Get matched with top well and pump technicians in Willits, CA

No. Well pump replacement is not recommended as a DIY project, particularly if you have a deep well and a submersible pump. Plumbing and electricity are best left to the pros, especially when something like your well pump includes both. Even when troubleshooting your pump, it pays to have a partner standing by for your assistance and safety.

The cost to fix low water pressure heavily depends on the cause of the problem. In some cases, all you need to do is open a valve, which won't cost you anything. However, plumbing repairs cost an average of $325, so if you have a broken pipe or other plumbing problems, you might pay something close to that figure, or more, depending on the issue.

If your well pump gets stuck in its casing, you may be able to free it loose by gently wiggling the line or by vibrations from tapping the line with a hammer. However, if your pump is stuck in a buildup of minerals around the casing, you’ll probably have to call in a well pump contractor to get it out. They’ll likely use a muriatic acid solution—a strong, corrosive acid—to break down the minerals and free the pump loose. 

To avoid a stuck pump in the future, experts recommend a professional well cleaning once every 10 years. 

The pressure in a well pressure tank should be set 2 to 3 PSI below the pump's cut-on pressure. The cut-on pressure is the lower number in the pressure setting (e.g., the '30' in 30/50 PSI) and is the point at which the pump starts. The cut-out pressure is the higher number, where the pump stops.

For example:

• If your pressure switch is set to 30/50 PSI, the tank pressure should be 27-28 PSI.

• If your pressure switch is set to 40/60 PSI, the tank pressure should be 38 PSI.

Common pressure settings for household applications include 20/40, 30/50, and 40/60 PSI. The difference between the cut-on and cut-out pressure is typically 20 PSI.