Short answers to the questions private well owners in southwest Dane County and the Driftless area ask most. Each answer links to a fuller page with sources.
Updated October 2026
Pumps and pressure
How long does a well pump last?
Submersible pumps typically last around 8 to 15 years. Pressure tanks are often estimated at 5 to 15 years (a rough estimate). Both vary with water quality and how hard they work. Many wells around here were built between 1988 and 2007, so plenty of original pumps have already been replaced once. See how long pumps and tanks last.
Can I replace my own well pump in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin rules require a DNR-licensed pump installer for pump and pressure-tank work on a drinking-water well, and the current code doesn’t list a homeowner exception for that work. If you’re unsure, ask the DNR before starting. Pump circuits are 230/240 volts, so it isn’t a safe DIY job either.
Why does my pump keep clicking on and off?
Rapid on-off cycling is most often a pressure tank that has lost its air charge, but a leak or a failing switch can do it too. Constant cycling wears out the pump motor. Start with short cycling and pressure tank problems.
What does a pump replacement cost?
Nationally, submersible pump replacement often runs about $1,000 to $2,500, and more for deep wells. Many Driftless wells are deep, so ask for a written estimate. See what well work costs in Wisconsin and well depths by town.
Water quality and testing
How often should I test my well?
Public Health Madison & Dane County recommends testing for bacteria and nitrate every year, and again any time the water changes in taste, smell or color, or after flooding. The Madison lab closed in 2025, so see where to test now.
My water smells like rotten eggs. Is it safe?
A rotten-egg smell usually comes from hydrogen sulfide or bacteria in the water heater or well, and it’s often more a nuisance than a health problem. But any sudden change deserves a test. See well water smells.
Is nitrate a problem here?
It can be. In a 2024–25 western Dane County project, 10% of 1,292 volunteer samples were over the 10 mg/L drinking water standard. The standard matters most for infants and pregnancy. See nitrate in Driftless wells.
Rules, money and paperwork
Does homeowners insurance cover a failed well pump?
Policies usually cover damage from named events such as lightning or fire, not wear and tear or a well going dry. Some offer an equipment breakdown add-on. Check your own policy; this is general information, not insurance advice.
Is a well inspection required when I sell my house?
Not by Wisconsin law. But lenders and buyers often ask for one, and a paid inspection must be done by a DNR-licensed driller or pump installer using DNR Form 3300-221. See buying or selling a home with a well.
What changed in the well code in 2026?
Wisconsin’s well rules (NR 812 and NR 146) were revised effective March 1, 2026. One change: a well unused for more than 90 days must be filled and sealed by a licensed professional. See filling and sealing old wells.
Is there financial help for well problems?
Some. The state Well Compensation Grant has narrow eligibility, the Well Abandonment Grant helps with sealing old wells, and USDA Section 504 offers low-interest repair loans and small grants for eligible rural homeowners. See grants and help.
How do I find out how deep my well is?
Most wells drilled in Wisconsin since the late 1980s have a construction report on file with the DNR that lists depth, casing and water level. See how to find your well report.
