FAQs

We advise scheduling a well inspection every five years. This practice ensures your well maintains its efficiency and maximizes the warranty coverage for our well pumps and pressure tanks.

A well pressure tank is an essential component of a well system. It's a vessel that stores pressurized water from the well pump for household use. The tank operates by compressing air as it fills with water, increasing internal pressure. When water is used, the pressure decreases until it reaches a preset point, triggering the pump to refill the tank. This cycle continues, with the pump shutting off when the tank reaches its maximum pressure. By reducing the frequency of pump activation, the pressure tank helps extend the pump's lifespan.

A well pump is a mechanism designed to extract water from a well and transfer it to a storage tank. Its installation location can vary, including inside the home, in an outbuilding, or within the well itself. Submersible pumps, which use impellers to draw water upwards through a pipe, are particularly effective in certain conditions. Different pump types have varying initial costs and ongoing maintenance requirements.

An unexpectedly high electricity bill may be due to your well pump running continuously, which significantly increases power consumption. To identify if your well water system is the cause, we recommend monitoring your monthly electrical usage to detect any unusual spikes.

Black sediment in well water typically indicates the presence of minerals such as manganese. Alternatively, it could result from a damaged drop pipe, which may disturb the well and dislodge sediment from the well casing. In homes with water filtration systems using granular activated carbon (GAC), black particles might signify that it's time to replace the filter, as these systems are designed to remove certain organic compounds and odors from water.

Water pressure issues can stem from several factors. Well systems typically operate on a 40/60 psi or 50/70 psi cycle. A malfunctioning pressure switch, which signals the pump to increase tank pressure, can lead to reduced water pressure. For bladder pressure tanks, an under-inflated air bladder may not exert sufficient force against the water, resulting in lower pressure. Additionally, if your system includes a sediment filter, a clogged filter could be restricting water flow, causing a noticeable drop in pressure.

As a private well owner, regular water testing is crucial. The Minnesota Department of Health recommends testing for coliform bacteria, nitrate, arsenic, lead, and manganese. Coliform bacteria, while generally not harmful, indicate potential contamination. Nitrate levels should not exceed 10 mg/L. Arsenic, naturally occurring in Minnesota's geology, should be below 10 µg/L. Approximately 40% of new wells in Minnesota since 2008 have detectable arsenic, with 10% exceeding the recommended limit. For comprehensive information on water quality and testing, please consult the Minnesota Department of Health's website.