Do you have a well on your property? According to the EPA, over 23 million households in the United States rely on private wells for drinking water. If your home is one of these households, you need to know how to spot potential problems with your well pump early. The sooner you catch these issues, the more likely you'll avoid major problems or repair bills. Here are some signs that you may need to call water well services for well pump repair.

1. Bad Odors

If you start to smell sulfur or rotten eggs coming from your faucets, it could be a sign of a problem with your well pump. This is often caused by sediment coming up from the well with the water, which can negatively affect the water's smell or taste and, if left unchecked, may cause the water to become muddy or cloudy. Bad smells could also be caused by bacteria. You'll want to fix this quickly to ensure that no one in your home gets sick from drinking your tap water. Your local well pump company can determine the cause.

2. Water Pressure Changes

A sudden drop in water pressure is a common sign of a well pump problem. Even if it's not sudden or severe, changes in water pressure can be a sign of major issues. Keep track of the water pressure, and if it's consistently low or changing on a regular basis, it's time to call local water well services. They'll determine whether the pump itself is causing the issue or something else in your water well system.

3. Cycling Issues

If your well pump is constantly cycling on and off, it could be a sign that it's not working properly. As the pump wears out, it becomes less efficient and it may not be able to maintain a consistent water pressure. Another common problem is when your pump runs constantly without stopping. Either of these problems should be diagnosed by a professional.

4. Unusual Sounds

If you've heard any unusual sounds lately, it may be your water pump. Squealing noises are often caused by worn or damaged pump bearings. Luckily, a well service team can replace them. Other sounds like rattling, banging, or humming could be caused by the pump itself or other parts of your water well system. If you hear them, have your well pump service inspect the system.

5. Higher Electric Bills

Did you just get an astronomical utility bill? When your well pump needs to work harder than usual, it will use more energy. If this happens, your electric bill may increase significantly.

Ideally, you'll notice the problem before the end of your billing cycle, but seeing a dramatic increase in cost is a clear sign that something is wrong. Any of the above problems could be causing the increase in energy use, so it's important to have a water well services expert take a look. They can fix your pump and get your energy bill back to a reasonable amount.

6. Lack of Water

Turning on the tap, only to have no water, is a major issue. Without water, you won't be able to take a bath, do the dishes, or flush the toilet. It's best to have a professional do some troubleshooting, as there are a number of potential causes for this problem.

7. Corrosion

This issue is often seen when other serious issues are ignored. Corrosion is caused by many things such as overusing the pump. If sediment is running through the pump, the materials in the sediment can corrode it. You may notice discoloration in the water, a metallic taste, or any of the issues mentioned previously.

This is perhaps the most important issue to catch early. If you ignore this problem, the pump itself could be destroyed and you'll need to pay for a full replacement. To avoid this costly solution, call a professional the second you notice something unusual.

As you can see, there are many signs to look for. If you notice any of these issues, call your local water well services provider immediately so they can confirm the issue and make the necessary repairs. Do you have more questions about water pumps or water wells? Call Connecticut Valley Artesian Well Co Inc. We're your local experts in water wells and well pumps!