Frequently Asked Questions

First, don't panic. Check these things before calling:

• Check your breaker — Look at your electrical panel for a tripped breaker labeled "well pump." Reset it once. If it trips again immediately, don't keep resetting it — that indicates an electrical problem.
• Check the pressure switch — If you know where your pressure tank is, look at the pressure switch (small box with a lever). Sometimes the contacts get stuck — you can try flipping the lever.
• Check for visible leaks — A major pipe break can drain pressure and cause the pump to run dry.

If none of these solve it, call us at (509) 214-9355. We offer same-day service and can usually diagnose the issue quickly. Many "dead pump" situations turn out to be affordable electrical fixes rather than a full pump replacement. We charge $195/hour with a 2–2.5 hour minimum depending on location. Always have the electrical system properly tested before assuming you need a full replacement — it saves our customers thousands of dollars.

While you wait for service, minimize water usage if you have any pressure at all. Don't keep resetting a tripping breaker — repeated trips can indicate a serious electrical fault that could damage other components or create a fire hazard.

Watch for these warning signs:

• No water or very low pressure — The most obvious sign
• Pump cycling rapidly — Turns on and off every few seconds (usually a pressure tank issue)
• Sputtering faucets — Air in the lines indicates a pump or pipe problem
• Dirty or sandy water — Pump may be pulling sediment from the bottom
• High electric bills — A failing pump draws more power
• Strange noises — Clicking from the pressure switch, humming from the control box, or grinding from the pump

The sooner you address these signs, the less expensive the repair typically is. What starts as a quick repair can become a full pump replacement if ignored. Rapid cycling is especially urgent — every time your pump starts, it draws 3–5 times its normal running amperage. Hundreds of starts per day will burn out even a new motor in months.

We recommend annual well system checkups to catch these issues early, before they become emergency situations. Prevention is always cheaper than repair in the well pump world.

It depends on the buyer's loan type:

• FHA loans — Yes, FHA requires proof of adequate water supply
• VA loans — Sometimes, at the appraiser's discretion
• USDA loans — Yes, USDA requires a flow test
• Conventional loans — Varies by lender, but many require it
• Cash buyers — Not required, but often requested for peace of mind

Our 4-hour flow test measures your well's sustained GPM output, including drawdown levels and recovery rate. The 4-hour duration is important — shorter tests hide wells that decline in production over time. Our detailed report is accepted by all major lenders, real estate agents, and inspectors across the Spokane area.

We also offer combined packages that include water quality testing (bacteria, nitrates) alongside the flow test, saving you a second trip. Call us at (509) 214-9355 to schedule — we can usually test within a few days and work around your closing timeline.

We recommend annual inspections for all well systems. During an inspection, we check:

• Well cap and sanitary seal integrity
• Pressure tank condition and air charge
• Pump electrical draw and performance
• Pressure switch operation
• All visible plumbing and connections

Think of it like an oil change for your car — regular maintenance catches small problems before they become expensive emergencies. A routine annual checkup can prevent a major pump failure that costs many times more.

The best time for inspection in the Spokane area is fall, before winter puts extra stress on your system. Spring is the second-best time, after snowmelt season when contamination risk is highest. If you've never had your well inspected, don't wait for the "right" time — schedule one now. We frequently find issues during first-time inspections on homes where the well system hasn't been professionally checked in years.

You have a few options:

• Us (Pump Division) — We collect samples from your well and send them to state-certified labs. This is the easiest option and ensures proper collection procedures.
• Spokane Regional Health District — Offers water testing services and can provide guidance on what to test for.
• State-certified labs — You can collect and submit samples yourself, but proper collection technique matters for accurate results.

At minimum, we recommend annual bacteria testing (coliform and E. coli). For real estate transactions, you'll also need nitrates. If you have concerns about your water quality, a full panel test covers pH, hardness, iron, manganese, arsenic, lead, and more.

One important note: for loan-required testing, samples must be collected with proper chain of custody documentation and delivered to a state-certified lab within the required timeframe. Home test kits from hardware stores won't be accepted by lenders. Professional collection ensures your results are valid and accepted the first time, avoiding costly re-testing delays.

Yes! While we're based in Spokane Valley, we serve a large area including:

• Spokane, Spokane Valley, Mead, Deer Park, Colbert, Chattaroy
• Liberty Lake, Newman Lake, Otis Orchards, Greenacres
• Airway Heights, Cheney, Medical Lake, Four Lakes
• Nine Mile Falls, Tumtum, Long Lake, Loon Lake
• And many more communities throughout Spokane County and surrounding areas

We also serve parts of Stevens, Lincoln, and Whitman counties depending on location. If you're not sure whether we cover your area, just give us a call at (509) 214-9355. Chances are, we do! Our service area extends roughly 45 miles from Spokane Valley in most directions.