Can you clean out a well pump?

Author: Coty Kerluke  |  Last update: Sunday, January 18, 2026

High pressure could permanently damage the well and lead to even greater and permanent pollution. Pump cleaning is a far more gentle solution, which does not damage the construction of your well and does not create any pressure. It can be performed by a professional, but you can also handle it yourself.

Can you clean a well pump?

These submersible well pumps need to be cleaned every once in a while to ensure a steady flow of water, especially if it is not a self-cleaning pump.

How much does it cost to sanitize a well?

To gain peace of mind about the quality of your well's drinking water and have your well shock chlorinated by a professional, you can expect to pay anywhere from $80 to $200 depending on your well depth, the type of well, labor, and more.

How do I know if my well pump is clogged?

13 Signs Your Well Pump Needs to Be Repaired
  1. If You Have No Water at All. ...
  2. Sudden Increase in Electric Bill. ...
  3. Overflowing of Your Tank. ...
  4. Sediment Build-Up. ...
  5. Unusual Noises. ...
  6. Bad Odor or Taste. ...
  7. A Drop in Pressure or Not Enough Pressure Altogether. ...
  8. When Your Pump Cycles on and off More Than Normal.

How to get rid of sediment in a well water well pump?

The most common and direct method of removing sediment from well water is to install a sediment filter for the whole house. These filters function as sieves, designed to trap and remove suspended particles from the water.

Learn the Simple Trick to Restore Your Water Well!

How do you flush sediment out of a well?

Sediment Backwash Filters

Well water first flows through a filter strainer removing sand and large sediment common with silt, dirt, and mud. An optional auto-flush valve keeps the filter mesh screen clean, or it can be manually flushed by opening the bottom flush valve.

How do you unclog a well pump?

You will need to have a supply of water and a way to pump it through the well point. By pumping the water back down and through the screens, it may dislodge some of the sand and silt, moving it away from the screen and allowing the groundwater to successfully flow through the screen again.

How long should a pump last in a well?

The average lifespan of a well pump is generally around eight to 15 years. However, where your pump will fall in that pretty wide age range depends on many factors. The single largest factor in your pump's life expectancy is the frequency of your pump's duty cycle.

How much does a new well pump cost?

Because of this, the range is $2,500 to $17,000. These costs would include all equipment, material and labor to install a basic well pump all the way to a high capacity deep well installation.

How to tell if a pump is bad on a well?

Some of the most common indicators of a faulty well pump and pressure tank include:
  1. Fluctuations in Water Pressure. ...
  2. Noisy Pressure Tank or Clicking Sounds. ...
  3. Spitting Faucets. ...
  4. Scalding Shower Water. ...
  5. High Electric Bills.

How often should a well be flushed?

It is generally recommended to flush your well at least once a year.

How many years does a water well last?

While people might say well's life expectancy should be between 25 and 100 years, there's no way to give an exact answer. However, we can calculate a reliable estimate of your well's life expectancy if we know more about the type of well and conditions where the well might be located.

What does blowing out a water well mean?

A sudden, violent escape of gas and oil (and sometimes water) from a drilling well when high pressure gas is encountered and efforts to prevent or to control the escape has not been successful.

How do I know if my well needs cleaning?

Other possible indicators of a dirty well may be cloudy water, low water flow, or taste and odor problems.

What burns out a well pump?

Malfunctioning Well Pump Pressure Switch

A malfunctioning switch can cause the pump to run too often or too long and potentially burn out the motor. In addition, if the switch allows the pressure to go too high, it can put excess stress on the tank and pipes, potentially causing them to crack or even burst.

How much does it cost to get a well cleaned out?

Generally, cleaning your well can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. For example, a shallow well with no significant issues may only cost around $500 to $1,000 to clean.

Does homeowners insurance cover well pumps?

So to recap; homeowner's insurance does not normally cover pump replacement or servicing. If it does, it's probably due to weather anomalies that would also have ended up damaging a significant portion of your home. You'll need to check your specific policy for a weather peril clause.

What is the life expectancy of a well water pump?

With proper well maintenance, your new well pump can last, on average, 8 to 15 years, though many homeowners report their pumps lasting far longer, often between 20 and 30 years!

Do well pumps need maintenance?

A well pump is essential for homes and businesses that rely on private wells for water supply and ensures consistent access to clean water. However, like any mechanical system, it requires regular maintenance to function efficiently and avoid costly breakdowns.

How do you tell if you need a new well pump?

5 Common Indicators of a Faulty Water Well Pump
  1. You Have No Water. If you have no water at all when you turn on your faucet or flush the toilet, there's definitely something wrong with your well pump. ...
  2. Fluctuating Water Pressure. ...
  3. Spitting Faucets. ...
  4. Boiling Hot Showers. ...
  5. Increase in Electric Bills.

How often should I flush my well pressure tank?

The tanks should be flushed semi-annually to remove accumulated sediments by opening the tank drain valve. These sediments could harbor and shield harmful microbes from chlorination should the well and home plumbing system require disinfection.

Can you replace a well pump yourself?

While it is possible to replace a well pump yourself, it is generally not recommended. A number of factors need to be taken into account when replacing a well pump. If any are not handled properly, it could result in serious damage to your plumbing system, water pipes or water line.

How to check if your well pump is bad?

One of the most common indicators of a failing well pump is fluctuation in water pressure. Water pressure issues can result from a number of factors, including scaling inside your pipes from hard water, bacterial buildup, low water levels at the well, or a pressure tank issue.

What is the most common problem of a water pump?

Water pumps are essential for various applications, but they can also experience common problems affecting their performance and reliability. Common problems include overheating, leakage, low water pressure, noisy operation, and cavitation.

Can a well pump run out of water?

If there is no groundwater available to enter the pump, it sucks air instead of water. When the tap is turned on, nothing comes outs. In most cases, this is caused by the underground water table dropping below the level of the well pump or the well going dry.

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