Can well pumps burn out due to lack of rain?

Author: Terrence Pfannerstill  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Dry Well - Periods of drought cause your well to run dry. If you continue to try to run the faucets, it will cause the well pump to 'call' for water and run. This can cause the pump to burn out.

Will a water pump burn out without water?

Running a water pump without water for an extended period, even just once, can potentially damage it. Water pumps are designed to operate with water as a lubricant and coolant. Without water, the pump may overheat, leading to damage to the pump seals, bearings, or motor windings.

What happens to a well pump if the well runs dry?

If there is no groundwater available to enter the pump, it sucks air instead of water.

What burns out a well pump?

Malfunctioning Well Pump Pressure Switch

A malfunctioning switch can cause the pump to run too often or too long and potentially burn out the motor. In addition, if the switch allows the pressure to go too high, it can put excess stress on the tank and pipes, potentially causing them to crack or even burst.

Can a well run dry from no rain?

Lack of Rain

However, the water your well supplies come from a source, and when there's no replenishment, it will start to dry out. Whenever you experience a long dry season or don't get other forms of precipitation, the water that gets to the underground system will reduce significantly.

3 Simple Ways to Avoid Burning Out Your Well Pump

How long will a well last without rain?

Deeper wells tend to withstand a drought with no problems. But if your well is affected, it can take several months of adequate rain or snow to restore the supply. Drought is a period of drier than normal conditions that result in water-related problems.

Does lack of rain affect well water?

With less rain, or changes in aquifer structure, the well becomes non-water bearing – i.e. dry. Your well may not 'fill up' when it rains, but it does reap the indirect benefits. Protect your family's water supply with WelGard Protection. One low annual fee buys you 24/7 response if anything happens to your well.

How long can a well pump run before it burns out?

Starter borehole pumps can run for up to 24 hours. However, your everyday borehole pump will run between 6 & 8 hours.

What are the signs that a well pump is failing?

When your well pump's life is coming to an end, it will demonstrate some of or all the following symptoms:
  • Fluctuations in water pressure.
  • Constantly running pump.
  • Sputtering water flow in home.
  • Sediment in water lines.
  • Unusual sounds from pump.
  • Changes in water quality.
  • High electricity bills.

Why did my water pump burn out?

First, why does a pump burn up? Typically, pumps die on us because they ran dry. In other words, the cistern or well ran out of water, but the pump kept running... and running... and running.

How to tell if your well has run dry?

Most of the time it's a pump problem or something not quite as substantial, but here's how to tell.
  1. Signs Your Well Has Run Dry. ...
  2. A Change in Taste. ...
  3. Murky or Muddy Water. ...
  4. Pump Runs Longer. ...
  5. Faucets Begin Sputtering. ...
  6. Understanding Seasonal Variations in Well Water Levels. ...
  7. Helpful Tips. ...
  8. Have No Fear – We're Here to Help.

How much is a new well pump?

The average cost to replace a well pump is $1,889, but most spend between $974 to $2,813 depending on the pump size you need.

Will a well refill itself?

Yes. Dug wells draw water from just below the soil's surface, so even seasonal weather changes can affect water supplies. Groundwater levels in deep aquifers are rarely static, but they're less affected by transient droughts. In arid areas, deeper wells are generally better.

What happens if a water pump runs dry?

When a pump runs dry, it runs without any liquid going through it. This is always a bad idea, as it puts an inordinate amount of strain on the pump's moving parts. Instead of circulating fluid, a dry running pump pushes nothing but air around, leading to friction, heat, and destruction of delicate internals.

How to protect a well pump from running dry?

One solution is to use devices that switch off the pump when there is no liquid to pump, and thus in the event of a danger of running dry. These include: Level switches. Pressure switches.

Will a well pump run without water?

Yes, it can. Running the well pump when there isn't water to pump can damage the pump itself which can cause it to burn out prematurely.

What is the life expectancy of a well pump?

While a well pump can last 40 years or more with exceptional care and maintenance, most pumps have a typical lifespan of 8 to 15 years. Regular inspection and servicing can help extend the pump's lifespan.

Why do I suddenly have no water from my well?

Most often, it's because something is wrong with the well pump. While the average life span of a well pump is 12 to 18 years, it has many components that could fail and cause the well to stop delivering water to your home.

How do I know if my well pump is burned?

How To Troubleshoot Your Well Pump
  1. Fluctuations in Water Pressure. There are several reasons you may experience changes in water pressure throughout your Greater Cleveland home. ...
  2. Noisy Pressure Tank or Clicking Sounds. ...
  3. Spitting Faucets. ...
  4. Scalding Shower Water. ...
  5. High Electric Bills.

Will a water pump burn up without water?

The leading cause of pump burn out is from running dry. Submersible pumps require water to keep cool and maintain the proper operating temperature. If the water level drops below the impeller (also known as the rotor), the motor will overheat and burn out.

What happens if well pump runs dry?

This condition is called dry running and can lead to complete destruction of the pump. In the absence of water, the following undesirable effects can occur: The pump draws contaminated groundwater, which may contain an excessive amount of solid matter.

Can a well pump overheat and shut off?

These pump motors do have a thermal overload switch that is supposed to shut them down if they overheat. I contacted the manufacturer of these pumps and they stated that the thermal switch should trip at around 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

What happens if there is not enough rain?

The lack of precipitation can cause a variety of problems for local communities, including damage to crops and a shortage of drinking water. These effects can lead to devastating economic and social disasters, such as famine, forced migration away from drought-stricken areas, and conflict over remaining resources.

What happens to well water in a drought?

Under persistent dry weather conditions, the water level in your well may drop below the submersible pump, causing a loss of water. In some cases, the water level may only temporarily drop below the pump when water is being frequently pumped from the well during showers or laundry.

What happens when well water is low?

Pump Runs Longer

Usually, the pump is placed deep underwater. But, when the water level drops, your pump will always be trying to keep the tank full and maintain water pressure. Another sign that you can get from your pump that your water level is running low is when it starts turning on and off continuously.

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