Running water is a necessity, and any home or business should have a fully functional water pump. But to keep your pump running smoothly and minimize the risk of issues such as contaminated water, an explosion, or a fire, you’ll need to have it checked and serviced by an expert every year. Read on to find out why annual pump maintenance is so important.
1. Your Pump Could Fail Prematurely
You can expect most water delivery systems, including jet pumps, submersible pumps, booster pumps, and pressure systems, to last for 15 or more years. But if you don’t take care of your system by employing experts to double-check the mechanisms each year, you might encounter issues much earlier on. Some of the most common reasons pumps fail are poor water quality, dry periods, a lightning strike, and a well tank that is too small.
But even if your system was installed optimally and you have great water quality, the pump could malfunction after several years. Your maintenance experts can perform all the necessary tests to make sure everything is in working order. Additionally, they can perform services such as greasing your motor and checking and replacing the oil, which can prevent future issues and prolong the lifespan of your pump.
2. You Could Lose Money
If you include the installation charges, a new well pump can cost up to $2,500 in the US. The exact figure depends on a variety of factors such as your location, the size of your water delivery system, and the difficulty of installation, but a pump is likely to set you back at least $1,000.
It goes without saying that this is much more expensive than an annual maintenance service. The longer you can put off purchasing a new pump, the less money you have to spend on your water delivery system. An additional benefit of arranging your maintenance ahead of time is that scheduled service is much cheaper than emergency service.
3. You Could Lose Access to Water
Water is a basic necessity, and we use it for a wide variety of purposes inside a home or business. When your water pressure drops and you no longer have a reliable supply, this can cause significant disruption to everyone inside the building. What’s more, not having access to water can cause unsanitary conditions. Regular maintenance appointments can help you prevent this problem and ensure a steady supply of hot and cold water.
4. Your Pump Could Cause a Fire
You don’t necessarily associate a device pumping water through your home or business with fire. But water pumps are mechanical units, so it’s not impossible that they can pose a fire hazard if they stop working correctly. Although fires aren’t as common as a simple malfunction, they have occurred in the past, especially if the pump was located near easily flammable materials.
During the annual inspection, your contractors can double-check the engine to make sure there is no risk. Additionally, they can let you know what you should and shouldn’t store in the vicinity of your pump. That way, you minimize the risk of fire and therefore ensure your family’s or work colleagues’ safety.
5. Your Pump Could Explode
Even if your water is pure and uncontaminated, there is a chance that a faulty pump could explode. This happens if the pump suction and discharge valves are closed and water can therefore not flow through the pump. The energy that is usually used for pumping is converted to heat instead. Since water and other liquids expand when they get hot, they can cause an explosion.
Your maintenance experts can assess and mitigate the risk of such an event. What’s more, they can give you some tips that help you operate your pump safely. For instance, they might show you how to check the valves frequently and switch on all safety features.
6. Your Water Quality Could Be Subpar
A pump not only pulls water from a well, but also filters out debris and particles that could otherwise contaminate your water. If your pump is no longer fully functional, you might experience lower water quality, which can be dangerous to your health.
During the annual pump maintenance appointment, your local experts can check the filtration system inside your pump to make sure it’s still fully functional. If there is a problem, they can let you know whether the groundwater or the pump is the problem and, if the latter is the case, fix the issue.
Water pumps have to be maintained on a regular basis to prevent serious problems such as contaminated water, an explosion, or a fire. What’s more, regular maintenance can save you money because it prolongs the life of your pump. If you aren’t currently working with qualified experts, you should contact someone who offers an annual service plan in your local area.
