What Is Pump Cavitation and How Can It Affect Your Well?
Hibu Websites • June 13, 2020
June 13, 2020
Generally speaking, modern well pumps are extremely reliable pieces of equipment, with simple, robust designs that allow them to endure long periods without maintenance. However, all types of well pump, from jet pumps to submersible centrifugal pumps, can be badly damaged or even destroyed by a phenomenon known as pump cavitation.
What Is Pump Cavitation?
Most commonly-used well pumps function in broadly the same way, using internal impellers to force well water to the surface where it can be used. However, for these impellers for function effectively, they must be able to keep water at a sufficient flow rate and pressure level as it passes through the pump and towards the surface.
If water is not flowing into the impeller housing at a sufficient rate or pressure while it is rotating, the small amount of water that is present will start to lose pressure and increase in temperature, often at alarming rates. This causes the water to evaporate, creating bubbles of superheated air and water vapor inside the pump's impeller housing.
Cavitation can also occur when water pressure is optimal at the pump's intake valve, but too high at the discharge valve. This causes water to pass into the impeller housing faster than it flows out, increasing internal pressures and causing the rapidly recirculating water to evaporate.
When the rotating impeller collides with these bubbles, they implode, releasing an enormous amount of heat and creating powerful shockwaves inside the housing. These superheated implosions can deal severe damage to well pumps, causing extreme metal fatigue and leaving noticeable pitting on the surfaces of the impeller and impeller housing.
Cavitation can severely shorten the working lifespan of any pump, and can completely destroy a pump if the problem is ignored. It most often occurs in centrifugal well pump types, such as jet pumps, but cavitation in submersible pumps is still possible and extremely damaging.
How Can I Tell if My Pump Is Experiencing Cavitation?
As you can imagine, the near-simultaneous implosion of thousands of superheated bubbles can create an enormous amount of noise. If your well pump is surface-mounted, the most obvious sign of pump cavitation will be loud thumping and grinding noises coming from the impeller housing. If you hear these, deactivate the pump immediately to minimize the damage caused.
However, the telltale sound of pump cavitation can be more difficult to detect in submersible well pumps, especially those used in deep water wells. If water is flowing out of your well at decreased rates and pressures, this can be a sign of cavitation, but it can also be caused by other, less serious pump malfunctions, such as minor blockages
If you suspect your submersible well pump is suffering cavitation issues, check for vibrations travelling up the water lane to the surface, and inspect the water flowing out of your well (if any) for pieces of damaged impeller or impeller housing. You should also keep an eye on the power consumption of your pump, as cavitation can cause your pump's power consumption levels to intermittently spike.
What Should I Do If My Well Pump Has Cavitation Damage?
The damage caused by even brief periods of pump cavitation can be widespread, and may not be limited solely to the impeller and impeller housing.
Other vital components of a pump can also be damaged by the heat and vibrations created by cavitation, including essential, difficult-to-repair components such as motors and pressure sensors. If your well pump has suffer from cavitation, you should always have it thoroughly inspected by a reputable pump repair service.
If cavitation damage is not extensive, it may be possible to keep your pump functioning by having the impeller replaced and the impeller housing replaced or repaired. However, you should be prepared for the possibility that your pump is too badly damaged to function, as cavitation is one of the main causes of well pump failure and replacement.
As you can see, cavitation in well pumps is a serious problem that should be avoided whenever possible. If you have any more questions about cavitation in well pumps and how it can be avoided, contact the well pump experts at Action Well and Pump.
What Is Pump Cavitation?
Most commonly-used well pumps function in broadly the same way, using internal impellers to force well water to the surface where it can be used. However, for these impellers for function effectively, they must be able to keep water at a sufficient flow rate and pressure level as it passes through the pump and towards the surface.
If water is not flowing into the impeller housing at a sufficient rate or pressure while it is rotating, the small amount of water that is present will start to lose pressure and increase in temperature, often at alarming rates. This causes the water to evaporate, creating bubbles of superheated air and water vapor inside the pump's impeller housing.
Cavitation can also occur when water pressure is optimal at the pump's intake valve, but too high at the discharge valve. This causes water to pass into the impeller housing faster than it flows out, increasing internal pressures and causing the rapidly recirculating water to evaporate.
