There is nothing quite as frustrating as turning on the tap for your morning coffee or stepping into the shower only to be met with a weak trickle or total silence. For homeowners in New Holland and across Lancaster County, a private well is the lifeline of your home.
When that system fails, your entire day comes to a grinding halt.
At JM Lapp, we specialize in restoring that lifeline. Since 2006, our family-owned and operated team has been the premier choice for professional well pump repair, installation, and maintenance. We provide the peace of mind that comes with knowing your family has access to clean, pressurized water 24/7.
Is your water pressure dropping? Call the experts at JM Lapp today at (717) 768-0484 for a free consultation.
How Does a Well Pump Work?
To understand why your water might be failing, it helps to understand the “heart” of your plumbing system. A well pump’s primary job is to extract water from the underground aquifer and deliver it to your home.
However, it doesn’t work alone; it operates in a precise cycle with a pressure tank and a pressure switch.
The Pressurization Cycle
- The Draw: When you open a faucet, the pressurized air in your tank pushes water through your pipes.
- The Trigger: As water leaves the tank, the internal pressure drops. Once it hits a pre-set “cut-in” point (usually 40 psi), the pressure switch sends power to the pump.
- The Refill: The pump kicks on, drawing fresh water from the well and refilling the tank until it reaches the “cut-out” point (usually 60 psi).
Two Main Pump Types for Lancaster County Wells
Depending on the depth of your well in Southern Pennsylvania, you likely have one of two systems:
- Submersible Pumps: These are long, cylindrical units lowered deep into the well casing. They are highly efficient because they push water upward. Since they stay underwater, they are protected from freezing and run almost silently.
- Jet Pumps: Typically located above ground, these use suction to draw water. While shallow-well jets are suitable for depths of up to 25 feet, deep-well (convertible) jet pumps can reach depths of 90 or 120 feet by utilizing a two-pipe system.
Professional Well Pump Replacement
A well pump is a mechanical workhorse, but it isn’t immortal. Most high-quality pumps have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. However, factors like hard water minerals, sediment, and electrical fluctuations in New Holland can shorten that window.
When Is It Time for a Replacement?
While a repair is often possible, there are times when a full replacement is the more cost-effective, long-term solution. Watch for these signs:
- Frequent Short-Cycling: If your pump is turning on and off every few seconds, the motor is being subjected to extreme wear.
- Constant Running: If the pump never shuts off, it may be unable to reach the required pressure, or there may be a leak in the drop pipe deep underground.
- Persistent Low Pressure: If your showers have lost their zip and cleaning the fixtures doesn’t help, the internal impellers of the pump may be worn down by sand or grit.
- Aging System: If your pump is over 12 years old, proactive replacement can save you from an emergency “no-water” situation on a holiday or weekend.
Not sure if you need a repair or a replacement? Our expert water well professionals in Lancaster County can assess your equipment and offer their best recommendation. Plus, we offer convenient financing options!
Expert Well Pump Repairs
At JM Lapp, our diagnostic process is thorough and comprehensive. We don’t just guess—we test! Many well “failures” are actually minor electrical or mechanical issues that don’t require a full pump pull. Our licensed technicians are experts in:
- Pressure Switch Replacement: The number one reason we get “No Water” calls in Lancaster County isn’t actually a failed pump—it’s a faulty pressure switch. These small components can fail due to simple wear and tear, carbon buildup, or even a tiny insect getting stuck between the electrical contacts. A simple repair is typically all that’s required.
- Pressure Tank Troubleshooting: If your tank’s internal bladder has ruptured, your pump will cycle too often. We can recharge or replace these tanks to protect your pump motor.
- Electrical Repairs: We inspect the wiring from the house to the wellhead to ensure there are no shorts or damaged components resulting from lightning strikes.
- Well Casing and Seal Repairs: We ensure your well is sealed tight against surface contaminants, keeping your drinking water safe.
Proactive Well Pump Maintenance
The “set it and forget it” mentality can be dangerous for well owners. Because the pump is underground and out of sight, it is often ignored until it fails. We recommend an annual maintenance check to ensure your system is running at peak efficiency.
Our maintenance checklist includes:
- Amperage Testing: Measuring how much electricity the motor is drawing. High amps can signal a motor that is struggling and likely to fail soon.
- Pressure Tank Air Check: Adjusting the air “pre-charge” to ensure the pump isn't working harder than necessary.
- Flow Rate Verification: Ensuring your well is still producing the Gallons Per Minute (GPM) your household requires.
- Visual Well Head Inspection: Checking for cracks in the cap or signs of vermin entry.
Pro Tip: Never store chemicals, fertilizers, or pesticides near your well head. These can leach into the soil and contaminate your aquifer if the casing isn’t perfectly sealed.
Why Choose JM Lapp?
We know you have choices when it comes to plumbing in Lancaster County. We’ve built our reputation since 2006 by focusing on the values that matter most to our New Holland neighbors:
- Upfront Pricing: We provide clear, honest estimates before any work begins. No hidden fees, and no “emergency” surcharges that aren’t explained upfront.
- Local Expertise: We know the geology of Southern Pennsylvania. We understand how the limestone and mineral content in our local water affects the longevity of your equipment.
- Licensed and Insured: Our team consists of highly trained professionals who treat your home with the respect it deserves.
- A “Neighbor-First” Philosophy: As a family-owned business, our goal is to build a relationship with you that lasts as long as your new well pump.
Well Pump Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why does my water sputter when I turn it on?
This is usually a sign of air in the system. It could mean your water level has dropped, or there is a hole in the "drop pipe" that connects your pump to the surface. It’s important to have this checked immediately to prevent the pump from "running dry" and burning out.
2. Can hard water damage my well pump?
Yes. Lancaster County is known for hard water. Calcium and magnesium can build up inside the pump’s moving parts, causing friction and overheating. We often recommend a water softener to protect your pump and your home’s appliances.
3. What should I do if my pump is hit by lightning?
Lightning strikes can fry the pressure switch or the motor windings. If your pump stops working after a storm, check your circuit breaker first. If it trips again immediately after being reset, call us—there is likely a short in the system.
4. How long does a replacement take?
In most cases, we can have a new submersible pump installed and your water running again within 4 to 6 hours. We carry the most common sizes and models on our trucks to minimize your downtime.
Restore Your Home’s Water Supply Today
Don’t spend another day struggling with low pressure or worrying about when your old pump will finally give out. Whether you need an emergency repair or a high-efficiency replacement, the team at JM Lapp is ready to help.
Call us today at (717) 768-0484 or request service online to schedule your well pump inspection in New Holland and the surrounding areas in Lancaster County.