There are several reasons for poor well pump pressure. The most common is that the pipes are clogged with silt or other sediments. Iron bacteria are often a serious issue. These microorganisms derive energy from oxidizing dissolved ferrous iron, and they can proliferate. Another possible cause is a drought that lasts so long it overwhelms the pump’s ability to maintain water pressure, especially if the water levels are already low. Similar reasons for low pressure are that a lot of water was used in a short period or a steady increase in water consumption occurred over a longer period. The latter can happen if you install a new bathroom or a laundry room in your home, particularly if it lacked one before. The bladder inside the tank may have a hole in it, and a leak in any component of the well pump can cause low pressure.
Another reason for poor well pump pressure is simply the passage of time and aging equipment. Like every other appliance, well pumps start to deteriorate as their years of service go on. Pressure regulators don’t work as well as they used to, valves become sclerotic, and sediment invariably builds up and causes blockages.
Signs of Poor Well Pump Pressure
There are other signs that point to problems with the pressure in your well pump besides low water pressure in your faucets. These include:
- Faucet spitting air
- Change in water quality
- Pump cycling constantly
- High energy bills
Your faucets can start to spit air now and then if the water table drops and causes the pump to suck air in. This can be caused by a crack in the pipe, which also lowers water pressure. A change in the way the water tastes, smells, or looks can also be an indication that there’s something the matter with the well pump pressure. The pump cycling on and off constantly is another. Pressure problems can cause the pump to work harder than it usually would, which can raise your energy the costs.
Count on the Local Experts
Found a few miles east over the Potomac River from Mount Vernon and a few miles west from the Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House Museum, Waldorf, Maryland is a lovely community in which to live, and some of its residents rely on their wells for water. There are many ways that our plumbers at A Better Plumber can diagnose and repair a pump that has low pressure. If you see signs that your well pump isn’t operating as it should, don’t hesitate to reach out for our help. Call us today.
