Professional Plumber in Moriarty, NM

That's hydrogen sulfide gas, commonly called sulfur. It occurs naturally in some aquifers when bacteria break down sulfur compounds. It's not usually a health hazard at the concentrations that cause odor, but it's unpleasant and can corrode pipes over time. Treatment options include oxidizing filters that convert the sulfur to solid particles that get filtered out, or aeration systems that release the gas before water enters your house. Cost runs $1,500 to $3,500 depending on water flow rates and sulfur concentration.

General rule is every 3 to 5 years for a typical household, but it depends on tank size, household size, and water usage. Smaller tanks need more frequent pumping. If you're careful about what goes down the drains—no grease, no non-biodegradables—you can push toward 5 years. Regular pumping prevents solids from reaching the drain field, which extends the system's life significantly. Replacing a failed drain field costs $8,000 to $15,000, so maintenance pumping at $300 to $500 is cheap insurance.

Yes, and consider heat trace too. Insulation slows heat loss, but during extended cold below 20 degrees, insulation alone often isn't enough. Heat trace—basically a heating cable wrapped around pipes and the pressure tank—provides active freeze protection. Combined with insulation, it keeps things above freezing even during the coldest weather. Cost for heat trace and insulation on a typical well house runs $400 to $800. It's way cheaper than thawing frozen lines or replacing a cracked pressure tank.

Most likely your pressure tank has failed. Pressure tanks have a rubber bladder inside that separates water from air. When the bladder ruptures or the air charge is lost, the tank can't store pressure properly, so the pump cycles constantly. This wears out the pump prematurely and wastes electricity. Pressure tank replacement runs $400 to $800 depending on tank size. Other possible causes include a leak somewhere or a bad pressure switch, but waterlogged pressure tanks are the most common culprit.