It’s always troubling when a well quits working on you, so here’s our advice for homeowners in the Springfield OH area!
Key Takeaways
- One of the most common reasons for wells to stop working is power outages during and after big storms, and this is partially because most private wells rely on electric pumps that need to be reset or restored.
- Power surges and lightning often damage well pump components, and other storm-related electrical surges typically impact pressure switches, breakers, pump motors and pump controls.
- Heavy rainfall and flooding substantially impact water quality, and the CDC recommends private water well testing after flooding events due to the potential for groundwater system contamination.
- Many lingering warning signs often appear shortly before total well failures, including sputtering faucets, low water pressure, inconsistent water flow, and unusual sounds that indicate your need for professional help.
Why Storms In Springfield OH Often Cause Well Problems
It’s always possible for major storms to impact private well systems in ways that aren’t easy for homeowners to notice or even expect.
Unlike municipal water systems that are directly connected to homes, private well systems usually depend on underground components and electrical pumps to move water inside properties. This means that when strong storms come through the Springfield OH area, brief system interruptions can quickly lead to prolonged performance issues.
In some scenarios, these problems are temporary; however, there are many situations in which storms expose a property’s underlying pump issues and how certain components need professional repairs.
If your well has quit working shortly after a severe weather event, it’s essential that you understand the possible causes in order to more effectively respond to your malfunctions!
First Things First: Check For A Power Outage
The first and foremost thing that Springfield homeowners should check on after a serious storm is whether or not their property’s electricity has been interrupted.
The vast majority of private well systems rely on electricity for pump operations, so even if your home only briefly loses power during a storm, it’s possible that your well has quit working because your system’s pump needs to be electrically restored.
What you’ll need to do is start out by checking the following:
- Tripped breakers in your electrical panel
- If other nearby homes are out of power
- The GFCI outlets connected to your pump systems
- Whether or not the pressure switch seems fully functional
There are many situations in which a breaker trips during a serious storm, and simply resetting it will get your water service back up and running again. However, if you’re experiencing something like repeated breaker trips, it could mean that your home has much bigger electrical issues that need to be professionally inspected.
Power Surges & Lightning Often Damage Private Well Equipment
Even when your electrical power is restored after a storm, it’s possible that lingering damages could still impact your home’s well system.
Electrical surges and lightning strikes are known to harm well system components like pressure switches, well pump motors, electrical wiring, pump control boxes and circuit breakers.
In some scenarios, these damages can be instant—whereas in others, Springfield homeowners will slowly but surely notice gradual symptoms like intermittent water service, fluctuating water pressure, and unusual pump cycling until the system shuts itself off completely.
This means that if your well has suddenly stopped working after a thunderstorm, one of the first things you’ll need to investigate is electrical damages!
Flooding & Heavy Rain Impact Water Quality In Springfield
It’s also important for Springfield property owners to understand how big storms don’t just impact a well’s mechanical components, because there are also many water safety risks associated with severe weather events.
Localized flooding and heavy rainfall can potentially allow bacteria, contaminants, surface runoff, or sediment to enter into a home’s groundwater supply—and this is particularly the case when a property has a damaged well cap or the area around a well has become overly saturated.
This is one reason why the CDC typically recommends testing private well water after flooding events, because contamination risks almost always increase substantially after floods occur. Some contamination warning signs to keep in mind include:
- Changes in water smell or taste
- Muddy or cloudy water
- Sediment buildup on tubs or faucets
- Discolored water
If you’re noticing any of these common symptoms shortly after a big storm, it’s best to avoid simply assuming that the issue will resolve itself with time!
Watch Out For Red Flags Associated With Developing Well Pump Issues
There are also many situations in which storms end up revealing well issues that have already been developing for some time.
When well systems struggle before severe weather events, groundwater changes and added electrical stress can sometimes push the system to failure. Some warning signs to be on the lookout for include:
- Faucets sputtering air
- Inconsistent or low water pressure
- Pump consistently cycling on and off
- Strange pressure tank noises
- No water flow
If you noticed any of these issues before your well completely quit working, it’s a telltale sign that your system needs to be professionally diagnosed and repaired.
When To Call Professional Well Repair Technicians
Although it’s possible for homeowners to conduct their own basic troubleshooting and restore their water services back to normal when a well quits working, these situations are often the time to reach out to our well and pump specialists.
Private well systems involve complex underground equipment, electrical components, pressure systems, and all sorts of different water safety concerns that can be difficult to diagnose without adequate industry experience. The good news is that our trained technicians have your back when you need comprehensive inspections of your electrical system, pump, controls, pressure tank, and water quality to ultimately pinpoint what’s causing your well to be fully shut off.
And it’s also crucial to remember how fast response times matter in these scenarios, and this is particularly the case when your household depends on your well water for bathing, drinking and overall daily use.
Contact Eaton Drilling & Pump Service To Get Help When Your Well Quits Working In Springfield OH!
It’s always stressful when you lose access to your water after a big storm, but this doesn’t mean you have to figure everything out all on your own. Regardless of what has caused your well to quit working, it’s essential to properly identify the source of the problem early on in order to prevent much larger repairs later.
Here at Eaton Drilling & Pump Service, our team of renowned well technicians is here to support your Springfield property with whatever diagnostic and repair work is necessary to restore your water services back to normal again as quickly as possible.
Reach out to us online or give us a call at 937-446-6531 to get in touch with our experts today and let us know what issues you’re currently seeing with your well that’s quit working!