If your home is supplied with water from a well and you suddenly experience very low water pressure or no water at all, don’t jump to the conclusion that you need a new well or well pump. Well water systems are fairly simple and straightforward and chances are the problem is simple too. Here’s a quick checklist that any homeowner can use to eliminate some common problems. If the problem persists then it’s probably time to call in Greco & Haines for consultation.
- Check water flow in all of your faucets. If only one faucet is affected then your well pump is probably Ok, something is obstructing water flow to that particular faucet.
- Check your toilets. A running toilet is a common cause of low water pressure. Normally you’ll hear if a toilet is running but it’s best to lift the toilet tank cover and check visually.
- Check your garden hoses. A hose left running can quickly deplete your water supply.
- Check your well pump circuit breakers and/or fuses. Power surges and outages can cause a breaker to trip or a fuse to blow. Flip the switch off and then back on, sometimes a breaker can appear to be on when it’s not. IMPORTANT: If the breaker continues to trip or the fuse blows again, STOP RIGHT THERE. There’s something wrong in the well pump electrical circuit.
- Continuing to power on the pump can destroy or seriously damage your pump and possibly cause a fire. Call Greco & Haines for emergency service.
If for whatever reason you’ve depleted the water supply check to see if your pump is still running and if it is turn it off. Running a pump dry will quickly lead to severe damage. The best way to ensure trouble-free well operation is to apply an ounce of prevention. Make arrangements with Greco & Haines for a routine water system checkup.