A submersible pump works silently; however, its presence will be felt when it fails to supply water. The longevity of a pump depends upon various factors, such as type of the equipment, pump’s usage, manufacturing company and condition of the surrounding area. A defective submersible pump will cause a variety of issues and it is necessary to replace a pump that is beyond repair. Therefore, it is helpful if you stay informed about the factors that may affect the replacement cost of a submersible pump.
At First, You Need to Answer these 4 Questions:
Estimating the cost of replacing a submersible pump is not easy. It usually depends upon:
- What is causing the issue
- How the issue is resolved
- Which model is being installed during replacement?
- Who is performing the task?
1. What?
The replacement cost is primarily determined by what is causing the issue since you may need to replace an additional component along with the pump. For example, a defective pressure tank can damage a submersible pump. Therefore, it is essential to replace both components in this scenario.
2. How?
The replacement cost also depends upon the process and how much labor is being used by a technician. For example, it is costlier to replace a submersible pump which has been installed deeper underground since a technician has to work harder and for a longer period of time. The length of the pump cable that has to be run during installation also determines the replacement cost. It also depends upon the type of pump fittings used during replacement.
3. Which one?
The replacement cost is also determined by the type of the submersible pump that is being installed. You have to spend more money in order to replace the existing pump with a pumping device of higher horsepower since it has the capacity to pump more water.
4. Who?
The cost of replacing a submersible pump also depends upon the experience of the technician since he has the skills and right set of equipment to flawlessly complete the task.
The Most Important Question: When to Replace a Pump?
A submersible pump may last for many years. However, a well’s condition deteriorates if it contains high levels of sediments and you have to replace a pump in the following scenarios.
1. Continuously Running Pump
If a pump has to work hard in order to supply water to the home, then it has reached the end of its service life. Hence, it is prudent to replace the pump. You may check the pressure switch to learn whether a pump is running constantly. A pump’s pressure switch frequently clicks on and off and the energy bills skyrocket if the pump has to run constantly.
2. Reduced Water Pressure
A submersible pump’s operating mechanism may be under pressure if you notice water-flow problems through all or most of the plumbing fixtures. It happens when the worn-out components of a pump lose their ability to drive water through the pipe resulting in low water pressure. Thus, it is essential to replace a submersible pump if there is poor water-pressure.
You may even notice a reduction in water-pressure in the following scenarios:
- Low water levels at the wall
- Build-up of scaling in pipes
- Defective pressure tank
- Pump is too small for a building
3. Absence of Water
This is another sign of a failing submersible pump. You may do the following if no water is coming out of the faucet.
- Examine and reset the circuit breaker to ensure that the well is getting sufficient power
- Examine a pump’s control box and reset if possible
Look for any sign of plumbing failure, such as a damaged pipe
4. Pipes Releasing Bubbles
If the pipe is releasing bubbles whenever you turn on the faucet, then this is a sign of the pump’s failure. It happens when a pump cannot draw the water and may fall apart within a few days or weeks. A defective pressure tank may even cause this problem and has to be replaced. However, if this problem results from the cracks in a pipeline that connects the pump to the home, then this issue can be resolved through repair of the damaged pipe.
Things Affecting Water Well Pump Replacement Cost
The cost of replacing a submersible pump depends upon these four factors.
1. Pump Type:
The type of the pump is the primary factor that affects the cost of replacement. For example, the cost of replacing a jet pump is moderate since they can be easily installed and removed. You have to spend more if you want to replace the existing pump with a self-priming pump or solar pump.
2. Condition of the Well; Additional Components:
A submersible pump needs the assistance of numerous additional components in order to supply water to the home. You may have to replace these components along with the pump if they are worn out. Thus, you have to spend more if the additional components of a pumping system are in poor condition. The size of the well also influences the cost of replacing a pump.
You have to spend less in order to install a pump inside a shallow well since it can be carried out quickly. The deep pumps cost more than the traditional pumps. You have to install this type of pump inside a deep well (up to 150 feet in depth). This is a laborious task for a technician. Therefore, the replacement cost is also controlled by the size of the well.
3. Replacement Approach:
It is prudent to hire an experienced technician who knows how to replace different types of submersible pumps and how to perform this task on different types of land. Retaining a professional’s service will cost you; however, it saves a pump from frequent problems in the future.
4. Pressure tank Problem:
The cost of replacing a pump increases when the pressure tank is damaged and has to be replaced along with the pump.
Final Words
The replacement cost of a submersible pump depends upon a variety of factors. A technician from a pump-repair service has to inspect the pump before estimating the cost of replacement. Did this article answer the question you were looking for? If yes, head to our website where you might be able to gain a clearer understanding on Pumps. Click here.