How To Troubleshoot Residential Well Problems

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Check your garden hoses. A hose left running can quickly deplete your water supply.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.