You expect your plumbing to work quietly in the background, but if your well pump keeps running, it is hard to ignore. A constantly running pump often leads to a noticeable spike in your electric bill and puts unnecessary wear on your equipment. When a well water pump keeps running, it may be struggling to build or maintain proper pressure. Before you call John Nugent & Sons for professional repairs, it helps to understand what might be happening out in your yard or basement.
Problems With the Pressure Gauge and Switch
To cycle on and off correctly, your system relies on a working pressure gauge and pressure switch. The switch tells the pump to start when water pressure drops below a set threshold and to stop when it reaches a set limit.
If the well pressure exceeds 60 psi but the pump does not shut off, the pressure switch may be failing. A faulty switch is a common culprit when a well pump constantly running becomes a nuisance. While adjusting these electrical components can be dangerous, a trained technician can easily test and replace a broken switch safely.
Holes in the Drop Pipe
The drop pipe connects your submersible pump, which sits at the bottom of the well, to the pressure tank inside your home. Older wells often use galvanized piping for this connection, a material that becomes vulnerable to corrosion and holes over time.
Even a tiny hole can prevent water from traveling up the pipe effectively. Instead of filling your tank, the water falls right back down into the well. This makes it incredibly difficult for the system to build enough pressure. When this happens, a well’s water pump keeps running as it desperately tries to meet the demand. Small holes only grow larger over time, making prompt professional service vital to prevent total system failure.
Plumbing Line Leaks and Warning Signs
Another frequent issue is a leak in the plumbing line leading to your home. A plumbing leak allows water to escape before it reaches your pressure tank. Because the system cannot reach its target pressure, it never triggers the shutoff cycle. Homeowners often wonder how long a well pump can run continuously before failing. While there is no exact timeframe, extended nonstop operation places immense strain and significantly shortens the motor’s lifespan.
Here is a quick summary of common warning signs and causes to look out for:
- Unusually high electric bills from a motor that will not stop running.
- Wet spots or patches of overly green grass in your yard, which indicate an underground leak.
- A pressure gauge reading above 60 psi without the pump shutting off.
- Sputtering faucets or generally poor water pressure inside the home.
Protecting Your Well Pump System
Dealing with a well pump issue can be stressful, but ignoring the signs will only lead to larger plumbing failures. Leaving the problem unresolved forces the motor to work overtime, resulting in rising energy bills and severe strain on your equipment. Finding and repairing the root cause, whether it is a faulty switch or an underground leak, helps restore normal operation and protects your home investment.
Need Well Pump Repairs in Northern Virginia? We Can Help
If you have noticed any of these warning signs and need a solution, it is time to call a professional. Since 1975, John Nugent & Sons has provided expert plumbing services to homeowners throughout Northern Virginia. Our skilled technicians understand the complexities of private water systems and can determine exactly why your pump is failing to shut off.
Contact John Nugent & Sons online today or call our office to schedule your well pump service and get your home water system back to normal.