Five Tips For Maintaining Your Well Pump

You depend on your water well to supply drinking water as well as water for all of your household needs, but the well is only as useful as the well pump. There are a few things you can do to help prolong the life of the pump.

1. Schedule Annual Inspections

Your well pump will need to be maintained annually. A basic inspection will verify that all the moving parts are in good working order. The technician will also perform routine maintenance, like lubricating the motor, replacing the bearings, and checking for any other repairs or maintenance issues that need to be addressed. Being proactive with an annual inspection and maintenance visit can prevent unexpected breakdowns.

2. Install a Cutoff Switch

One thing that can really damage a pump, especially a submersible pump, is if the water level drops below the level of the pump. This can burn out the motor on your pump since low water leads to pump overheating. A low water cutoff switch automatically shuts the pump down in the event the water level drops too low, thus saving you the expense of a pump replacement.

3. Raise the Pump

Don't allow your well pump to sit in the muck at the bottom of your well. Submersible pumps need to be installed high enough in the well so that they remain submerged, even in the summer or fall season when the well level tends to be lower. Your service technician can determine the lowest likely water level in your well and raise the pump accordingly. This level should be reassessed annually since pump levels can fluctuate quite a bit.

4. Install Sediment Filtration

Sediment is another dangerous element in your pump. If the well pump pulls in sediment, it can get clogged or it may overheat. This will lead to motor failure and it may even destroy the pump. Make sure your pump is equipped with sediment filters and plan to have them replaced periodically so they don't become clogged. Keeping sediment out of your pump prolongs the life of the pump and keeps your water clean.

5. Manage Water Use

Overuse of a well puts additional and unnecessary wear and tear on your pump. Further, it can also prematurely deplete the well. Opt for low flow appliances and fixtures to help cut down on water usage. Further, make sure your plumbing is in good repair with no leaks or issues that could lead to increased water use. To learn more information about maintaining a well pump, reach out to a company such as Action Well & Pump Repair.