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What Well Owners Need to Know About Pulling and Replacing a Pump

What Well Owners Need to Know About Pulling and Replacing a Pump

The well pump is an integral part of a well system. A well pump is designed to pump water into the household or designated water system (can be a storage tank).

A typical well pump usually lasts between 8-15 years. How long your well pump will last depends on a number of factors, including the equipment type and model.

A time will come when you will have to let go of your old pump. From age-related deterioration to poor water quality, there are several reasons why well pumps fail.

Some common signs of a faulty well pump are: high electric bills, spitting faucets, fluctuations in water pressure throughout your home, and weird noises coming from the tank.

A well pump uses centrifugal force to push water upwards. A faulty or damaged pump may simply stop working or will fail to generate enough force to push the water from your well into the storage tank.

Sometimes it makes more sense to replace a well pump than repair it. If your pump is damaged beyond repair, hire a well contractor for well pump replacement in Petaluma.

Here are some things every well owner must know about pulling and replacing well pumps.

Prepare Your Well Pump to Be Pulled Out

Safety comes first. Before you pull out your pump, turn it off by shutting off the breaker that connects to the well pump system. Once you have determined the system is not getting power, loosen the cap bolts and remove the well cap.

The Right Way to Pull a Well Pump

If done by hand, pulling a well pump out is often a two-person job. If you will be removing the pump, stand directly above your well. Pull your pump straight up and out of its casing, while your partner helps pull up the wire. There are a few different device used to hold the well pipe in place during the pulling of the pump. Make sure you have one handle and that it is in good working order, so that the pump does not fall back down the well.

Lift the pump until it’s entirely removed from its casing. After you have removed the pump, cover the well hole with a vermin-proof cap to prevent objects from falling in.

Replace Your Pump

Turn on a hose or faucet to release all the pressure and drain all the liquids from the pumping system. Check to be sure that the discharge line is held down while you are draining water. This will prevent it from moving around and injuring you or someone else or causing damage.

If the existing line has accumulated unwanted materials or shows signs of rust, replace it. Install the replacement, following manufacturer’s instructions.

Use a plumber’s wrench to screw the pipe that carries water to your house to the outlet pipe on the pump and the inlet pipe (the pipe from the well) to the inlet pipe on your pump.

Connect the wires to the appropriate terminals on the pressure switch of your new pump. Tighten the wires with a screwdriver.

Make sure the pump motor is wired for the same voltage as what is being supplied from the circuit breaker.

Run the pump and check water quality. Water should be clean and clear of impurities and foreign materials such as silt and sand. Well water can often be stirred up by the replacement process. You may need to pump the well until water becomes clean again before reconnecting to your house.

Tips to Help You Select the Right Pump for Your Well 

First and foremost, determine what type of pump you need. If you have a deep well, it makes  sense to opt for a submersible pump (a submersible pump is installed beneath the ground and is placed in a well casing). Jet pumps are ideal for shallow wells (less than 25 feet deep).

Before buying a pump, check its power ratings and the gallons per minute pumped. Consider your well size and determine if the pump is capable of pushing or lifting water from your well into your household.

Some factors to consider when selecting a well pump are: number of people living in your house, irrigation needs, number of bathrooms, and number and type of household appliances.

Why It Makes Sense to Hire a Professional for Well Pump Replacement

While it’s possible to install a well pump yourself, it’s usually not recommended. If you take the DIY route, you may make a mistake or inadvertently damage a component, cutting short your pump’s service life, or worse, if a short circuit occurs, you or someone else can get injured.

If your well is over 200 feet deep, you absolutely need an expert. A professional will ensure flawless installation. When a water pump is installed correctly, it lasts longer, performs the way it should, and needs less frequent repairs.

Weeks Drilling & Pump is a reputable groundwater firm in Petaluma. We specialize in well pump replacement in Petaluma. Our team will help you choose the right well pump for your well and install it.