Well pumps keep water flowing from your well to every faucet, shower, appliance, and outdoor tap in your home. So when it stops working, you may lose water entirely or experience problems such as low pressure or frequent cycling.
Get Your Well Pump FixedSome issues in the well system may seem like well pump problems, making it hard to find the real cause.
Let’s find out how to pinpoint the exact issue, fix common problems, and know when to call a professional.
If your well water pump is not working, there are usually clear reasons why, and many issues can be fixed easily.
Symptoms: You get no water from any faucet, you can’t hear the pump running, and the pressure gauge reads 0 PSI. 
Why it happens: The most common causes are a tripped circuit breaker, a faulty pressure switch, or a low-water cutoff that has shut the pump off to protect it from running dry.
What to do: Start by checking your electrical panel for a tripped breaker. If the breaker is fine, inspect the pressure switch and look at the pressure gauge. If everything appears normal but the pump still won’t run, simply call a professional.
Symptoms: You can hear the pump running, but the water pressure is weak, or no water comes from the faucets.
Why it happens: A jet pump may have lost its prime, the pressure tank may have failed, the well screen could be clogged, or the pump’s internal impellers may be worn out.
What to do: If you have a jet pump, check whether it has lost its prime. Next, inspect the pressure tank, and if both are working properly, have the pump or well inspected by an expert.
Symptoms: Your water has sand, grit, or dirt in it, which causes sediment to collect in sinks, filters, or the bottom of drinking glasses.
Why it happens: A damaged well screen, an oversized pump, or a pump installed too close to the bottom of the well can all pull sediment into the water system.
What to do: Have the well screen inspected first. If it’s in good condition, a technician can determine whether the pump needs to be raised or replaced with the correct size.
Symptoms: Water sputters from faucets, contains air bubbles, or alternates between air and water.
Why it happens: The water level in the well may be too low, a jet pump may have lost its prime, or, in rare cases, gas may be entering the well.
What to do: Check the well’s water level and, if you have a jet pump, make sure it is properly primed. If you suspect gas in the well, contact a professional immediately.
Symptoms: The well pump keeps running even when no water is being used anywhere in the house.
Why it happens: The pump may be undersized, the pressure switch may have failed, the well water level may be low, or the pump may no longer be able to build enough pressure.
What to do: Check for leaks and confirm that the pressure switch is working properly. If the pump continues to run, have the well system inspected before the motor is damaged.
So your well pump stopped working, and you’ve completed the basic troubleshooting steps, but the issue persists? It’s time to call a licensed well pump technician, and the sooner you do it, the better.
Most residential well pumps last 10 to 15 years, while high-quality submersible pumps often operate reliably for 20 years.
Here are several factors that determine how long your system will last:
Some well pump troubleshooting is fine to handle yourself, like checking a breaker, tapping a tank, but most is better left to a professional.
Call a professional right away if:
A few reasons hiring a pro pays off:
Fast diagnosis and proper repairs can help restore your water supply, extend the life of your well pump, and prevent costly damage to the rest of your well system.
No water? Find out exactly what well pump repair or replacement costs in Ontario before you call a contractor.
Everything about well pumps — explained simply.
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