Why is my well pump slow to build pressure? How long does it take for my well pump to build pressure? How to tell if your well pump is bad? All these are some of the questions many homeowners ask when they notice that their well pump pressure is reducing.
Few factors affect the pressure in well pumps, such as the size of the pump, quality, etc. However, first, you must consider whether your well pump is taking too long to draw pressure or not. Once you’ve got this part figured out, then you need to find out how long it takes the well pump to build pressure.
There is no standard time for your well pump to build pressure because different well pumps take different times to build pressure. Nonetheless, based on rough estimates and considering factors such as pump size, a large well pump can use as short as 45 secs to as long as two minutes to build pressure.
But if you’re using an old pump or a massive one, it could take longer.
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Still, if your well pump takes as long as four minutes to build pressure, then it’s a sign that you need to call in a professional plumber to have it checked.
Also, if your well pump makes a rattling noise when in use, you need to get it checked by a plumbing professional immediately.
Why Your Well Pump Is Slow To Build Pressure: 3 Possible Causes & Solutions
There are various reasons why your well pump is slow to build pressure. We’ve listed some possible causes and how to get them fixed.
1. Worn-Out Impellers
When your well pump is slow to build pressure, it could be that the impellers are worn out and may need to be replaced. The impeller is what helps well pumps to build pressure and transport water upward from the ground.
Impellers can get worn out over time, rendering them inefficient. Sometimes this happens if they’re older than 10 years.
So, how do you fix this?
Fixing a worn-out impeller is difficult for someone with little or no knowledge about pumps. Therefore, you may need to call in a professional plumber to get them repaired. But if they’re badly damaged, you should consider getting the whole thing replaced.
2. Blocked Pipes
Low pressure from your well pump may be a sign that your water pipes are blocke. This can happen when residues like minerals and other gunk in water settle in your water pipes, closing them out. Suppose this is the case, then you need to clean your well thoroughly. Before doing this, turn off the water supply for a day, then clean the entire well with a special solution that can effectively remove iron bacteria.
3. Pipe Leaks
When your well pump builds pressure and along the way it cuts off suddenly, then it could be that there’s a leak in the water pipes. This is because when pressure builds up and there’s a pipe leak, it will escape.
Pipe leaks are bad for your well pump and are dangerous for the entire system. If you notice a leak, don’t hesitate to call your plumber to fix or check the entire system.
3 Factors That Can Affect A Well Pump’s Longevity
Well pumps can last a long time if they’re well taken care of. However, some factors can affect and shorten their lifespan. They include:
1. Inadequate Size
You must pick the right size of well pump for your house. If the pump is small, but you live in a large house with a large family, it’ll constantly overwork itself. As a result, this could shorten the pump’s lifespan.
Therefore, when next you shop for a pump, consider taking your plumbing system into account. For example, note the number of faucets, appliances that require water, etc.
2. Power Loss
Constant power outages can shorten the lifespan of your pump, because pumps run effectively and last longer with consistent electricity. But when there’s inconsistent electricity, this could damage the circuit breaker in your well pump.
Suppose your well pump keeps misbehaving without outages, then you need to call in a professional plumber to have it checked.
3. Low Underground Water
When you get muddy or murky water from your pipes, your area likely has a low water table. This may be as a result of drought or dry spells. While this may be short-lived, your pump could get seriously affected because of it. Therefore, during such periods, call in a plumber to check your well pump.
But, if you continue to get muddy water longer than expected, then you might need to dig your pipes lower. You’ll need a plumber to get this done.
Why Does My Well Pump Take So Long to Build Pressure?
One of the reasons why your well pump takes so long to build pressure is because of sediments that are trapped in the pump. Over time, these sediments can wear down your pump’s impellers, making the pump build pressure slowly.
Another reason is that there may be a hole in your pipe. Figuring whether there’s one is quite simple. Just turn off the pump’s power. If the pressure drops without water being used, then there’s a leak in your water system.
Why Is My Well Pump Not Building Pressure?
Few things are responsible for your well pump not building pressure. One of them is when your pump sucks in air. If your pump has a low suction power and draws up water from a very deep well, it will struggle to build pressure. In addition, if the nozzle of the pump or venturi is blocked, your well pump will take longer to build pressure.
3 Low Water Pressure Problems in a Water System & Their Fixes
Low water pressure in your water system can be prevented if you make routine checks and maintenance on the water system. Doing this ensures that the water system works properly.
Before trying to solve the problem of low water pressure in your water system, you’ll need to do some troubleshooting. Below are some common low water pressure problems that you may be experiencing and how to solve them.
1. Low Water Pressure
Pump failure, stuck valves, partially closed gate ball valves are part of some of the different causes of low water pressure in your water system. Another cause could be that there is a strong presence of iron bacteria in your well water, which can clog your well pump. You can prevent the growth of iron bacteria by clean the well with a solution that’s designed to get rid of it.
2. Pressure Switch Is Set Too Low
Well pumps work well when the pressure is right. Increasing the pressure doesn’t always mean your pump will run more effectively. Some pumps will begin to malfunction beyond the pressure they can operate. So, while it is possible to adjust the pressure switch of your water tank system, you must be careful in doing so. Adjusting the pressure switch can reduce the amount of drawdown in the tank.
3. Clogged or Stuck Gate Valves
When gate valves are abandoned for a long time, they are likely to get stuck and cannot open or close. To prevent this, ensure you open and close your valves regularly. However, suppose they are stuck, have them replaced immediately.
If you notice sludge in the gate valves, clean them.
4. Clogged Pipes
Usually, it’s difficult identifying a clogged pipe when you see one — unless a plumber checks them. That doesn’t mean there are no signs to tell you — because there are.
If you suspect a particular pipe is a reason why you have low water pressure but are not sure if it’s clogged or not, take the pipe out and look inside. Sludge and sediment buildup is part of the causes of a clogged pipe, which in turn leads to a drop in water pressure.
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