When the pump quits, there's no water in the house. Most well systems around Wichita Falls use a submersible pump, a pressure tank and a pressure switch, and any of them can fail.
Common signs
- No water at any faucet
- Pressure that surges or drops
- The pump turns on and off rapidly (short cycling), often a waterlogged pressure tank
- Air spitting from faucets, or sandy or cloudy water
- A higher electric bill from a pump that runs constantly
Quick checks before you call
Check the breaker and the pressure switch, and look at the tank's pressure gauge. Don't open the well cap or work on wiring yourself; well pumps run on 230 volts.
Replacement
Submersible pumps often last 8 to 15 years. Replacing one usually means pulling the pipe and pump from the well. Contractors also fit solar pumps for remote stock wells.