Well Pump Service & Repair
Professional well pump service throughout Muskoka. Fast diagnosis and repair when your well pump isn't working, pressure tank replacement, and complete well system maintenance.
📞 Call for ServiceWhen Your Well Pump Stops Working
No water is a serious emergency. Well pump failures leave you without water for drinking, cooking, bathing, toilets, and all household needs. In rural Muskoka, where municipal water isn't available, your well is your only water source.
We respond quickly to well pump emergencies because we understand how critical water is. With 20+ years of experience with Muskoka well systems, we diagnose problems efficiently and carry common replacement parts for faster repairs.
Common Well Pump Problems
No Water at All
Complete loss of water supply.
- • Pump motor failure
- • Loss of prime (jet pumps)
- • Electrical supply problem
- • Tripped breaker or blown fuse
- • Failed pressure switch
- • Lightning damage to controls
Low Water Pressure
Water flows but pressure is weak.
- • Waterlogged pressure tank
- • Failed pressure switch
- • Partially clogged pipes or screens
- • Worn pump (reduced capacity)
- • Air in system
- • Leaking pressure tank bladder
Pump Cycles Constantly
Short cycling - on and off repeatedly.
- • Failed pressure tank (most common)
- • Ruptured tank bladder
- • Faulty pressure switch
- • Leak in system
- • Failed check valve
Dirty, Cloudy, or Sandy Water
Water quality suddenly deteriorates.
- • Well screen clogged or damaged
- • Pump positioned too low in well
- • Pump drawing sediment
- • Well itself has issues
- • May need well service/cleaning
Pump Runs But No Water
Motor sounds normal but water doesn't flow.
- • Lost prime (jet pump)
- • Broken drive shaft
- • Damaged impeller
- • Disconnected drop pipe
- • Check valve stuck closed
Breaker Trips Repeatedly
Circuit breaker won't stay on.
- • Shorted motor windings
- • Electrical wiring problems
- • Seized pump motor
- • Capacitor failure
- • Lightning damage
Pressure Tank Problems & Replacement
Pressure tanks are critical components often overlooked
What Pressure Tanks Do:
Pressure tanks store water under pressure, providing water flow without running the pump for every faucet use. They maintain consistent pressure, reduce pump cycling (extends pump life), and provide water during brief power outages.
Signs Pressure Tank Needs Replacement:
- →Pump Short Cycling: Pump turns on and off every time you use water (every 30 seconds or less)
- →No Air Pressure: Tank feels heavy and water comes out when you check air valve (bladder has failed)
- →Visible Corrosion or Rust: Tank exterior shows significant rust or corrosion (interior is likely worse)
- →Water Pressure Fluctuates: Pressure varies wildly during use
- →Tank Age: Most pressure tanks last 10-15 years; if yours is approaching this, consider proactive replacement
Pressure Tank Replacement:
Tank replacement is straightforward: shut off power and water, drain system, disconnect old tank, install new properly-sized tank, set air pressure correctly (typically 2 PSI below cut-in pressure), restore system and test.
Typical timeline: 1-2 hours | Most replacements completed same day
Submersible vs Jet Well Pumps
Submersible Well Pump
Pump installed down in the well, submerged in water. Most common for modern wells.
Advantages:
- ✓ Very quiet (pump is underground)
- ✓ No priming needed
- ✓ Works in deep wells (300+ feet)
- ✓ More reliable operation
- ✓ Better pressure consistency
- ✓ Cooled by well water
Disadvantages:
- • Higher cost ($800-2,000+ installed)
- • Must pull pump for service
- • Requires well pulling equipment
- • Professional service required
Best for: Deep wells (over 25 feet), modern installations, year-round homes
Jet Pump (Shallow or Deep Well)
Pump located above ground in home or well house. Uses suction and pressure to draw water.
Advantages:
- ✓ Easy access for service
- ✓ Lower upfront cost ($400-1,000 installed)
- ✓ Simpler repairs
- ✓ Can self-service some issues
- ✓ Longer pump lifespan (15+ years)
Disadvantages:
- • Limited depth (shallow: 25 ft, deep: 110 ft)
- • Requires priming
- • More prone to airlocks
- • Noisy operation
- • Needs freeze protection
Best for: Shallow wells, cottages with accessible pump houses, DIY-friendly maintenance
Our Well Pump Diagnosis Process
Symptom Assessment
Understand what you're experiencing: No water? Low pressure? Intermittent? When did it start? Any recent changes? This guides our diagnosis.
Electrical Testing
Check circuit breaker, test voltage at pump, inspect control box (for submersible), test pressure switch, check wiring connections. Many well pump problems are electrical.
Pressure System Check
Test pressure tank bladder, check air pressure, inspect pressure switch settings, verify pressure gauge accuracy, look for leaks in pressure system.
Pump Performance Testing
For accessible jet pumps: check prime, inspect for air leaks, test pump pressure output. For submersible: monitor amp draw, listen for operation sounds, assess pumping capacity.
Well Water Level Check
If possible, check well water level. Low well recovery can seem like pump problem. Distinguish between pump failure and well capacity issues.
Diagnosis & Repair Recommendation
Explain findings clearly, provide repair options with costs, recommend best course of action. For submersible pump replacement, coordinate well pulling service if we don't have equipment on hand.
When to Replace vs Repair Well Pump
Consider Repair If:
- ✓Pump is less than 10 years old
- ✓Simple component failure (switch, tank)
- ✓Electrical issue (not motor)
- ✓Repair cost under 50% of replacement
- ✓Pump still has good capacity
Replace If:
- →Pump is over 15 years old
- →Motor has burned out
- →Multiple component failures
- →Pump capacity no longer adequate
- →Frequent recurring problems
- →Pump type inadequate for depth/demand
💡 Submersible Pump Replacement:
Replacing submersible well pumps requires pulling the pump from the well - specialized equipment we coordinate or provide. Most replacements completed within 24-48 hours once pump is ordered. We stock some common sizes for faster service.
Well System Maintenance
Annual Well System Service Should Include:
Test for bacteria, minerals, and contaminants. Changes in water quality can indicate well or pump issues.
Check air pressure (should be 2 PSI below pump cut-in), inspect for corrosion, test bladder integrity.
Verify cut-in and cut-out pressures are correct, clean contacts if needed, ensure proper operation.
Measure flow rate and pressure at various fixtures. Declining performance indicates pump wear or well issues.
Check control box (submersible), inspect wiring, test voltage, verify amp draw is within specifications.
Look for leaks, corrosion, loose connections, proper venting, and any signs of developing problems.
Well Pump Emergency Service
🚨 When You Have No Water:
- 1. Check your circuit breaker panel - well pumps use dedicated breaker, often 30-40 amp. Try resetting if tripped.
- 2. Check pressure switch - if you have access, make sure switch hasn't tripped or stuck.
- 3. Call us immediately at (705) 345-5321 - we prioritize no-water emergencies.
- 4. Store water if possible - fill containers before completely out for emergency use.
- 5. Avoid multiple reset attempts - if pump won't start, don't keep trying - may damage motor.
We respond as quickly as possible to well emergencies. Most electrical issues can be resolved same day. Pump replacement depends on parts availability but we stock common sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our plumbing services
🚨 No water emergency? Call immediately: (705) 345-5321
Request Well Pump Service
Well Pump Not Working?
Fast, professional well pump service throughout Muskoka. We understand no water is an emergency.