The lifespan of a well pump can vary depending on a number of factors, including the quality of the pump, the frequency of use, and the water chemistry of the well. On average, a well pump can last anywhere from 10 to 25 years.

Septic systems do not last forever, but proper care and regular maintenance will extend the life of even an undersized system. System failure reportedly happens most often because care and maintenance are neglected, and that usually means not pumping out the solids tank often enough. Frequency of pumping depends on the size of your system and the number of people using it. At Watson’s, we recommend pumping out your solids tank every 2 to 3 years or annually if you have a large family or an undersized system. We also recommend avoiding using harsh chemicals and cleaning agents to clean your toilets. Bleach-based cleaners and anti-bacterials can kill the naturally existing bacteria that treat and clean the wastewater in your leachfield, ultimately causing your septic system to fail.

Well pumps are, in general, quite durable, and with minimal maintenance will often last 20 years or more. Most of the signs that your pump is failing could be the result of other problems that you should check first, such as a broken pipe, the pressure bag needing to be reset, or a tripped breaker. That being said, pumps do wear out, burn out, or need wires, switches or seals replaced. If you experience any of the following and you can’t identify a reason, you may need a new well pump.

It’s a fact that tankless water heaters are big energy savers. A tankless system heats water on demand, so energy is not wasted keeping a tank of water hot. Their lifespan also is longer — up to 20 years of service compared to the 8 to 10 years you get from traditional tank water heaters. The savings on utility bills and the longer lifespan means that homeowners can recoup the higher cost of a tankless system in just a few years. If your family uses an average amount of hot water, switching to a tankless system may be worth the upfront investment. For larger families with greater demand, it may be necessary to install more than one tankless system, dramatically increasing the upfront investment and making it harder to recoup. Consider your family usage habits to determine if a tankless system is right for you.

A broken water main line to your house can be a serious problem if not addressed immediately. Don’t ignore these signs that your water line could be compromised.

The Watson’s Plumbing emergency team is available to diagnose and repair your water emergency.