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Over 43 million Americans still get potable water from a private well according to a U.S. Geological Survey study - roughly 15 percent of the population. The well pump is thus one of the most important day-to-day tools for many Americans and well pump service is a critical need. The responsibility for maintaining a private well system thus falls to whoever owns the property the well is situated on. It can be a headache for a private homeowner with no technical expertise to understand and address maintenance issues as they crop up. Well pumps come in various types: shallow well jet pumps mounted above a well use suction power to create atmospheric pressure that pushes water up from a source no more than 25 ft. underground. Deep well jet pumps, for pumping from a source more than 25 ft. underground, place the jet mechanism at the bottom of the water source; the jet pushes and pulls water in a circulating motion through a two-pipe system. In a submersible well pump system, the entire body of the pump is placed underwater and pushes the water up the well instead of using suction. These compact pumps are generally more efficient and reliable than older jet pump models. Each type of well pump has its strengths and weaknesses, but they all require consistent maintenance. People who get their potable water from municipal systems probably have the luxury of not thinking about pumps. If you draw your potable water from a well, you must remain vigilant about the problems you could face. That means being watchful of certain symptoms that could indicate your well pump might need maintenance or replacement. The following are some of the most common symptoms that  cause customers to consult Pump Products technicians. [This post is meant to be a basic overview. It is not a comprehensive how-to manual or a call to poke around in your system. Please do not hesitate to contact the trained professionals at Pump Products to directly address specific issues. It is recommended that all electrical work be handled by a qualified electrician.] (more…)