PROBLEM |
CAUSE |
TRY THIS |
| Pump turns rapidly on and off (cycling) | Waterlogging in pressure tank | New pressure tank. Problems with your pressure tank could lead to damage to the well pump. |
| White/gray scale in cooking pots when water is boiled | Water hardness | Have water tested for hardness. Install water treatment system, if necessary. |
| Red staining on plumbing fixtures | High iron concentration in water | Install water treatment system. |
| Oily sheen on water in containers; slime in toilet tanks | Iron bacteria; possible contamination | Chlorinate well. Call for water test. |
| Rotten egg smell in water | Sulfur bacteria and/or hydrogen sulfide gas | Chlorinate well. Install water treatment system. |
| Change in color, taste, or odor of water | Possible contamination | Check softener for salt. Call for water test. If test is positive, chlorinate well to destroy bacteria. |
| Well damaged (cracked casing, loose or missing cap, or exposed wires) | Well struck by plows, snowmobiles, vehicles, or other heavy equipment | Call licensed well driller to repair as soon as possible. |
| Low water pressure | Plugged canister filter (water treatment filter). Plugged faucet strainers. Plugged water treatment system or water softener. Small diameter plumbing. Bad pressure tank. | Check all filters on water treatment systems, faucets, and water softeners. Also check to see what the diameter of the plumbing is. If plumbing diameter is 1/2" of less, the small diameter could be restricting water flow. If everything else checks out, call a licensed well driller as soon as possible. |
| No water | Fuse or breaker in electrical box tripped. Problem in well system or well. | Check fuses or breakers in electrical box. Otherwise, call licensed well contractor as soon as possible. |
| Air in water lines | Bad pump or drop lines. Hole in well casing, water line, or pitless. Overpumping of well. | Call licensed well contractor as soon as possible. |
| Pump runs with no water usage | Water is being used by a system not considered (water softener, humidifier). Bad check valve or hole in water line or drop pipe. Leak in pitless unit. | Check to make sure water is not being used by a water softener, humidifier or other appliance not readily visible. Call licensed well contractor as soon as possible. |
| Constantly moist ground near well or between well and house when there has been no rain or lawn watering | Leak in water line, pitless unit, or well casing. | Call licensed well contractor as soon as possible. |
| Pump noises, rattling, pipe vibrations | Loose plumbing or plumbing touching heat ducts. | Insulate piping under floor joists or fasten/move piping. Call licensed plumber. |
| Any questions about water quality | Call licensed contractor for water test. |