Spotting the signs of a failing water well pump motor forces a crucial decision.
You can either replace a failing component, such as the capacitor on a pump that hums but won’t start.
You can also consider its age and replace it with a more modern system.
The EPA estimates that the average American uses 300 gallons of water a day.
Around 70% of that is for indoor use.
Where does it come from?
Around 1.5 million homes in Arizona alone rely on well water.
When the components of well pumps that bring water to the surface begin to fail, it can have devastating effects.
How Can You Tell If Your Well Pump Motor Is Bad?
Homeowners may face any number of common well pump motor problems.
They can signal failing parts that need replacing or that you need an entirely new system.
Pump Hums But Doesn’t Start
What if you turn on the pump and it hums but won’t start?
This can signal capacitor failure.
Replacing the capacitor alone is typically enough to fix the problem.
Rapid or Longer Cycling
Your water well pump may start short-cycling, turning on and off rapidly.
It can come on suddenly but typically occurs during periods of heavy water usage.
This may be caused by fixable issues such as a clogged pressure tank.
The sooner you fix it, the less likely you are to experience pump motor failure later.
Longer cycles strain the motor.
Rapid cycling wears down internal components.
The pump’s ability to turn on and off may also fade near the end of its life cycle as it loses torque.
Inconsistent Pressure
Water pressure problems are a common homeowner complaint and, for those who use wells, it may all stem from the water well pump motor.
You may experience random switches from normal to low water pressure.
The solution may be pump end replacement instead of motor replacement alone.
Unexplained High Bills
According to PowerOutageUS, the average Arizona electricity bill is approximately $156 per month.
While heavy heating and cooling use play a part, so does indoor water usage.
If you notice a sudden increase in your bills, check to see if your water well pump motor isn’t working as efficiently as it could.
You should also look for other explanations such as hidden leaks.
Spitting Air from Faucets
When a water well pump can’t work properly, it begins to suck air into the pipes.
This can even occur across several fixtures in your home.
However, other plumbing issues, such as leaks or partially clogged pipes, can also cause it.
You should also eliminate those potential causes.
Unusual Noises
Unnatural noises are one of the first signs of water pump motor failure.
Listen for:
- Grinding
- Clicking
- High-pitched humming
These could indicate that the motor or another component of the pump has worn down.
Replacing the entire system before further damage occurs is typically best.
Changes in Water Quality
Problems with your water pump, including its motor, can affect your water quality.
You may start to notice sediment or discoloration.
Find out what’s causing the change.
If it’s from a nearby runoff or a leak, fixing the pump won’t help.
Electrical Failure
A water pump well motor relies on electricity to function and, when it fails, it may start tripping breakers more frequently.
Have you noticed that you have to reset the same breakers often?
Is the problem even more common while using water?
This could indicate that the motor could be the cause and may need to be replaced.
How to Decide to Replace vs. Repair
Noticing the signs of problems with your water pump motor helps you avoid expensive repair bills.
Use them to decide when to get a new part and when you need a new system.
Consider well pump replacement if the pump is over 10 years old.
It’s also worth considering if the repair bills would be over 50% of the price of purchasing a new one.
It’s also worth replacing the pump and motor at the same time.
This is the right course of action if the pump itself is eight years old or older.
Call for professional water well pump repair services for newer systems.
It’s also the better option if the problem only affects a single component.
How Common Is Water Pump Failure?
Every water pump fails with time. Age causes them to wear down.
Lightning storms can cause sudden failures.
Broken components, including a failing water well pump motor, are another common reason for failure.
How to Prevent Future Failures
A regular maintenance schedule where you inspect and call for repairs on your well pump prevents costly repairs.
Updating old systems every few years is also essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Should a Well Pump Last?
One of the major factors that determine how long your well pump will last is what type of system it is.
Submersible well pumps last eight to 15 years.
Jet pumps last 5 to 10 years.
Other factors affecting these lifespans include:
- Maintenance
- Water quality
- Cycling frequency
- Water usage
- Well depth
Will a Well Pump Shut Off If It Runs Out of Water?
No, a well pump will continue to run even if the well runs out of water.
This can be a dangerous situation for basic well pumps.
They’ll continue to spin without the water and lubrication they need.
They may overheat and face damage to their internal components.
Some systems have low-pressure cutoff switches to help prevent this.
Others have electronic dry-run protection to shut the pump off when water levels drop.
It may be worth considering replacing an old system with one that has these new safeguards in place.
Get the Water System You Need Today
A water well pump motor may fail suddenly, but there are signs to look for first.
You may notice strange sounds, circuits breaking, or rising bills.
The decision to repair or replace the motor depends on factors such as age and cost.
Pump It Up, Pump Service, Inc. officially launched in 2001.
We offer water testing, well rehabilitation, agricultural water systems, water storage tanks, and more across Arizona.
Our values of openness, honesty, and continual improvement help us always grow to serve you better.
Request service for your home or business today.
Need Professional Well Inspection in Wickenburg AZ?
Trust Pump It Up Pump Services, Inc. for professional well inspection services in Wickenburg. Our experienced team delivers reliable, thorough assessments to help identify potential issues, ensure proper water flow, and maintain the long-lasting performance of your well system.
Call 623-582-5069 or request service online today!
Pump It Up Pump Service, Inc. provides professional well pump services, water system solutions, and reliable repairs for residential and commercial properties. Known for dependable service and honest pricing, their team keeps water systems running efficiently year-round. Request service now.