Drinking Water Contamination From A Failing Well Pump
If you’ve ever watched a movie about the pioneers, you’ve likely seen someone draw water from a well using a bucket and rope. While the general concept hasn’t changed by much, today’s wells have a more high-tech design.
While you probably don’t think about it a lot, your well pump performs an important job in the background of your day-to-day life. Your home is equipped with either a submersible pump or a jet pump.
When these pumps are working properly, water is sent from an underground reservoir and into your home’s pipes. If you have a failing well pump, you may notice water quality problems, sputtering noises, and a decline in water pressure.
Can a Failing Well Pump Contaminate the Water Your Family Drinks?
If your well pump is starting to fail, it can absolutely contaminate your family’s drinking water. This happens because pump failures create entry points for contaminants, like chemicals, sediment, dirt, and bacteria. Any oil that leaks out of the pump can end up getting into the drinking water as well. As a result, your family may suffer from short-term and long-term health problems.
How Well Pumps Can Cause Contamination
A failing pump can lead to contamination in a few key ways. As cracks form in the well casing, contaminants are able to enter the well. In turn, this allows dangerous microorganisms and bacteria to flourish. These contaminants can lead to diarrhea and other gastrointestinal illnesses.
Besides bacteria, other contaminants can also get into the system. For instance, oil from a leak can leach into your water supply. Dirt and sediment can seep into the water, causing it to look cloudy.
What Causes a Well Pump To Fail?
Unfortunately, there are many issues that can cause a well pump to fail. Because of this, it’s always a good idea to contact the professional team of plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing as soon as you notice a potential problem. Our experienced team understands common issues with Pompano Beach’s well systems, so we can quickly diagnose and repair the underlying malfunction.
Electrical Breakdowns
Electrical issues are some of the most common reasons why well pumps fail. For example, a tripped breaker can make the pump go temporarily offline. Bad motors, malfunctioning capacitors, and faulty wiring can potentially cause short circuits and operational problems.
Mechanical Issues
Well pumps can be negatively affected by a range of mechanical problems. Clogged screens and pumps can occur when sediment and rust build up on the pump. Over time, this limits the water flow and forces the pump to work harder. The added wear can eventually make the pump stop working completely.
Similarly, leaky pipes and damaged check valves can cause pumps to work less efficiently. With faulty check valves, water can flow backward. This forces the well pump to operate continuously, which can permanently damage the pump.
Water-Related Problems
Sometimes, wells can run dry. If the well water gets too low, the pump ends up running continuously. Eventually, this causes it to fail. Alternatively, dirty water can cause sand and silt to clog the pump’s systems.
Changes in the Pump’s Pressure Levels
Finally, any pressure-related issues can result in added damage and total pump failure if they aren’t dealt with in a timely way. A broken pressure switch can inhibit the pump from turning on. In addition, plugged nipples and faulty pressure tanks can also lead to a pump failing.
What Type of Bacteria Can Contaminate My Well Pump?
Fecal coliform bacteria, like E. coli, naturally grow in the intestinal tract of animals and humans. Because of this, bacteria end up in animal feces and sewage. Normally, these bacteria die on their own after 30 days. If you find E. coli in your water supply, there is likely a continued source of contamination.
The impact of the contamination on your health depends on the culprit involved. Many types of coliform bacteria aren’t going to cause major illnesses. However, E. coli is famous for causing intense diarrhea and gastrointestinal symptoms. In the elderly, children, and immunocompromised people, E. coli infections can even be fatal.
On top of coliform bacteria, well water can also become contaminated by perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and viruses. PFAS chemicals are known to cause kidney problems and a higher incidence of cancer.
How To Protect Your Water Supply
One of the most important things you can do to protect your water supply is to ensure your well pump is fully functional. We recommend scheduling routine plumbing maintenance each year to ensure all of your plumbing systems are working properly. You should also test your well water for contaminants annually.
Throughout the year, you should pay attention to signs that something may be wrong with your well. If you notice cloudiness or a metallic taste, there may be contaminants in the water. Similarly, your water should never smell like rotten eggs.
If you do notice signs of a problem, it’s important to deal with them right away. You don’t want to risk your family’s health and well-being on contaminated water. By reaching out to our experienced plumbers, you can quickly get your well pump repaired or replaced.
Schedule Professional Repairs for Your Well Pump
If there’s any delay, it’s YOU we pay!
At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we have built our reputation on providing fast, affordable services for local homeowners and businesses. Whether you’re dealing with a failing well pump or a leaky faucet, our team of licensed plumbers can quickly come out to your home and evaluate the problem. Then, we’ll discuss our recommended course of action and how to maintain your plumbing system in the future.
While some bacteria cause an unusual taste or odor, other types may be unnoticeable. Because of this, it’s essential to protect your family’s health through timely maintenance and repairs. Find out more by giving our team a call today!
