Well and Pump Topics in Spokane County
Spokane County Well Pump covers eight well and pump topics in Spokane County, Washington. Pick a topic for what it involves, how to prepare, what affects the cost and the sources behind it.
Email us about your well: contact@spokanecountywellpump.com
The eight topics
No Water at All
When a well produces little or no water, King County Public Health lists possible reasons including seasonal changes in water level, neighboring wells, clogged well screens, changes in geology, broken pumps and water storage tanks, and leaks. It recommends contacting a water professional like a well driller, pump installer, or water system engineer.
Low Pressure or Air in the Lines
Reduced flow from a well can have several causes. King County Public Health lists leaks in the water system and broken pumps and tanks among the possible causes of reduced flow, and recommends contacting a water professional like a well driller, pump installer, or water system engineer.
Pump Keeps Starting and Stopping
Washington State Department of Health publication 331-342 lists a pump motor that cycles on and off rapidly among pressure-tank problems and says "Frequent starts and stops can damage facilities." That publication is written for water systems, so ask a professional about your own equipment.
Water Looks, Smells or Tastes Different
The Washington Department of Health recommends testing private well water every year for coliform bacteria and nitrate, and also when you notice a change in taste, color or smell, after flooding, and after you replace any part of your well system. Your county health department can tell you how and where to have it tested.
Flow Tests and Inspections for a Home Sale
Some buyers and sellers ask for a flow test or an inspection of a well. Ask your lender and agent what they require, and settle what a test should include in writing before it is done.
Pressure Tanks and Controls
Pressure tanks hold stored pressure, and pump controls involve electricity. Questions about tanks, pressure switches or wiring belong with a qualified professional, and registration can be checked on the Washington L&I page.
New Wells
Washington's Department of Ecology requires a Notice of Intent at least 72 hours before drilling a well, and says a well operator license is required to construct or decommission water wells, with two exceptions. Check local rules with Spokane County and your health district.
Pump Replacement
Under Ecology's well rules, replacing a pump is not counted as altering a well (WAC 173-162-030). Other trades can still be involved: contractors are registered with L&I, electrical work generally requires an electrical contractor license, and plumbing work generally requires certified plumbers.
Costs
Prices vary widely with the well, the pump and the work. What is included changes the total, so get a written price that says what is covered before any work starts.
Licenses and who does what
In Washington, anyone who constructs or decommissions a water well needs a well operator license from the Department of Ecology, with two exceptions. Under Ecology's well rules, replacing a pump is not counted as altering a well. Pump work can involve other trades: contractors are registered with the Department of Labor & Industries, electrical work generally requires an electrical contractor license, and plumbing work generally requires certified plumbers, with some exceptions. Ask any company which registration and licenses it holds for the work it will do, and check it on the L&I "Verify a Contractor, Tradesperson or Business" page.
Common questions
Which well and pump topics does Spokane County Well Pump cover?
Spokane County Well Pump covers a well with no water, low pressure or air in the lines, a pump that keeps starting and stopping, water testing, flow tests and inspections for a home sale, pressure tanks and controls, new wells and pump replacement. Each has its own page with the public sources behind it.
Who should look at my well pump system?
A qualified, registered well or pump professional should assess your system. Pump work can involve electricity, stored pressure and water-quality questions. To check a company's registration, use the Washington L&I “Verify a Contractor, Tradesperson or Business” page, and ask which registrations and licenses it holds for the work it will do.