Diagnosing Continuous Running Issues in Well Pumps

Well pumps will experience severely diminished performance if they run continuously.

Well pumps will experience severely diminished performance if they run continuously. Unnecessary wear and tear can take its toll and result in costly repairs or even full-blown replacement.

Here are some ways to effectively diagnose a well pump that runs continuously:

Leaks

Well pumps automatically shut off when not in use. However, they must first attain a certain level of pressure. If, for some reason, this doesn't happen, the well pump will continue to run, regardless of whether it's needed or not.

Leaks are a chief cause of pressure loss in well pump systems. Therefore, the first step is to thoroughly inspect all exposed pipes to find out if there's a visible leak. Secondly, if the underground pipeline location is known, inspecting the route for wet patches on the surface is the next move.

If there are no leaky pipe signs, one can rule out leaks as a potential cause.

Running water

If a plumbing fixture has been accidentally left on and is running, shutting it off won't work since it is still pulling in water.

Switching off the main water supply is a great method for figuring out if a fixture is behind the problem. If the pump stops running, this is a strong indicator that a fixture is responsible. To resolve the issue, leave the pump on, inspect every fixture, including exterior ones such as hoses, and check that no water discharges.

Loss of prime

One must prime a well pump to get the right suction to extract water from the well and move it into the house. Priming refers to the intake pipe being full of water at all times. Unprimed pumps run dry, and they are a recipe for disaster. Therefore, they must be turned off immediately.

Prime loss is only an issue if an above-ground jet pump system is used. If the system pump is an underground submersible system, this probably won't be the cause. Loss of prime normally occurs because of a faulty foot or check valve or leaking from the suction line.

Have a professional inspect these components to check for damage or leaks and ascertain if they're the source of the problem.

Water level

For a pump to supply water at the correct rate, enough water must be present in the well. A well that lacks water will run continuously. It will perpetually attempt to extract water even when there's insufficient supply.

If there are no local pressures or conditions, such as severe drought, it's simple to diagnose and resolve. Turn the pump off for 24 hours and see if the water level recovers.

If well pump issues persist, contact a local professional for expert assistance.

Perry-Pump Repair Services is a water well repair company owned by a third-generation water specialist and manned by highly trained technicians who diagnose and repair low-pressure, no water, air on lines, and more. We offer commercial and residential customers in Lake Butler and surrounding areas wellhead extension and repair, jet pumps, deep and shallow wells, submersible pumps, booster pumps, sediment filters, constant pressure systems, contactless pressure switches, and irrigation pumps. Give us a call at (352) 474 - 7142.