Hi, I am Justin Wilder, owner of Wild Water Plumbing + Septic, and a U.S. Navy Veteran.
Burgaw is one of the most historic and scenic towns I work in, with its farmland, older homes, and long-standing properties scattered along quiet roads like Stag Park Road, Penderlea Highway, and Piney Woods Road.
But as beautiful as Burgaw is, the age of many of its homes also creates some serious well system problems.
The two most significant issues I see here are old wiring and aging pressure tanks.
Together, they are responsible for most of the unexpected well pump failures in Burgaw homes.
Your well pump depends on a stable electrical supply and a healthy pressure tank to operate safely.
When either one starts to fail, the pump becomes stressed and eventually burns out.
Slow pressure, pressure drops, flickering pump power, or nonstop cycling are signs that your pump is in trouble.
I want to explain why these issues are so common in Burgaw and what you can do to protect your system before it fails.
Old Wiring Causes Pump Failure Throughout Burgaw
Many Burgaw homes were built decades ago, and the electrical systems supporting their wells have never been updated.
Old wiring is one of the most dangerous threats to a well pump because the pump relies on consistent power.
Old wiring causes
Weak voltage reaching the pump
Burned pressure switches
Short cycles
Overheating motors
Sudden pump failure
In older homes near downtown or in rural areas outside city limits, I often see original wiring that is brittle, exposed, corroded, or heavily oxidized.
When the voltage drops even slightly, the pump has to work harder, dramatically shortening its lifespan.
Burgaw’s Humid Climate Accelerates Electrical Deterioration
Humidity in Burgaw is no joke.
Moisture settles in pump houses, crawl spaces, and outdoor pump enclosures.
Over time, this slowly destroys electrical components.
Moisture causes
Corroded control box contacts
Rust on breaker terminals
Loose or weak electrical connections
Sparking switches
Premature motor failure
If your pump hesitates before starting or you hear clicking from the pressure switch, humidity-damaged wiring is often the culprit.
Aging Pressure Tanks Are Failing Across Burgaw
Pressure tanks in Burgaw homes often last 10 to 15 years, but many in the area are far older.
A failing tank forces the pump to run constantly because it can no longer retain an air charge.
A failing pressure tank causes
Rapid pump cycling
Pressure that rises and falls instantly
Pump overheating
High electric bills
Complete pump burnout
I see this constantly in older Burgaw neighborhoods where tanks have never been inspected or replaced.
Mineral-rich water damages Older Tanks
Burgaw’s groundwater has higher mineral content than many coastal towns. Over time, these minerals build up inside the pressure tank.
Mineral buildup leads to
Clogged tank fittings
Bladder wear
Rust spots inside the tank
Reduced water capacity
Faster cycling
If your tank feels heavy, waterlogged, or full from top to bottom, it is no longer protecting your pump.
When Old Wiring and Bad Tanks Combine, Pumps Fail Fast
This is the most dangerous situation for your well pump.
Weak voltage from old wiring forces the pump to run harder.
A bad pressure tank forces the pump to run more often. Together, they create the perfect scenario for complete pump failure.
Combined issues cause
Extreme overheating
Constant on and off cycling
Electrical shorts
Pressure drops throughout the home
Sudden pump death
If your pump burned out without warning, this combination is usually the reason.
Warning Signs Your Burgaw Pump Is Struggling
There are clear signs that the pump is suffering from electrical or tank-related issues. These include
Flickering lights when the pump runs
Pressure dropping during showers
Pump clicking rapidly
Warm or hot pump motor
Low or fading pressure
Air sputtering from faucets
Pump running for long periods
If you notice two or more of these, your pump needs immediate service.
How I Diagnose Pump Problems in Burgaw Homes
When I arrive at a Burgaw home with low pressure or pump failure, I follow a step-by-step troubleshooting process.
Step 1: Test the wiring and electrical flow
I check voltage at the switch, control box, and pump. Old wiring usually shows voltage drops or burned contacts.
Step 2: Inspect the pressure tank
I test the air charge, bladder condition, and check for waterlogging. Most Burgaw tanks are overdue for replacement.
Step 3: Evaluate pump performance
I measure how long it takes the pump to build pressure and how often it cycles.
Step 4: Check for sediment or mineral buildup
Even small mineral deposits can slow pump output in older systems.
Step 5: Identify failing components and provide solutions
I explain every issue and help you choose the best long term fix.
Upgrades That Burgaw Homes Benefit From Most
Because so many systems here are aging, I often recommend
New pressure switches
Modern wiring and updated breaker connections
Larger pressure tanks
Control box replacements
Pump saver devices
Corrosion-resistant components
These upgrades protect your pump from burnout and help stabilize pressure.
When Your Burgaw Well Pump Fails, I Am Ready to Help
In Burgaw, well pumps fail more from old wiring and worn-out pressure tanks than anything else.
These issues build slowly but strike suddenly.
I understand how stressful it is to lose water without warning, and as a U S Navy Veteran, I believe in fixing the root cause, not just the symptom.
If your pump is running longer than usual, cycling constantly, or showing early signs of failure, reach out to Wild Water Plumbing + Septic.
I will diagnose the issue, repair your system, and help protect your home’s water supply.
