No water: what to check before you call
Start with the simplest checks. Did the pump's breaker trip? Was there a power outage? Does the gauge by the pressure tank read zero? These checks take only a few minutes and sometimes solve the problem.
If the breaker trips again as soon as you reset it, leave it off. A pump that trips the breaker has a fault, and restarting it could make the problem worse. Call us: the cause is usually the pump, the control or the wire running down the well, and we will diagnose which one.
A pump that starts and stops repeatedly
When a faucet is opened, the pump starts, stops, then starts again. This common problem is very often caused by the pressure tank. The tank holds a reserve of water under pressure so the pump can rest between starts. When it no longer does so, the pump cycles unnecessarily and wears out much faster.
It is best to correct the problem promptly; otherwise both the tank and the pump may need replacing instead of a single part. We keep parts in stock at our store, which allows us to act faster when a house is without water.
Low pressure or air in the taps
A gradual drop in pressure can have several causes: the pressure switch setting, a clogged filter, a worn pump or a leak in the buried line. Air coming out of the faucet is another clue to mention when you call.
If the line between the well and the house is the cause, excavation is sometimes required. Because we have our own excavator, we can carry out this work without bringing in another contractor (see excavation). If the line freezes every winter, several solutions are available, such as installing heat cable or relaying the line at a greater depth.
Opening the cottage in spring
A cottage pump sits idle all winter, and a cracked fitting or a sticking check valve often becomes apparent at the spring opening. If the water does not return normally, do not let the pump run dry.
Shut it off and call us: a pump that runs dry can be permanently damaged. For the rest of the cottage plumbing, see our residential plumbing page.
Well water should also be tested. We arrange drinking-water tests carried out by an accredited laboratory: see our drinking-water testing page.