It will lock into the open position. After the switch has been reset, you can open the delivery valves on the system.

Deposits in the Pump

When your well water is contaminated with minerals or other elements, those things can build up on the walls of the pump. Over time, this can actually cause binding and system malfunctions in the pump. If your water is discolored at all, this may be a sign of mineral deposits in the water. Some common indications of mineral buildup include things like rust stains inside the toilet bowl and black stains on your refrigerator's water lines. When you're seeing it inside the house, you can be sure that it's on your pump, too. Installing a pre-pump filtration system behind a new pump can resolve this problem.

If you cannot determine the source of the problem with these methods, you'll definitely need a pump technician to troubleshoot the system and determine the cause of the disruption. He or she can help you develop a solid plan to restore your water flow. Get in touch with a service like Stettler Supply Co to set up an appointment.

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