You should call a specialized well water professional or pump contractor for issues with your well, pressure tank, or submersible pump. Only call a licensed plumber if the problem is strictly inside your home, such as a clogged indoor pipe, a leaking faucet, or a failing water heater.
If you're wondering who to hire for well pump repair, start with a well pump specialist or well drilling company. These pros are the first call, with a licensed plumber as a secondary option for some shallow, surface jet pumps.
So, if your water pressure has dropped off or keeps fluctuating, call a plumber to inspect your well pump.
Common Signs of Water Well Problems.
A water well structure typically lasts 30 to 50 years (and sometimes indefinitely). However, the mechanical parts that make the well work wear out much faster and require routine replacement over that span.
Signs your well water is making you sick range from acute stomach issues to long-term chronic conditions. Key indicators include recurring gastrointestinal distress (nausea, diarrhea, cramps), unexplained fatigue or headaches, skin rashes after showering, and odd tastes, smells, or discoloration.
Problems with these parts can also cause issues that seem like pump failures. Homeowner's insurance can cover well pump repairs, but only if the damage is caused by a specific event like a storm or fire. Unfortunately, normal breakdowns, maintenance issues, and age-related failures won't be covered.
A submersible well pump typically lasts between 8 to 15 years. However, premium stainless-steel models in ideal conditions can easily last 15 to 20+ years, while heavily worked pumps in harsh environments might need replacement in as little as 5 to 7 years.
Well Pump Repairs
Often, repair costs are lower than a complete replacement, costing between $250 to $1,100, depending on the problem.
Determining whether your well is dry or the pump is bad often comes down to listening for the pump's motor and checking your water pressure gauge. If the pump is running but no water is coming out, the well is likely dry. If the pump is silent or turning off rapidly, the pump or pressure tank is usually the issue.
A well pressure tank typically lasts between 10 and 15 years, though high-quality models can last up to 20 or 30 years with proper maintenance. Its lifespan is largely determined by the quality of the internal bladder or diaphragm, the corrosiveness of your water, and whether the tank is properly sized for your well pump.
When power goes out, your well pump immediately stops working, cutting off your water supply completely. There's no grace period or backup function in standard well systems. Your pump itself won't be damaged by the outage, but you'll face immediate water access issues for drinking, cooking, and sanitation.
Common well water pump problems typically revolve around pressure, electrical faults, or physical wear and tear. Key warning signs include sputtering faucets, unusually high electric bills, cloudy water, or the pump clicking on and off rapidly (short cycling).
In plumbing, the "135-degree rule" is a code standard that dictates how much a horizontal drain pipe can bend or change direction. It limits the total cumulative angle of pipe fittings before a system requires an access point (cleanout) or must be vented, ensuring proper flow and preventing chronic clogs.
A 2-gallon-per-minute (GPM) well is considered low-yield. While it falls short of the recommended 5 to 10 GPM for standard households, it can still fully support a home if you manage water usage carefully or install a supplemental storage (cistern) system.
To determine if your well pump is bad, first verify you have power at the breaker box and test for voltage at the pressure switch. Common signs of a failing pump include sputtering faucets, sudden drops in water pressure, abnormally high electric bills, and unusual grinding noises.
Drilling and installing a complete 200-foot residential well typically costs between $10,000 and $25,000, with most homeowners paying around $12,000 to $15,000 on average. This price includes the physical drilling, casing, pump installation, pressure tank, and local permits.
Well pump installation costs vary greatly based on pump type and depth. You'll pay $300-900 for shallow well jet pumps, $650-1,200 for deep well options, or $700-2,500+ for submersible models. Labor adds another $250-1,500 depending on complexity. Total installation typically ranges from $973 to over $4,000.
Early signs of a failing water pump include visible coolant leaks, a high-pitched whining or grinding noise from the front of the engine, a slow but steady drop in the coolant reservoir, and an engine temperature gauge that occasionally creeps higher than normal.
A submersible well pump can run continuously for several hours to 24 hours without burning out, provided the well doesn't run dry. However, continuous running heavily relies on the recovery rate of your well (how fast water refills the aquifer). The real danger isn't the runtime itself, but the pump running dry.
Overheating of the Motor
Cause: Submersible motors rely on the surrounding fluid to dissipate heat. If the pump runs dry or is only partially submerged, it can overheat quickly. Overheating can also occur due to overloading (pumping beyond capacity), a mechanical jam, or electrical issues causing overcurrent.
Avoid making guesses or unsupported statements about what caused the damage to your property. Speculating can lead to inaccuracies in the adjuster's report, potentially affecting your claim.
A flooded basement exposes your home to severe structural damage, dangerous electrical hazards, and rapid mold growth within 24 to 48 hours. It can also destroy stored belongings and cause expensive, lingering system failures in your water heater, furnace, or HVAC units.
The best way to find out what's covered for you is to call your insurance provider before you have your baby. You can ask about getting a breast pump and find out if you're eligible for other breastfeeding benefits, like counseling and support.