Keep the Pressure On From Water Wells

Every home and office relies on water pressure to keep essential services flowing reliably. Trouble-free operation usually equates with "no comment" from those who depend on wells and septic tanks. A sudden change in water flow, however, results in an immediate call for action.

Constant water pressure from your well adds convenience, as well as maintains water quality and keeps all connected plumbing systems working smoothly. To maintain constant service quality from your Charlotte area water well, learn what to expect from your plumbing system and where to look for answers in the event of an unexpected drop in water pressure.

When the water flow from your well slows to a trickle, professional well repair technicians usually look at the pump first to diagnose any problems. In general, the system's rate of water flow is directly related to pump capacity - how many gallons per minute the pump delivers to your plumbing system. The pressure tank holds a certain amount of water in reserve so that the pump is not required to constantly switch on and off during regular use.

If water pressure suddenly and repeatedly drops, call your local Benjamin Franklin well repair specialist to check that the system is working properly. Tank pressure may be inadequate, or clogging from particles in hard water may be causing a drop in pressure. Scale can also build up, increasing friction in pipes.

For an inadequate well system, according to the National Ground Water Association, experts often explore one of three common solutions:

Install a constant pressure valve between the pump and the pressure tank to automatically adjust the water flow.
Add capacity to your pressure tank to provide a short-term solution. This will not solve the problem of running several large appliances or faucets at the same time.
Replace the old pump with a variable-speed water pump, which may run twice as fast as a constant-speed system depending on the demand for water. These types of pumps may start up slowly, eliminating power surges and reducing wear on the pump and well piping.

Even when wells run smoothly, experts recommend annual maintenance to keep them in top condition. Call Ben Franklin Plumbing in Charlotte (704) 461-1700 for all your well maintenance and repair needs.