No Water From Your Well? Common Causes and What To Do Next
You’re standing in front of the bathroom sink, about ready to rinse off the soap from your face and finally rest after another stressful day. You turn the faucet on and—nothing. You try the other handle, and it’s more of the same. As you carefully open your eyes to see what your hands already tell you, you realize there’s no water coming from your well. It’s the last thing you need today, and it feels like something you can’t handle.
Behind the frustration of no well water are potential issues both big and small. There may be an electrical problem, like a tripped breaker that simply needs to be switched. Or, there may be pump failure and pressure tank problems that require more specialized solutions. And in Northeast Georgia, the culprit could be our local conditions.
Why is There No Water Coming From My Well?
There may be one single reason why there is no water in a house with well systems, or there may be a confluence of factors coming together to disrupt the flow of water to your home. Some of the most common causes include power issues, the demands of the house, low water levels, and well pump failures.
Power Issues Causing No Well Water
If you have well water problems, one possible place to start is the electrical system of the house and well pump. Sometimes the issue is simply that power has shut off to the well pump, causing there to be no water.
In some cases, the pump switch may become clogged, causing the switch to malfunction. This might mean water suddenly cutting out only to return a few seconds later, constantly running, or building up higher and higher pressure.
Household Demands
Some wells in Northeast Georgia may date back before the advent of most modern technology. Appliances like a dishwasher and washing machine can use more water than a well was originally designed to handle. If there’s suddenly no water from well, it may be that the well can no longer keep up with the demands of the house it’s connected to.
Low Water Levels
Another common cause of well water problems is the water level in the well itself. If the pump can no longer reach the water, it’s unsurprising that it can’t get that water to your house. Checking the pump itself may alleviate the issue if there’s water that just happens to be further down than usual. But professional help might be required if there are signs of wells drying up.
Signs of Well Pump Failure
Another common cause of drilled well no water issues is well pump failure. Thankfully, there are often some warning signs that clue homeowners into a possibly failing well pump.
- Short Cycling: Short cycling is when the switch and the pump are constantly turning on and off, running both constantly. Unlike other signs, the pump itself may not be the issue. However, if you leave short cycling unaddressed, the pump will become overworked and fail.
- Increased power bill: Like so many other common plumbing issues, you’re likely to first notice it on last month’s power bill. If you notice a seemingly random spike, it may be because your well pump is working overtime and running up the tab.
- Low water pressure: Low water pressure can point to problems in the overall well system but also the pump specifically. If the pump has begun to fail or is no longer functioning at its best, it may be drawing less water, resulting in noticeably low pressure.
- Pumping air: If you turn on a faucet or shower and get hit with a blast of air or air and water, it may point to one of two problems with the pump. It’s possible that the water level is so low that the pump is only pumping air up to the house or that there is a crack in the pump letting water in.
While many of these signs and others indicate a well pump not working properly, there can be other causes as well. If you notice low pressure or pumping air during Northeast Georgia’s fall dry season or during a drought, it may be that the water table has dropped so low that the pump is no longer at the water level.
Well Pump Runs but no Water Pressure
If you notice that the well pump is running but there’s no water pressure or no water at all, this could be the result of a few different issues. As mentioned, it might be that the pump switch is to blame or that the water level is lower than the pump can reach. It could also be the case that there’s a problem with the pressure tank. If the air pressure is set higher than the bladder inside, there won’t be any pressure generated for the system.
Whatever the cause of the well water problems, a lack of pressure should be addressed by professionals; the sudden lack of water pressure can create a host of problems for the system and the health of the household. A well pump that runs with low water pressure can inadvertently intake surrounding water that could introduce contaminants to your water supply. Reach out to well water experts to have the issue resolved swiftly and safely.
What To Do If You Suddenly Have No Water from Your Well
The shock and stress of no water in a house with a well doesn’t need to hold you back from getting started on solutions. There are a few steps you can take before making a call to your local well pros:
- Check your breakers: Make sure the pump is still receiving the proper amount of power. This step also rules out a quick fix that you’d hate to have to spend money on. However, if power frequently cuts out, it may point to an issue with the switch.
- Check your pressure gauge: For most residential well water systems, the gauge should read around 40psi. If you notice a lower amount, it’s a good idea to add air to increase the pressure in the tank.
- Check your pressure tank: Knocking on or slightly tipping the pressure tank can clue you into whether the bladder has burst and water has made its way into the air tank. This might indicate it’s time for a new tank.
- Inspect the pump: Look for problems at the pump itself, including any visibly damaged components that may be behind the lack of water. If you notice these or the problems above, call for professional assistance to get your water back up and running.
Common Well Water Problems in Northeast Georgia
As common as well water use is in Georgia, with about 95% of rural Georgians using groundwater, that doesn’t mean there aren’t still common problems.
- Contaminants: In Northeast Georgia in particular, the groundwater comes from closer to the surface, meaning there’s a greater risk of exposure to contaminants than deeper aquifers in the southern portion of the state. Filtration systems may need to be replaced more frequently to keep up with the demand.
- Droughts: Northeast Georgia can experience drought conditions in addition to seasonal dry periods. These can lower the water level and drop the pressure in a well water system.
- Aging systems: Many wells and well water systems in Northeast Georgia are old. Every component in a groundwater system has a lifespan, and replacing parts when that lifespan is exceeded is essential to a safe, well-functioning system.
When to Call a Well Pump Professional
When you have no well water and have already completed the steps listed above, it’s likely time to bring in professional help. Issues with a groundwater system, even mechanical or electrical problems, can lead to health problems in the water. That’s why it’s essential to bring in experts, like our technicians at C&C Plumbing and Well, who can quickly diagnose, repair, and replace to get water flowing to your house like it never stopped.
