Signs your well pump needs attention
- No water at any faucet, or water that comes and goes
- The pump runs constantly or won't shut off
- The breaker for the well trips repeatedly
- Rapid clicking at the pressure switch, or the pump turning on and off every few seconds
- Pressure that is weaker than it used to be, or that fades during showers
- Sputtering faucets, spitting air, or sudden sand, sediment, or cloudy water
- A higher electric bill with no other explanation (a pump running more than it should)
Safe troubleshooting you can do
These checks don't require opening any electrical equipment. They give the contractor useful information when you call.
- Breaker panel: look for a tripped breaker labeled well, pump, or WP. Reset it once. If it trips again, leave it off.
- Pressure gauge: note the reading at the tank. Open a faucet and watch: does the pressure drop, and does the pump kick on (you may hear the switch click) at a lower number?
- Pressure tank: with power off, tap the tank. A tank that sounds full of water from top to bottom may be waterlogged. Read more on our pressure tank page.
- Visible leaks: check around the well head, tank, and any exposed pipe for water or soggy ground.
- Recent events: a nearby lightning storm, power outage, or utility work can damage pump controls. Mention it when you call.
What a repair visit typically involves
A contractor usually starts above ground. They check voltage and amperage at the pump circuit, test the pressure switch and control components, and check the pressure tank's air charge. If those check out, they may test the pump motor and wiring from the surface before deciding whether the pump needs to be pulled. Ask them to explain what they found and quote the repair before work starts.
What affects repair cost
We don't publish prices, because the right fix depends on your system. Costs mainly depend on which part failed, whether the pump has to be pulled, well depth, the condition of wire, pipe, and check valves, and timing (emergency or after-hours visits). The contractor will quote you directly.
Related help
If the pump itself is done, see well pump replacement & installation. If you have no water at all right now, go to no water emergency.
Well pump repair FAQ
Can a well pump be repaired, or does it always need to be replaced?
Many no-water and pressure problems turn out to be above-ground parts like the pressure switch, a control box component, a breaker, wiring, or the pressure tank. Those can usually be repaired without pulling the pump. If the submersible pump motor itself has failed, replacement is usually the practical fix.
Why does my well pump keep tripping the breaker?
Repeated tripping can point to a failing motor, a damaged wire, a short in a splice, a bad control component, or a breaker problem. Because this involves high-voltage circuits, don't keep resetting it. Reset once, and if it trips again, call a licensed contractor.
My pump runs but no water comes out. What does that mean?
It can mean a broken or disconnected drop pipe, a failed check valve, a pump that has lost prime (for above-ground jet pumps), worn pump impellers, or a water level that has dropped below the pump. Turn the pump off at the breaker to protect it and have it diagnosed.
How long do well pumps usually last?
It depends on the pump, water quality, how often it cycles, and how well the pressure tank is working. Short-cycling from a bad tank or switch is one of the most common things that wears a pump out early, so fixing those issues helps the pump last longer.