Why Maintenance Matters
Your well pump system is out of sight, out of mind — until it stops working. Regular maintenance is the smartest investment you can make in your well system:
- Economics — A routine annual checkup can prevent costly emergency repairs. Here are real examples: catching a failing capacitor during maintenance prevents an emergency call when it fails at midnight. Finding a waterlogged pressure tank during a routine check prevents the short cycling that burns out a pump motor. Spotting a loose wire splice early prevents a burned-out motor or fire hazard. The math is simple — maintenance always costs less than emergency repair. We charge $195/hour with a 2–2.5 hour minimum.
- Catching problems early — Many well system failures give warning signs months before they happen. A technician knows what to look for; most homeowners don't.
- Extending equipment life — A well-maintained pump lasts 15-20 years. A neglected pump might fail in 8-10. That's thousands of dollars in premature replacement costs.
- Water quality protection — A cracked well cap or failed seal lets contaminants into your water supply. You might not know until someone gets sick.
What We Check During Maintenance
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Well Cap & Casing
Inspect sanitary seal, check for cracks or damage, verify proper height above grade, ensure vermin guards are intact. This is your first defense against contamination.
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Electrical System
Test voltage, amp draw, capacitors, and wire connections. We compare readings to previous visits to spot degradation trends before they cause failure.
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Pressure Tank
Check air pre-charge (should be 2 PSI below cut-in), test bladder integrity, inspect for corrosion. A failing pressure tank is the most common cause of premature pump death.
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Pressure Switch & Low-Pressure Cutoff
We inspect contacts for pitting and arcing, verify cut-in and cut-out settings, clean connections, and test operation. We also check the low-pressure cutoff — a critical safety device that shuts the pump down if pressure drops too low, preventing the pump from running dry and burning out. Many older systems don't have a low-pressure cutoff, and we recommend adding one during maintenance visits.
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Flow Rate
Measure current flow rate and compare to baseline. Decreasing flow over time can indicate pump wear, dropping water table, or well screen clogging.
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Plumbing & Connections
Check all visible plumbing for leaks, verify check valve operation, inspect pitless adapter connection, look for signs of freezing damage.
Seasonal Considerations for Spokane
Our climate creates specific challenges for well systems. Here's what to watch for throughout the year:
❄️ Winter (November – March)
- Freezing risk — Above-ground pipes, pressure tanks in unheated spaces, and exposed well heads can freeze. Frozen pipes burst; frozen pressure switches fail.
- Heat tape inspection — If your well head or pipes have heat tape, we verify it's working before the first hard freeze.
- Insulation check — Well houses, pump houses, and exposed components need adequate insulation for Spokane winters.
🌱 Spring (April – June)
- Contamination risk — Snowmelt and heavy spring rains can carry surface water and contaminants into wells with compromised caps or seals.
- Post-winter assessment — Check for frost heave damage, frozen pipe aftermath, and any winter storm damage to well components.
- Water testing — Spring is an ideal time for annual water quality testing, especially after snowmelt season.
☀️ Summer (July – September)
- Peak demand — Irrigation and increased household use stress your pump system. This is when marginal pumps and undersized tanks show their weaknesses.
- Lightning protection — Spokane's summer thunderstorms can damage pump electronics. We install surge protectors during maintenance visits.
🍂 Fall (October – November)
- Winterization prep — The best time for annual maintenance. Get everything checked and tuned up before winter puts stress on the system.
- Freeze protection — Verify insulation, heat tape, and well house integrity before temperatures drop.
The Cost of Skipping Maintenance
We see it every week: a homeowner who hasn't had their well system checked in years calls because they suddenly have no water. Here's what deferred maintenance typically costs compared to prevention:
- Capacitor failure: a routine maintenance visit vs. a costly emergency call (plus potential motor damage from failed startup attempts)
- Waterlogged pressure tank: Replacing a tank during a scheduled visit vs. replacing the pump motor that short cycling destroyed — the difference is massive
- Corroded well cap: a new cap during inspection vs. expensive well chlorination and lab testing after contamination — prevention is always cheaper than the cure
- Worn pressure switch contacts: $100–150 for a new switch vs. erratic pressure that confuses the pump, increases energy bills, and accelerates wear on every component in the system
Call (509) 214-9355 for Preventive Maintenance
Protect your well investment with regular professional maintenance. We recommend scheduling in the fall before Spokane's winter weather puts extra stress on your system. Call today to set up your annual well system checkup — it's the smartest money you'll spend on your well all year.