Whether you grew up with a private well or are new to owning one, no one expects you to know how to solve every problem on your own. But there are a few common mistakes homeowners make with their well pumps that can make a big difference. It is helpful for homeowners to learn some well pump basics so they can learn how to address potential issues on their own rather than having to call a professional every time something goes wrong. Today, we’re running through some of the common mistakes homeowners make with their well pumps, so you don’t have to make the same ones.
They Don’t Know Their Pump Specs
First, it is important for well pump owners to know their pump specs, such as the brand, model, and age of their well pump. This information is necessary when it comes to servicing the pump or ordering replacement parts. If you’ve had a well pump repair, you should store this information where you store your other important documents. If you have moved into a home with a well pump, this is information you should ask the previous homeowner for when possible.
They Don’t Have A Basic Understanding of How the Well Pump Works
Without a basic understanding of how your well pump works, you will struggle with knowing if you have a serious problem or one that you can troubleshoot and fix on your own. The well pump draws water from the well and into a pressure tank, which stores and regulates the water before it enters your home. The water will then be forced into your home whenever the faucets are turned.
They Don’t Perform Routine Maintenance
Unfortunately, many homeowners take their well pumps for granted until something goes wrong. Like other critical appliances in your home, your well pump needs routine maintenance. You cannot expect it just to keep running smoothly for years if you don’t do your part. And, doing your part is as simple as doing a visual inspection annually to see if there are any potential issues.
They Don’t Know the Pressure Setting
Your home’s water pressure is determined by your well system, but home’s pressure per square inch (psi) settings vary. The pressure setting in most homes now is between 40-60 psi. Others are 30-50 psi and a few, 50-70 psi. There are some low water pressure problems that you can correct on your own, but in order to do so, you must know your well system’s pressure setting.
They Don’t Service Their Well Pump Filters
One part of routine maintenance measures that well pump owners mistakenly neglect is replacing their well pump filters. Over time, a well pump filter can become clogged with the various minerals in the water. When this happens, it results in low water pressure.
They Don’t Understand the Different Check Valves
Many well pump owners are not familiar with the different check valves in their well systems. Check valves are a critical component of the system because they hold pressure in the well system, as well as preventing the backspin of parts in the well water system piping. Since check valves are essential and valve failures can lead to a multitude of problems, it is wise to have an understanding of the different check valves in your well system. Monticello Pump Services, Inc. has a guide to the different types of check valves.
They Don’t Check for Causes Before Panicking
Another common mistake well pump owners make is panicking before they have a reason. For instance, a homeowner will rush to the conclusion that they will need a complete well pump replacement if they wake up to no water one morning or if they are experiencing low water pressure. Instead, they should look for potential causes of these issues, such as blocked pipes or an electric power outage. Rather than panicking, call Monticello Pump Services, Inc. for free troubleshooting 24/7.
Well Pump Service Near Me
If you call Manassas, Leesburg, Fairfax, or Fredericksburg home and are in need of well pump repair, give the experts at Monticello Pump Services, Inc. a call! With over 40 years of experience, they have the knowledge and tools to address your well pump issue. Plus, they offer free emergency troubleshooting 24/7 to help guide homeowners through the types of common mistakes we discussed above.
