How to Diagnose Problems with Well Water Systems | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey explains how a well water pump works and why it could be behind a high electrical bill.

Steps:
1. Some well pumps are submersible and sit at the bottom of the well. Others are located inside the home, usually in a basement.
2. Richard explains every time a homeowner with a well turns on the faucet, a well water pump could come on and call for water from the well. The well pump should be connected to one of two pressure systems.
3. One is a large pressure tank. That tank has an air charge at the top and water at the bottom. The tank is pressurized, so if the pump is coming on and off whenever the faucet comes on, that’s likely an indication that the air charge has become water logged and may need to be recharged.
4. The second system is similar, but has a neoprene bladder in between the air and the water reservoir. That would form a barrier and negate any oversaturation of the tank. If the pump is coming on in this situation, that means the neoprene bladder or a balloon-like material in between has failed, allowing the air and water to mix.
5. A well pump that runs to frequently suggests a problem with the pressure systems, which should be inspected and repaired by a qualified well technician.

About Ask This Old House TV:
Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers—and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.

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How to Diagnose Problems with Well Water Systems | Ask This Old House

[lostintime]

I just bought a house with a well. Now I have to learn more stuff. My brain is already full!!

[dustinzimmerman]

Coming from someone who has a well and does have issues from time to time, and as of recent had to replace my original bladder tank because the pump was turning on and off as soon as I opened a faucet, I'm going with bad tank.

[kennykemp]

As a water well contractor in Colorado, I would suggest checking for a leaky stool or underground water line or in the well. It could be the foot valve or a hole in the pipe in the well circulating water. The loss of air in the pressure tank will only negligibly raise an electric bill as the pump still stays shut off when there is not water in use.

[EatinPeaches]

Nice explanation but i really wish you would have SHOWN how to fill and recharge the old galvanized tank

[Neon]

One major thing you forgot to mention is a leak in a pipe somewhere. If there is a slow leak in a pipe anywhere in the house (slab) you will have the same issue of pump cycling on and off too much.

[dumpsterfire]

So exciting
I am learning some new stuff 😊

[bernardbonnetrouge]

Something everyone seemed to miss is a leaking foot valve, which would definitely be a cause of an increased use of electricity.

[lucastraweek]

our electric bill hasn't changed but for about a month now our water completely loses pressure (no water coming out of taps) and after about 5 mins the water comes back. what could be our problem and what would be a cheap fix money is a big issue right now, we dont have hundreds of dollars to spend on fixing this please help.

[SuperMan-xyui]

My well's foot valve lost water prime because of a bad vacuum regulator and the pump wouldn't turn off. It was easy enough to bleed off excessive air in the storage tank but that would only last a week or so until it would happen again. On my system, the vacuum regulator lasts ~6-8 years so I now keep a spare on hand for the next time it happens as my regulator is not the more common of the ones offered so well supply stores don't keep in stock.

[thomasschwarz]

I had a storage pressure tank go bad which made my submersible pump come on and off. I had already worn out one pump and had it replaced. Cost about $800. I decided to replace the tank and install a stop cycle valve. It is my understanding that the frequent cycling is what causes pumps to wear out and higher use of energy. Here's how the stop cycle valve works. When using water, once the storage tank pressure drops to the low pressure setting, the pump kicks on and the water pressure begins to rise. The stop cycle valve keeps the pressure in the tank from reaching the shutoff pressure as long as the water is being used. The pump continues to run. When the water is turned off the pump runs until the tank pressure reaches the shutoff pressure. This keeps your pump from cycling and makes the pump last longer and by eliminating excessive cycling cuts down on energy usage.

[rogerdickey]

My water pressure will not rise above 20psi. The pressure switch is staying closed for demand to satisfy the 50 psi high limit. It’s never getting above 20 psi. I replaced the pump about 1 year ago. The fact that I’m getting some water has got me confused. Thanks for any answers.oh and when I use water in the house the pressure will go to 0 it will take awhile before it builds back up but it still never builds over 20. I’m afraid my well has no water.

[dally]

I think the best thing to do if we have well problems is to get a certified well water inspector and he will explain everything . He will test and check everything and let you know what's the problem .

[jamielaird]

Hi. Question I just replaced the pressure switch. The tank had no air it was a40-60 pressure switch I filled the tank wit 38 pounds of pressure when I turned it on I can here the pump but I watched it for 45 minutes and it only went up to 20 pounds of pressure and the pump was on any thing will help thanks

[tsivat]

Her problem could be the check valve leaking so you loose water pressure so the pump kicks on and then the water leaks out and that is the most common problem, very seldom does a pressure tank fail.

[DiGritzalis]

I have the galvanized big tank at 60 psi, there is not enough pressure as before how much can be added ????.

[Bigbopperairguns]

My well pump keeps kicking on without the water being on what could that be I just replace the pressure switch two weeks ago this is the first I’ve heard my pops continuously running tonight I just pulled the fuse just to turn the pumps off until I can get a hold of a plumber I’m worried my pumps might burn up though is that an issue?

[Bradyvilleboy]

Strangely, I have both tanks. I think it's time to update my system.

[andytrees]

What size of pressure tank for a 1 hp shallow well pump, and can it be 200 feet away so the tank is closer to the house?

[bricelewis]

There are actually well water systems that have the pump in the house? This is new to me. Where I come from everyone who has well water has the pump outside the house in a small shed called a pump house.

[GrandpaGaming_GT]

That is happening with me too but I hear a noise that sounds as if there is a water leak and when I start listening it sounds like it is the backward valve And when the light goes out I have to add water to the line so I can run water for the house because the pipe is empty I think it is the backflow valve. I need help How to fixing The water pump of the well is outside. I live in a movable house.