Why would a well need to be replaced?

Author: Edwina Lakin PhD  |  Last update: Sunday, February 22, 2026

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.

Why do wells need to be replaced?

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.

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.

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 cost to replace a well?

Installing a new well water system ranges from $1,775 to $30,000 or more, depending on the options you choose to power your well pump and the depth and diameter of the well. Drilling is the most expensive part, followed by the cost of the pump.

NEVER Replace A Submersible Well Pump Until Watching This!

Is well replacement covered by insurance?

Unfortunately, damage caused by earthquakes — or any other form of ground movement — isn't covered by your homeowners insurance policy. To get well coverage for earthquakes, you'd have to invest in a separate earthquake insurance policy, which is much more common in California and other west coast states.

How can you tell if your well pump is 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.

Can an old well be restored?

An older, nonworking well can seem like nothing more than a nuisance on your property. Even if you've been at the location for years, old, nonworking wells can be revitalized.

How do you know if your well is going out?

Signs Your Well Pump Is Going Bad
  • Fluctuations in Water Pressure. ...
  • Strange Noises Emanating From the Tank. ...
  • Faucets Spit While Water Is Running. ...
  • Your Pump Is Running Constantly. ...
  • Discolored & Poor-Tasting Water. ...
  • Higher Than Average Electric Bill.

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.

Can you drink water from an old well?

If you move into an older home with a well water system that's gone untested for months or years, or you experience flooding or other natural disasters, you run the risk of bacteria overgrowth and other contaminants building up in your well water system.

What maintenance is required for a well?

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.

Is it okay to buy a house with well water?

Don't let the presence of a well deter you from moving into a house. While a house with well water requires maintenance and proper attention, well water offers multiple benefits. You'll have a fresher water source and no water bill, and it may increase your property value.

How often should a well be flushed?

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

How do I know if my well has collapsed?

Compare current depth of well with original records. A collapsed well will show a shallower depth than the original well.

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 common is it for a well to run dry?

How likely is it that my well will run dry? Not likely. It depends on many factors, but generally most modern wells are dug deep enough so that they should never “run dry” in their lifetime.

Will a well refill itself?

Yes. Dug wells draw water from just below the soil's surface, so even seasonal weather changes can affect water supplies. Groundwater levels in deep aquifers are rarely static, but they're less affected by transient droughts. In arid areas, deeper wells are generally better.

How much does it cost to fix an old well?

Old Well. If you already have an old well that just needs updates, you're in luck! Adding necessary renovations to your existing well might involve replacing the pump, re-casing, or re-drilling a section of the well. Depending on the extent of the repairs, the cost can range from $1,000 to $5,000.

What is the lifespan of a well?

While people might say well's life expectancy should be between 25 and 100 years, the answer is—it depends on a few factors. The general geographic location where your well is located affects your well's life expectancy. Some areas demand much deeper drilling to obtain a successful and efficient water delivery system.

What to do with old well on property?

Once a well is determined to have no current or potential future use, a water well contractor should be contacted to give advice about the most appropriate well decommission method. The water well professional will have knowledge of well decommissioning code requirements. Wells should be sealed from the bottom up.

How do I know if I need a new well?

Muddy Water, Cloudy Water, or Water with Sediment

If you have discolored water, or water with sand or sediment coming through your faucet, this is a sign of larger issues with your water well.

How many hours does it take to replace a well pump?

HOW LONG DOES A WELL PUMP REPLACEMENT TAKE? The length of time it takes for a complete well pump replacement varies. The experienced well pump plumbers of Team Austin have most well pumps installed in 8-10 hours.

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.

Previous article
How often should a car air filter be replaced?
Next article
What not to do after water breaks?