Most residents of the Washington, DC metro area rely on their town or city to supply their homes with the water they use each day. However, homes in more remote areas of Maryland and Virginia may rely on private well systems.

According to the 2017 US Census American Housing Survey, approximately 13 million people across the United States use private wells as their water source. Back in the day, well users had to manually draw water from the well using a bucket and a crank. Fortunately, modern day well systems are much more advanced, utilizing an electromechanical well pump to draw water from the well and transport it to the house.

Read more: What is considered a plumbing emergency?

Common Types of Well Pumps

There are a variety of types of well pumps installed in homes today, each with their own unique benefits and challenges:

Jet well pumps are often combined with a pressure tank and can draw water from both shallow and deep wells. Shallow well jet pumps use a single pipe to draw water from about 25 feet while deep well jet pumps use a two-pipe system to draw water from more than 100 feet below the ground.

Using centrifugal force, centrifugal well pumps generate enough suction force to lift well water into your home. This one-pipe system only works for shallow wells, usually no more than 25 feet deep.

Submersible well pumps are the most popular and efficient type of well pump because they only draw water into the home only when needed. These pumps can be used in deep and shallow wells.

How long does a well pump last?

Depending on the equipment type and model, well pumps typically last anywhere from 8 to 15 years. However, several factors can contribute to the premature expiration of a well pump. Common contributors include the pump’s duty cycle (how often the pump runs throughout the day), motor quality and size, power loss, low water table, and water sediment levels. 

Need well pump service? 6 signs to look out for

While different well pumps will wear and tear at different rates, there are a few observable signs that indicate may indicate that your well pump or pressure tanks needs servicing:

Low water pressure. One common cause for changes in water pressure throughout your home is a malfunctioning well pump motor. Since well pumps run on electric motors, you’ll notice a difference in your water pressure if the motor fails.

“Spitting” faucet. Some well pump issues are actually tied to the pressure tank, not the pump itself. A leaking pressure tank allows air to infiltrate your water line and can lead to “spitting” faucets. While this is more of a nuisance than a plumbing emergency, it can shorten the life of your well pump if left unchecked for an extended period of time.

Read more: Why Do I Have Noisy Pipes?

High electric bills. Any problems related to your home’s well pump system can reduce energy efficiency and raise your electric bills. If you notice your utility bills climbing month over month, consider contacting a professional to inspect your well pump and pressure tank.

If your well pump is less than five years old and is experiencing any of these issues, the pump may be sized incorrectly, especially if you recently added an extension onto your home or have significantly increased water usage.

Repair your well pump with CroppMetcalfe.

If your well pump is no longer powerful enough to properly supply your home, contact CroppMetcalfe for well pump service. Our 5-Star Technicians can help identify the root of the problem and provide a solution that works best for you and your family.

Call 703-372-9359 to speak with one of our plumbing experts or schedule a service appointment online today.