How do you tell when you need a new well?

Author: Roosevelt Kuhlman II  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 30, 2025

As mentioned above, older wells often have steel casing and when they start corroding and deteriorating they will begin pumping a substance that looks like coffee grounds and sometimes actual flakes of casing. If you see signs of a damaged casing, it's probably time to get a replacement well drilled.

How do you know when your well needs to be replaced?

The 7 warning signs associated with water well problems:
  1. The well is pumping air, and well yield is reduced (a low producing well)
  2. The well is pumping sand or large amounts of sediment.
  3. Water pressure is low (pressure tank symptoms) or water flow problems.
  4. The power bill has skyrocketed. ...
  5. Water quality has changed.

What is the average lifespan of a well?

The average lifespan for a well is 30–50 years. 2. How deep is the well? Drilled wells typically go down 100 feet or more.

When to get a new well?

A well's lifespan is considered to be roughly 20 to 30 years. Over time, yield may decline because of sediment or mineral scale build-up. For some homeowners, however, a well can last many years beyond this lifespan.

How to tell if your well is going bad?

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.

WELL DRILLING 101 | Every Step Explained

How do you check your well?

Some counties offer free well water testing, so check with your county first. If they don't, use this EPA website to find a list of state-certified laboratories in your area that do water testing, or contact your county or state health department or your State Certification Officer for assistance.

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 do I know if I need to drill a new well?

When to Have a Replacement Well Drilled. If you have very little water pressure, poor water quality, or low well production, drilling a replacement well might sound like a good idea. In some cases, a replacement well on your property is an appropriate course of action—but not until you've first tried these steps.

How often should a well be flushed?

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

Does a new well increase home value?

Properties with abundant, high-quality well water are likely to see a positive impact on their value. Conversely, properties in areas with water scarcity or poor-quality groundwater may experience a negative impact.

How long does it take to replace a well?

All in all, with all steps considered, it will typically take between 1 and 2 weeks to have a new well completely up and running.

What maintenance does a water well need?

An annual well maintenance check, including a bacterial test, is recommended. Any source of drinking water should be checked any time there is a change in taste, odor or appearance, or anytime a water supply system is serviced.

Can you revive an old well?

The answer is yes – It's very possible to bring unused water wells back to life! Often restoring them to full working order isn't as difficult as you might think.

What wears 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 do you know if your well collapsed?

Collapse of well casing or borehole due to age of well. Sediment in water. Compare current depth of well with original records. A collapsed well will show a shallower depth than the original well.

How much does it cost to have your well flushed?

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.

How often should you put Clorox in your well?

As a routine maintenance practice, clean your well at least once a year. If you have an iron or sulfur bacteria problem, clean more often.

How long can a water well sit unused?

A well is considered 'abandoned' or permanently inactive if it has not been used for one year, unless the owner demonstrates intention to use the well again.

How much does it cost to replace a well?

Not to mention the non-financial “costs” of delays due to contractor availability, ranging from several days up to 6 months before the problems are corrected. This cost depends primarily on your specific system type and well depth. Installed prices average between $2,200 and $4,600.

What is the life expectancy of a well?

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.

How do you test for a well?

Well Flow Testing is accomplished by using a well flow and pressure gauge: Using a water flow meter attached to a spigot, the inspector will open the water flow to the maximum amount. The static pressure is read and recorded with the gate valve on the device closed.

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 are the signs that a well pump is failing?

When your well pump's life is coming to an end, it will demonstrate some of or all the following symptoms:
  • Fluctuations in water pressure.
  • Constantly running pump.
  • Sputtering water flow in home.
  • Sediment in water lines.
  • Unusual sounds from pump.
  • Changes in water quality.
  • High electricity bills.

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

Spitting Faucets

Another sign that your well pump needs to be repaired or replaced is spurts of air or air bubbles coming out of your faucet when you turn it on. If there is a crack in the pipe that connects the well pump to your home, the well pump may be pulling in air instead of water.

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