Well Pump Not Working? Troubleshooting Guide
What it means when your well has no water, low pressure, or a pump that won't stop running, what you can safely check yourself, and when to call a certified well contractor.
Updated November 2026
No water? Check the well pump breaker and look at the pressure gauge near your tank. If the breaker is on and the gauge reads near zero, the problem is usually the pressure switch, control box, wiring or pump. Don't keep resetting a breaker that trips, and don't run a pump that may be dry.
Symptoms, likely causes and typical fix cost
| Symptom | Likely causes | Typical fix cost |
|---|---|---|
| No water at all | Tripped breaker, failed pressure switch, bad control box or capacitor, broken wire, or a failed pump | $150–$3,500 |
| Low or surging pressure | Waterlogged or failing pressure tank, worn pressure switch, clogged filter or a weakening pump | $150–$1,800 |
| Pump turns on and off rapidly | Waterlogged pressure tank or failed bladder (short cycling) | $700–$1,800 |
| Pump runs nonstop | Leak in the line, broken pipe in the well, worn pump or low water level | $300–$3,500 |
| Sputtering faucets or air | Low water level, a leak in the drop pipe or a failing check valve | $300–$2,500 |
| Dirty, sandy or cloudy water | Pump set too low, sediment in the well or a failing pump | $300–$3,500 |
| High electric bill | Pump running too often from a leak or failing parts | $150–$3,500 |
What you can safely check
1. The breaker. Most well pumps have a dedicated 240-volt breaker. If it tripped once, reset it. If it trips again, leave it off and call a pro; that points to a wiring, control box or pump fault.
2. The pressure gauge. Most homes run at about 30 to 50 or 40 to 60 psi. A reading near zero with the breaker on means the pump is not delivering water.
3. The pressure switch. Some switches have a low-pressure cutoff lever. Lifting it can restart the pump after it shuts off on low pressure. If it shuts off again, stop and call a contractor.
4. Filters. A clogged sediment filter can make it look like the pump is failing. Bypass or change it to see if pressure returns.
5. Rapid cycling. If the pump clicks on and off every few seconds when a faucet runs, the pressure tank has likely lost its air charge or its bladder has failed.
Well pumps run on 240-volt power. Leave electrical testing, control boxes and pulling the pump to a certified well contractor.
Repair or replace the pump?
If the pump is less than about 8 years old and the problem is a part outside the well (switch, capacitor, control box or tank), repair is usually the better value.
If a submersible pump over 10 to 15 years old has failed, replacing it usually makes more sense. Most of the cost is the labor to pull the pump, so you don't want to pay for that twice.
Replacing an old pressure tank at the same time as the pump protects the new pump from short cycling.
Well pump troubleshooting FAQ
What should I check before calling a well company?
Check that the breaker for the well pump is on, look at the pressure gauge near the tank, and note whether you hear the pump running. Do not repeatedly reset a breaker that keeps tripping; that points to an electrical or pump problem.
Can I reset my well pump myself?
Some pressure switches have a low-pressure cutoff lever that can be lifted to restart the pump. If it shuts off again, stop and call a certified well contractor, since running a pump dry can ruin it.
Why does my pump keep turning on and off?
Rapid on-off cycling usually means the pressure tank has lost its air charge or its bladder has failed. Fixing the tank quickly protects the pump.
Sources
- NC Department of Health and Human Services: Private Well Permits and Construction FAQ
- NC Well Contractors Certification: Pump Installation
- NC Well Contractors Certification FAQ
- UNC Gillings School of Public Health: Private well water in North Carolina
- USGS: Estimating domestic well locations and populations served
- This Old House: Well pump cost guide
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