Well system work: a guide for pros

What customers ask, how to win the job, and what to put on your profile.

Offering well system work

Well work depends on the pressure tank and the switch as much as the pump, and many wrong diagnoses come from skipping the tank check. Test the whole system before you order a pump.

What customers ask

  • Why is my pressure low?
  • Do I need a new pump?
  • Why is my pump running all the time?
  • Can you check the water while you are here?
  • How long should a pump last?

How to win the job

  • On the first call, ask the pump type and age, the well depth if known, the tank type, and whether the pressure drops at all fixtures or only some.
  • Bring a pressure gauge, a tire-style air gauge for the tank, a clamp meter, a pressure switch kit, a check valve, and a water test kit to the first visit.
  • Check the air charge with the water off and drained, and show the customer the reading before you replace anything.
  • Test the pump's amperage and the switch contacts, and show the readings on the job sheet.
  • Quote the tank, the switch, the pump and the piping as separate lines, so the customer can see what was done.
  • Test the water and the pressure after the work, and give the customer the written record.

What to put on your profile

  • Photos of a pressure tank, gauge and switch, with the readings visible
  • List the pump and tank brands you service, and the well types you work on
  • Note the water test and the water quality work you do
  • Show a before and after of a tank and switch change, with the readings noted

Follow-up that helps the customer

  • Offer a yearly pressure tank check and air charge test
  • Recommend a water test on a set interval, since a well's water can change over time
  • Suggest a switch and contact inspection at each service visit

Licenses and permits

Well system work is commonly done by licensed well contractors or licensed plumbers, and electrical work may need a licensed electrician. Confirm the requirements with your state or local licensing agency before taking the work.

Questions

What do I say when the customer wants a new pump without a test?

Explain the test that shows the pump has failed, such as the amperage and the pressure, and show the readings. Do not replace the pump without a test that shows the need.

How do I handle a well with a pump that has a bad wire?

Stop, shut the power off at the breaker, and show the fault. Electrical repair at the pump may need a licensed electrician, so say so before the work starts.

What should I tell a customer who has water quality concerns after a change?

Offer a water test, explain what it checks, and recommend the test before the customer drinks the water in question.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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