Living in a cabin in a rural or wilderness area brings a unique sense of tranquility and connection with nature. But as all cabin dwellers know, and aspiring cabin dwellers should know, cabin living comes with its own set of challenges. One such challenge is maintaining your water supply, especially if you’re dependent on a well pump. Here’s what to do if your well pump fails and your water goes out.
What Causes Well Pump Failure?
Well pumps can fail for several reasons. Age is a common factor, as most pumps last around 10 to15 years. Other elements such as power surges, mechanical failures, and poor maintenance can also lead to pump failure. Additionally, the quality of your groundwater and the condition of your well can affect the longevity of your pump.
Ways To Diagnose the Reason for Pump Failure
When your well pump fails and the water goes out, it’s important to determine the root cause. If you can determine why you don’t have water, you’ll be able to address the root cause and avoid searching for an answer without a remedy.
Is Water Out Throughout the House, or Only in Some Places?
If there’s no water anywhere in your cabin, the issue likely lies with the pump or power supply. If only certain areas are out, you might have isolated plumbing issues.
Filtration Issues
Clogged filters can significantly hinder water flow. If you haven’t replaced your water filter recently, this could be the culprit.
Loss of Power
Check your circuit breaker to see if the pump’s circuit recently tripped. If it has, reset it. If it trips again, there may be an underlying electrical issue.
Valve Failure
Damaged or worn-out valves can prevent the pump from drawing water from the well. If the pump keeps turning on but no water comes through your pipes, the problem could be a check valve deep down in the well.
Pressure Tank Problems
If your pressure tank isn’t holding pressure properly, it can cause the pump to short cycle and lead to premature pump failure.
Pressure Switch
A malfunctioning pressure switch, which controls when the pump turns on and off, can cause continuous running or a complete shutdown of your pump. Most residential well pumps use a pressure switch, but some may have a pressure transducer that maintains a constant pressure in the system. If either fails, you’ll lose water pressure or have no water at all. Fixing this type of problem, along with deep well valve issues, is a job for the professionals.
Other Possible Causes of Well Pump Failure
There are many ways a well pump can fail, and some of them are more complex or difficult to address than others. These include:
Electrical Issues
Wiring for well pumps can corrode or short out. If you’re experiencing recurring issues with your circuit breaker or the pump’s wiring, it’s time to call a professional.
Tank Issues
If you suspect a problem with your pressure tank, professional assistance is best. They can accurately diagnose and resolve the issue.
Groundwater Depletion
Groundwater depletion is happening at an alarming rate in the United States. If your well is running dry due to groundwater depletion, a professional can assess the situation and suggest possible solutions, which could include drilling deeper or drilling a new well altogether.
If your well pump fails and leaves your cabin without water, don’t panic. With the right knowledge and knowing when to call a professional, you can restore your water supply and continue enjoying your tranquil wilderness retreat.
Leave a Reply