When the rotating impeller collides with these bubbles, they implode, releasing an enormous amount of heat and creating powerful shockwaves inside the housing. These superheated implosions can deal severe damage to well pumps, causing extreme metal fatigue and leaving noticeable pitting on the surfaces of the impeller and impeller housing.
Cavitation can severely shorten the working lifespan of any pump, and can completely destroy a pump if the problem is ignored. It most often occurs in centrifugal well pump types, such as jet pumps, but cavitation in submersible pumps is still possible and extremely damaging.
How Can I Tell if My Pump Is Experiencing Cavitation?
As you can imagine, the near-simultaneous implosion of thousands of superheated bubbles can create an enormous amount of noise. If your well pump is surface-mounted, the most obvious sign of pump cavitation will be loud thumping and grinding noises coming from the impeller housing. If you hear these, deactivate the pump immediately to minimize the damage caused.
However, the telltale sound of pump cavitation can be more difficult to detect in submersible well pumps, especially those used in deep water wells. If water is flowing out of your well at decreased rates and pressures, this can be a sign of cavitation, but it can also be caused by other, less serious pump malfunctions, such as minor blockages
If you suspect your submersible well pump is suffering cavitation issues, check for vibrations travelling up the water lane to the surface, and inspect the water flowing out of your well (if any) for pieces of damaged impeller or impeller housing. You should also keep an eye on the power consumption of your pump, as cavitation can cause your pump's power consumption levels to intermittently spike.
What Should I Do If My Well Pump Has Cavitation Damage?
The damage caused by even brief periods of pump cavitation can be widespread, and may not be limited solely to the impeller and impeller housing.
Other vital components of a pump can also be damaged by the heat and vibrations created by cavitation, including essential, difficult-to-repair components such as motors and pressure sensors. If your well pump has suffer from cavitation, you should always have it thoroughly inspected by a reputable pump repair service.
If cavitation damage is not extensive, it may be possible to keep your pump functioning by having the impeller replaced and the impeller housing replaced or repaired. However, you should be prepared for the possibility that your pump is too badly damaged to function, as cavitation is one of the main causes of well pump failure and replacement.
As you can see, cavitation in well pumps is a serious problem that should be avoided whenever possible. If you have any more questions about cavitation in well pumps and how it can be avoided, contact the well pump experts at Action Well and Pump.


August 28, 2026
Clean, healthy water plays a central role in everyday life, from drinking and cooking to bathing, cleaning, and maintaining appliances. Concerns about sediment, minerals, odors, and other impurities have encouraged more families to consider filtration as a home improvement. A whole house water filtration system can address these concerns by treating water before it reaches faucets, showers, and appliances. Depending on the type of system, filtration may reduce unwanted tastes, remove visible particles, limit mineral buildup, and create a consistent water supply. As homeowners become more informed about water quality and household maintenance, filtration is increasingly viewed as an investment in comfort, convenience, and property care. Improving Water Taste and Odor One noticeable reason homeowners install filtration equipment is to improve their water’s taste and smell. Private well water can also develop unpleasant smells due to sulfur, iron, organic material, or other naturally occurring elements. A home water filtration system can target the substances responsible for these concerns. Carbon filters are often used to improve taste, while specialized filtration media will address iron or hard water. When well water is clean and clear, household members may feel more comfortable drinking from the tap instead of relying on bottled water. Better-tasting water can also improve food preparation. Coffee, tea, soups, sauces, and other recipes may taste more consistent when the water does not contain strong odors or flavors. This makes filtration valuable beyond drinking water. Reducing Sediment and Visible Impurities Sediment can enter a home’s water supply through aging pipes, well systems, construction activity, or natural groundwater conditions. Sand, rust, silt, and other particles may appear in sinks, tubs, toilet tanks, and drinking glasses. Even when the particles are not dangerous, they can make water look unappealing and raise concerns about quality. Installing a home water filtration system can help capture these materials before they circulate throughout the property. Sediment tanks are designed to trap particles of specific sizes, and they may be used alone or as the first stage in a larger filtration setup. Removing visible impurities can improve water clarity and reduce debris that settles in fixtures. Sediment control may also support other filtration components. By capturing larger particles early, a sediment tank can prevent finer filters from becoming clogged too quickly. This layered approach can make the system operate more efficiently and help homeowners maintain dependable performance. Protecting Plumbing and Appliances Water quality