When to Replace a Well Pump
Like with anything else, a well pump can become defective over time and might need to be replaced. The good news is that when your well pump becomes defective, there are warning signs that this problem is emerging that you can use to determine whether you should continue using the well pump.
Premature Pump Failure
When something places a strain on your well pump, this can lead to the pump failing early. You may begin to notice that the water pumped by your well pump is no longer clean. The pump might be generating louder noises than expected. When you turn on the faucet, you may notice air spitting out. If air is coming out of the faucet, this can be a sign that the well is pumping air instead of water. Sometimes this is the result of the water table dropping to a point where it is below your well pump. Another possibility is that the drop pipe that brings water from the water table has become cracked and is allowing water to enter.
High Electric Bills
There may also be very high electric bills that are the result of the well pump not being able to operate efficiently. Newer well pumps will likely be more efficient than the pump you already have since manufacturers are regularly improving the efficiency of their pumps.
Tank Failure
Do not forget to keep an eye on your well tank. A bad well tank will lead to a blown out pump. The pump will short cycle, which will lead to a pump failure. This would lead to you being billed not only for a new tank, but also a new pump. Tanks are closed containers that are necessary to pump water. The water enters the tank through an air-filled bladder. When a faucet is opened, the bladder is squeezed to force water out. When too much water is used, a switch flips and the pump is activated to pump more water into the tank. When the tank doesn't have pressure, the pump must work harder to keep the tank full, which can wear the pump out faster.
Well Pump Replacement
While having your pump repaired might be expensive, in many cases, it is more affordable than purchasing and having an entirely new pump sized. However, at some point, it becomes more expensive to service a well pump than it does to repair it.