Q: How often should I check well water?

A: The Wisconsin DNR recommends that private well testing is done annually for coliform bacteria to ensure continued safe drinking water. Your water should also be tested if you notice a change in the taste or odor. Numerous other contaminants can be tested for, however, coliform bacteria is the most common. Well Testing

Q: What do I do if I get an “unsafe” water sample?

A: Depending on the degree of contamination after your water test, there are various levels of chlorination that can be done to attempt to eliminate the bacteria. These procedures range from simply putting chlorine tablets in the well, recirculating, or a “mass” chlorination. Your water treatment specialist will provide unique recommendations for your home.

Q: Should I chlorinate my own well?

A: Guthrie & Frey, Inc. recommends that if an owner is to chlorinate their own well that they recognize that chlorine is a highly corrosive substance which, if improperly introduced into the well, can cause serious and costly damage to the well system, as well as being a potentially dangerous procedure. We recommend that homeowners have the well chlorinated the first time with a water treatment specialist in order to become familiar with the proper procedure.

Q: Where is the pump for my well?

A: Most modern well pumps are located in the well & when replacement is necessary, a mobile crane is used if possible. Access to the well with a truck-mounted crane facilitates the replacement of the pump when necessary.

Q: What should I do if I’m out of water?

A: Check the circuit breaker for the well pump to determine if adequate power is available to run the pump. Check pressure gauge at tank to see if there’s pressure at the tank. Check to see if there’s water at the boiler drain (faucet) at tank. If you have water here, you may have a restriction in the plumbing distribution system (e.g. water filtration equipment).

Q: What is the average life of a water pump?

A: The average life span of a pump is considered to be 10-15 years.

Q: I have no water, is my well dry?

A: Low pressure or loss of water can be caused by anything from water-saver faucets to a mechanical problem with the pumping system to a well going dry. It is uncommon/unlikely that your well is going dry. The cause of water loss or pressure loss in most cases is a mechanical or electrical problem. In general, ground water supplies in Southeastern Wisconsin are plentiful.

Q: Do I need a vermin proof well seal?

A: Since the early 1990’s, the Wisconsin DNR has required a vermin proof seal to be on all new wells. When properly installed, these seals prevent insects from entering your well. This is always recommended by Guthrie & Frey’s water treatment specialists.

Q: Does my pressure tank need to be air-charged?

A: Some styles of pressure tanks need periodic air charges to prevent “water logging.” Other types of tanks have a permanent air charge, and some tanks are air charged from the well. It is sometimes difficult for a homeowner to know which type of tank they have. A qualified well pump installer can usually determine this by a description over the phone.

Q: What do I do if I have a leak in my pressure tank?

A: Try to determine that the leak is, in fact, at the tank, and not from another source such as other plumbing fixtures or a leaky basement wall. If the tank is leaking, it should be replaced as soon as possible. If the leak is severe, the pump can be shut off electrically, and the tank drained to minimize consequential damage from the leakage. It is important to know that the tank will need to be replaced immediately in order to regain water.

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Well Pumps

Home » Water Testing » Well Water Pump Service

Well Water Pump Service

Well Water Pump Installation & Testing for Southeastern Wisconsin

Most people know very little about how water is delivered into their home. Unlike the more visible aspects of a home, such as carpeting and woodwork, the well pump is installed deep into the well where it is designed to provide years of trouble-free operation. Because the well pump system is largely “out of sight”, it should be by no means “out of mind”. The fact that the homeowner or builder cannot see the primary components of the water supply system makes it critical to select an established and reputable contractor who has consistently installed or replaced thousands of private wells in the area. Since well water is truly a “treasure” which is shared by all, it is important to work with a local company that has a proven commitment to the industry.

Guthrie & Frey’s water treatment specialists provide private well testing services to ensure your system is still operating at peak performance. Our technicians have installed and serviced thousands of well pump systems throughout southeast Wisconsin. In addition to installing well pumps in newly constructed homes, but we are also there to meet any future service needs, such as replacing existing pumps and materials in the well, replacing pressure tanks and associated piping, repairing underground leaks, repairing systems for code conformance, chlorinating wells, and water sampling.

Traditional Well Pump Systems

By far the most common private well pump system is the traditional model which utilizes a standard 3450 RPM motor and a storage reservoir (pressure tank). This system typically cycles between approximately 40 psi and 60 psi and relies on the tank to supply water until the system pressure drops to the start up pressure (approximately 40 psi). The technology for this type of system has been utilized for well over 50 years, and this is the system that has been installed in the majority of residences.

Guthrie & Frey is able to answer most questions over the phone, and it is likely that we have serviced your system in the past, even before you may have owned the property. We may have information about your installation in our database of over 40,000 customers. Contact Guthrie & Frey if you have a question, or if you need prompt service.

