Symptoms
- No water at any fixture in the house
- Pump turns on and off repeatedly in short bursts
- Pump motor hums but doesn't seem to pump water
- Pressure gauge near the tank reads unusually low or fluctuates rapidly
Likely causes
- CommonWaterlogged pressure tank (lost air charge)The tank's air cushion keeps the pump from cycling too often; if it fills with water, the pump short-cycles.
- CommonTripped breaker or blown fuse for the pump circuitWell pumps are on dedicated circuits that can trip from a power surge or pump strain.
- PossibleFaulty pressure switchThis switch tells the pump when to turn on and off based on pressure, and it can fail electrically or mechanically.
- PossiblePump losing prime or a failing check valveAir getting into the system can prevent the pump from building pressure properly.
- Less commonPump motor or well itself failing (low water table, worn pump)In dry conditions or with an aging pump, the well may not be delivering water at all.
What to do
- Check the breaker panel for a tripped breaker on the well pump circuit and reset if needed.
- Locate the pressure tank (usually near the well pump control) and tap it; a mostly water-filled tank sounds solid rather than hollow, indicating waterlogging.
- Check the pressure gauge near the tank; normal systems typically run between 30–50 psi, cycling the pump on at the low end and off at the high end.
- If the tank seems waterlogged, this typically requires draining and recharging the air bladder, which is straightforward for a plumber or well technician.
- Listen to the pump: a humming sound with no water suggests an electrical or motor issue, while rapid clicking suggests the pressure switch.
- Avoid repeatedly resetting breakers if the pump trips immediately each time, since this can indicate a more serious electrical fault.
- If basic checks don't resolve it, this is a good point to call a well pump specialist, since deeper diagnosis often requires pulling the pump or specialized meters.
Tools and parts
- Voltage tester (optional)
- Pressure gauge
Well pressure tank or pressure switchSearch: “well pump pressure switch”
When to call a pro
Call a licensed well pump contractor for pressure tank recharging, pressure switch replacement, or any suspected pump/motor failure.
Safety
Use caution
Well pump circuits carry significant electrical current; don't open the pump control box unless you're confident working with electricity, and always shut off the breaker first.