Frequently Asked Questions
Siskiyou Pump Service Inc. has been happily serving the great folks of Southern Oregon since 1972! If you have questions about pump repairs, irrigation pumps, well cleaning, well drilling, well services, dry well solutions, water testing, and treatment, chances are, we can help!
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long does a pump last?
A: Generally, a submersible pump will last 12-14 years.
How will I know when my pump is failing or has failed?
A: Signs of a failing pump include intermittent water loss, which may occur without warning.
What do I do if I have no water?
A: Immediate action involves contacting a service technician to diagnose and remedy the issue.
Contact one of our licensed service technicians
How long will it take to repair?
A: Repair times can vary, but most are completed in 2 to 4 hours, depending on the well’s depth and the nature of the problem.
Could it be my pump that is causing my electricity to double?
A: If you notice a surge in you electric bill it may be directly related to you pump, a broken wire or pipe may cause the pump to run all the time.
What is the purpose of the pressure tank?
A: The most wear and tear on the pump is imposed during starts and stops. When the pump starts, it needs to run for 1-2 minutes in order to cool off from the start-up. The tank insures that the pump runs long enough for the pump to cool off and stays in storage until it is called for. This means the pump does not have to run every time you need intermittent water, such as filling up a glass of water, brushing your teeth, or flush the toilet. When the tank is empty, it will refill again. Having the pump run for longer periods or stay off for longer periods increases the life expectancy of your pump.
What Are the Benefits of Constant Pressure Well Pumps?
A: The four important benefits are:
- Design
Constant pressure well pumps have a more efficient, sophisticated design than those found in older systems. An electronic pressure controller takes continuous water samples to determine the pressure of the water as it moves through pipes. It relays this information to a microprocessor, which in turn sends signals to the pump motor to speed up or slow down as necessary. Well operators can set the system to whatever pressure level their everyday applications may require. - Consistency
A well equipped with a constant pressure pump will provide a more consistent, uniform supply of water than a well equipped with a conventional pump. Conventional pumps run on a motor that operates at a constant speed, pumping water into a bulky storage tank at regular intervals, regardless of the actual level inside the tank. This action may result in too much or too little water at any given time. A constant pressure pump’s ability to precisely control its output ensures that critical applications will always receive no more or no less water than they require. - Reliability
A constant pressure well pump can sidestep some of the operational problems associated with conventional well pumps. For example, when a conventional well must run constantly to irrigate crops or feed lawn sprinklers, its system of on-and-off pressure cycling can stir up excess silt, which then clogs the pump. Pressure cycling also puts the equipment under unwanted stress from shearing forces every time the system engages. A constant pressure well pump can do its job with less force. - Cost Efficiency
Constant pressure well pumps can save owners and operators money in several ways. Unlike conventional pump systems that call for the purchase of a large, expensive storage tank, some constant pressure pumps can run on a tank with a capacity of only 4.8 gallons, Since the more efficient operation of these pumps also puts less stress on other equipment over time, owners may get more life out of their well components while spending less on repairs.
How is hard water measured?
A: Hard water is usually measured in either PPM (parts per million) or GPG (grains per gallon).
How can I tell how hard my water is?
A: You can either have it tested locally or you can send it to us (at least 1oz) and we will test it for free (Hardness, pH, Iron only).
Why does the water softener have to add salt to the water?
A: The softener works by passing the hard water through resin beads, which have soft sodium/potassium ions attached to them. While the water is in contact with the resin beads an ion exchange takes place with the hard mineral ions (typically calcium and/or magnesium) trading places with the soft sodium/potassium ions. After a period of use the sodium/potassium ions are depleted being replaced by calcium and magnesium. The resin then needs to be regenerated with the sodium/potassium ions so the resin will again be able to exchange the hard for the soft. Our softeners use potassium or sodium to regenerate.
What is the difference between a water softener, a water filter, a descaler, and a conditioner?
A: A water softener is a water treatment system where the calcium and magnesium carbonate (the minerals responsible for the hard water), which are dissolved in the water, are replaced with either sodium chloride (salt) or potassium chloride. This is different from a water filter in that filters will generally remove chlorine, pesticides, bacteria (in some cases), and suspended particles (sand, sediment, etc.). A filter will not remove dissolved solids (which are responsible for hard water).