Constant Pressure Well Pump & VFD System Installation & Repair

One recent change in the well pump industry has been the adaptation of “variable frequency drives” (VFD), also referred to as “constant pressure” pumps, for use with submersible well pumps. In short, VFD allows a well pump to speed up or slow down to provide a constant system pressure while producing varying amounts of water volume. These features are popular with customers looking for consistent, maximum pressure to all fixtures in their home. Constant pressure/VFD systems are also preferred for use in those homes within ground irrigation systems. Because these systems rely on variable motor speed to provide peak use supply, smaller pressure tanks can be utilized, thus taking up less space in the basement or mechanical room.

Guthrie & Frey has been installing constant pressure systems for over 10 years and can answer any questions you might have. It is likely that we have serviced your system in the past, even before you may have owned the property. We may have information about your installation in our database of over 40,000 customers. Please contact Guthrie & Frey if you have a question, or if you need prompt service.

Well Pump System Electrical Problems

Because a significant portion of your well pump system is electrical in nature, and much of that portion is underwater or underground, electrical issues often arise. Many of these problems can be easily remedied, as our service trucks carry most electrical components that may need periodic attention. However, diagnosing electrical components usually requires having sophisticated instruments, which are not always available to homeowners. If you suspect an electrical problem, contact Guthrie & Frey and we can help you in solving the problem.

For Additional Information or Requests

For additional information or requests, please contact our well water specialists.

Our Service Locations

Signs Your Pump Needs to Be Replaced:

Low water pressure
No water flow from fixtures
Your pump runs constantly

For Additional Information or Requests

For additional information or requests, please contact our well water specialists or fill out the contact form below.

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Ask An Expert About Well Pumps

Q: How often should I check well water?

A: The Wisconsin DNR recommends that private well testing is done annually for coliform bacteria to ensure continued safe drinking water. Your water should also be tested if you notice a change in the taste or odor. Numerous other contaminants can be tested for, however, coliform bacteria is the most common.

Well Testing
Q: What do I do if I get an “unsafe” water sample?

A: Depending on the degree of contamination after your water test, there are various levels of chlorination that can be done to attempt to eliminate the bacteria. These procedures range from simply putting chlorine tablets in the well, recirculating, or a “mass” chlorination. Your water treatment specialist will provide unique recommendations for your home.
Q: Should I chlorinate my own well?

A: Guthrie & Frey, Inc. recommends that if an owner is to chlorinate their own well that they recognize that chlorine is a highly corrosive substance which, if improperly introduced into the well, can cause serious and costly damage to the well system, as well as being a potentially dangerous procedure. We recommend that homeowners have the well chlorinated the first time with a water treatment specialist in order to become familiar with the proper procedure.
Q: Where is the pump for my well?

A: Most modern well pumps are located in the well & when replacement is necessary, a mobile crane is used if possible. Access to the well with a truck-mounted crane facilitates the replacement of the pump when necessary.
Q: What should I do if I’m out of water?
A:
1. Check the circuit breaker for the well pump to determine if adequate power is available to run the pump.
2. Check pressure gauge at tank to see if there’s pressure at the tank.
3. Check to see if there’s water at the boiler drain (faucet) at tank. If you have water here, you may have a restriction in the plumbing distribution system (e.g. water filtration equipment).
Q: What is the average life of a water pump?

A: The average life span of a pump is considered to be 10-15 years.
Q: I have no water, is my well dry?

A: Low pressure or loss of water can be caused by anything from water-saver faucets to a mechanical problem with the pumping system to a well going dry. It is uncommon/unlikely that your well is going dry. The cause of water loss or pressure loss in most cases is a mechanical or electrical problem. In general, ground water supplies in Southeastern Wisconsin are plentiful.
Q: Do I need a vermin proof well seal?

A: Since the early 1990’s, the Wisconsin DNR has required a vermin proof seal to be on all new wells. When properly installed, these seals prevent insects from entering your well. This is always recommended by Guthrie & Frey’s water treatment specialists.
Q: Does my pressure tank need to be air-charged?

A: Some styles of pressure tanks need periodic air charges to prevent “water logging.” Other types of tanks have a permanent air charge, and some tanks are air charged from the well. It is sometimes difficult for a homeowner to know which type of tank they have. A qualified well pump installer can usually determine this by a description over the phone.
Q: What do I do if I have a leak in my pressure tank?

A: Try to determine that the leak is, in fact, at the tank, and not from another source such as other plumbing fixtures or a leaky basement wall. If the tank is leaking, it should be replaced as soon as possible. If the leak is severe, the pump can be shut off electrically, and the tank drained to minimize consequential damage from the leakage. It is important to know that the tank will need to be replaced immediately in order to regain water.