Symptoms

Sandy or cloudy water after pump work

Pulling and resetting a pump stirs things up. Some cloudiness right after the work is common. Sand that keeps coming, or water that stays cloudy, is worth a call back.

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This is a referral line. When you call, you are connected with an independent local well pump company.

Right after the work

Ask the company how long they expect cloudiness to last and whether you should run an outdoor faucet to clear the lines. Follow their instructions so sediment does not end up in your water heater or fixtures.

If it does not clear

Steady sand can point to a pump set too low, a worn pump, or a problem with the well screen or casing. Those are questions for the company that did the work. Keep a jar of the water to show them.

Testing after work

When a well system has been opened, many owners choose to have the water tested. The EPA recommends that private well owners test their water and explains what to test for.^[source] The University of Arizona toolkit also covers testing.^[source]

Before you call

Note when the work was done, how long the water has been cloudy, and whether it is sand, grit or just haze. If you have a sediment filter, check how fast it is clogging.

Protecting fixtures

Sand and grit can clog aerators, wear valves, and settle in a water heater. If sediment is getting through, cleaning aerators and asking the company about a sediment filter are reasonable next steps. Do not open the well yourself to look for the source.

Questions

Is cloudy water after pump work normal?

A short period of cloudiness is common. Ask the company what to expect.

Who pays to fix sand after a repair?

That depends on the company and its warranty. Ask them directly.

Should I test the water?

Many owners do after work on the well. See the EPA guidance.

Related help

Want to talk it through?

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Call about your well(928) 655-8940