affects more than what comes out of the kitchen faucet. Minerals, sediment, and other substances can accumulate inside pipes, water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, ice makers, and coffee machines. Over time, buildup may reduce efficiency, restrict water flow, or contribute to premature wear. A properly selected home water filtration system can reduce some materials that cause these problems. For homes with hard water, filtration may be paired with a water softener to address both unwanted contaminants and high mineral levels. The appropriate setup depends on the property’s water source and test results. Reducing buildup can make routine cleaning easier. Homeowners will notice no more spots on glassware, no residue around faucets, and no scaling in shower areas. Supporting Household Health and Comfort Many homeowners invest in filtration because they want greater confidence in the water their families use every day. Water quality can vary based on local infrastructure, private well conditions, seasonal changes, and nearby environmental factors. Testing can identify specific concerns and help determine whether filtration is appropriate. A home water filtration system will get rid of selected contaminants when it is designed and maintained for that purpose. Different systems are certified to address different substances, so homeowners should avoid assuming that one filter removes everything. Professional testing and product selection are important for matching the system to the household’s actual needs. Filtered water may also feel more comfortable for bathing and washing, particularly when the existing supply contains iron, sediment, or strong odors. Some homeowners report that treated water feels more pleasant on their skin and hair. While experiences vary, whole-house filtration treats water at multiple fixtures instead of only at one sink. Simplifying Daily Water Use Convenience is another major factor behind the growing interest in residential filtration. Faucet-mounted filters like an RO system will improve drinking water, but they require filter replacement. A whole-house setup treats water automatically as it enters the property. With a home water filtration system, homeowners can use filtered water for drinking, cooking, bathing, laundry, and cleaning without taking extra steps. Professional installation may also be less disruptive than homeowners expect. A professional like us here at Action Well and Pump can complete the installation of a whole-house water filtration system in just a few hours. The timeline can vary based on plumbing access, system complexity, and property conditions, but all installations are completed in the same day. Did you know? According to HomeAdvisor, a professional can complete the installation of a whole-house water filtration system in a single day. Lowering Dependence on Bottled Water Bottled water can be convenient, but purchasing it regularly creates ongoing costs and storage demands. Cases of water take up space, require transportation, and produce plastic waste. Homeowners who are dissatisfied with tap water may rely heavily on bottled products even when filtration could provide better long-term convenience. A home water filtration system can make tap water more appealing for everyday drinking. When household members feel comfortable filling reusable bottles at home, they may purchase fewer single-use containers. This shift can reduce recurring expenses and make it easier to keep water available for work, school, exercise, and travel. Filtration also allows homeowners to avoid running out of bottled water unexpectedly. Clean-tasting water remains accessible directly from the tap, which can simplify meal preparation and daily routines. Over time, the convenience and reduced purchasing may help offset part of the system’s initial cost. Choosing a System for Long-Term Value The growing popularity of filtration reflects a broader interest in home improvements that offer immediate and lasting benefits. A home water filtration system can improve taste, reduce visible particles, support appliances, and simplify daily water use. However, the value of the investment depends on choosing equipment that fits the property’s specific water conditions. Water testing should be the first step. The results can reveal whether the home has issues with sediment, hardness, iron, sulfur, bacteria, or other substances. A professional can then recommend the appropriate filtration needed. A well-maintained system can provide consistent performance and help homeowners protect their investment. As water quality awareness grows, filtration is becoming a practical choice for households that want more control over an essential resource. The right system will create noticeable improvements throughout the home while supporting comfort, convenience, and responsible water use. Investing in a whole-house water filtration system is one of the best choices you can make to protect your home's plumbing, extend the life of your appliances, and provide your family with safer, clearer, and better-tasting water every single day. From eliminating embarrassing odors and dark sediment to saving money on single-use bottled water, the benefits begin the moment your system is installed. Don't guess when it comes to your home's water quality. Take the first step toward pure, refreshing water throughout your entire house by contacting the experts at Action Well & Pump today. Call us or schedule your professional water test online to find the perfect filtration solution tailored to your home's exact needs!




