Well Pump and Well Water FAQs

There is no true routine maintenance for a submersible well pump. A pump lasts on average 10 to 15 years, depending on the static water level, depth, water quality and how much water you use. Keeping your pressure tank properly balanced is the best thing you can do to protect it.

The tank's air pressure should be balanced to your pressure switch setting. Turn the well breaker off, run cold water until it stops, then check the air valve on the tank with a tire gauge. It should read about 2 psi under the low number, around 38 on a 40-60 switch.

Water pooling near the well or a hissing sound can mean a leak at the pitless adapter or inside the well. A pump that never shuts off can have several causes, and it can even be a running toilet. Check your toilets first, then call 703-791-3981.

Some pressure switches have a low-pressure cutoff. After a power outage, the switch can drop out and will not restart on its own until it is reset. Check that the well breaker is on, then call us at 703-776-0996 and we can help you sort it out.

Yes, within reason. We start with a few questions on the phone, which often points to the fix before we load the truck.

No-water calls take priority and go to the front of the line, day or night. Call the emergency line at 703-776-0996 and we will tell you honestly when we can be there.

On average 10 to 15 years. Deep wells, low water levels, sediment or hard water and heavy use can shorten that.

The usual advice is a bacteria test once a year. Also test after flooding, after well work, when buying a home, or any time the taste, smell or color changes.

A rotten egg smell usually comes from sulfur, which is common in parts of Prince William County. A water test tells us the cause, and a sulfur filter often solves it.

Blue-green stains usually point to acidic, low pH water that is eating at copper pipes. An acid neutralizer can raise the pH and protect your fixtures.

That is called short cycling. It often means the pressure tank has lost its air charge or is waterlogged, and it wears out the pump faster.

A tripping breaker can mean a failing pump motor, a wiring problem or a bad control part. Leave the breaker off and call us. Do not keep resetting it.

A constant pressure system adjusts pump speed to keep water pressure steady, even with several taps running. We install Grundfos and other constant pressure systems.

Yes. A well inspection can include a physical check, a yield and flow test, and testing for bacteria, lead and nitrates.

A UV light treats water as it passes through, killing bacteria such as E. coli and coliform. We install GDS and Viqua UV systems.

Yes. Pump installs come with a 5-year warranty, and all of our work meets county code.