Many well pumps do not have a dedicated, physical "reset" button. Instead, you can reset your system by flipping the main circuit breaker off for one minute and then back on, or by manually engaging the reset lever on the low-pressure cut-off switch located next to your pressure tank.
A well pump reset button or lever is typically found on the pressure switch, a small grey box located on the pipe near your pressure tank. If you have a 3-wire system, a red reset button may also be located on the side of the separate, box-shaped pump control box, usually found near the pressure tank.
If your well pump stops working, immediately check your electrical panel for a tripped breaker. Listen for pump operation at the wellhead and check your pressure gauge. About 60% of pump failures are electrical issues or clogged pressure switches, not dead pumps.
To reset a well water pump, cycle its dedicated circuit breaker off for 60 seconds and back on. If your system has a low-pressure cutoff, locate the pressure switch (gray box near the pressure tank), hold the side lever in the "start" position until pressure builds, then release.
If your water pump isn't turning on, the most common culprits are an issue with the power supply, a bad pressure switch, or a faulty start capacitor.
Below are 3 top causes of water pump failure caused by external issues and techniques for prevention.
Testing a well pump without pulling it involves isolating whether the issue is electrical or mechanical. First, check for tripped breakers and verify the system is receiving the correct voltage at the pressure switch. Next, test the wire resistance with a multimeter and check the amperage using a clamp meter.
To fix a water pump that is not pumping water, turn off the power immediately to prevent burning out the motor. Common, quick fixes include:
Understanding Why Your Well Pump Stopped Working
Pressure Problems – Look for low pressure tank air, a waterlogged tank, or a faulty pressure switch. Pump Issues – Note if the pump runs constantly, cycles rapidly, or makes unusual sounds. Water Quality – Check for air sputtering from faucets or sediment in the water.
Water pumps do not typically have a traditional "reset button." Instead, a pump that stops working is usually controlled by a pressure switch (a small gray box near your pressure tank) which requires a manual reset lever if the system drops to zero pressure, or it is controlled via your main circuit breaker.
A pressure switch senses the water pressure in your plumbing system and tells the well pump when to turn on and off. Most homes use a 40/60 PSI or 30/50 PSI switch, meaning the pump turns on at the lower number and off at the higher number.
If your well pump isn't working, the fastest way to troubleshoot is to check for power at the breaker, inspect for a stuck pressure switch, or look for a low-water cutoff. Most well issues fall into one of these quick-to-check categories.
To prime a well pump that has been sitting, turn off the power, remove the priming plug on top of the pump housing, and completely fill the pump and suction line with clean water. Replace the plug, restore power, and let the pump run until it builds consistent pressure.
To determine if your well pump is burnt out, check for a complete lack of water, zero pressure at the gauge, and listen for silence when a demand for water should trigger it to run. A "burnt out" pump will often draw zero amperage on a multimeter, meaning the motor is dead.
To restart a deep well pump after a power outage, first check your main circuit breaker and reset it if it tripped. Next, locate your pressure switch (a small gray box near your pressure tank) and manually hold the side lever in the "start" position until the water pressure builds and holds.
Overheating of the Motor
Cause: Submersible motors rely on the surrounding fluid to dissipate heat. If the pump runs dry or is only partially submerged, it can overheat quickly. Overheating can also occur due to overloading (pumping beyond capacity), a mechanical jam, or electrical issues causing overcurrent.
A well pump typically lasts 8 to 15 years, though some properly maintained systems can survive 20 years or more. Several factors dictate exactly how long your pump will operate before needing replacement.
How to Diagnose Well Pump Problems Fast by Using Simple Steps
Well pump system often faces motor overheating and pressure switch failures causing no water output. A hot well pump motor with no noise and zero pressure switch reading indicates a possible motor burnout or electrical failure. First, check the pressure switch contacts for corrosion or stuck position.
Detecting Early Signs of Pump Failure
If your water pump isn't turning on, the most common culprits are an issue with the power supply, a bad pressure switch, or a faulty start capacitor.
Early signs of a failing water pump include visible coolant leaks, a high-pitched whining or grinding noise from the front of the engine, a slow but steady drop in the coolant reservoir, and an engine temperature gauge that occasionally creeps higher than normal.
To reset a well pump, locate your pressure switch (a small grey box near your pressure tank). If it has a low-water cutoff lever, hold the lever in the "Start" position until the pressure gauge builds to 40 PSI. For standard switches or power outages, turn off the breaker for one minute, then flip it back on.
If the well switch malfunctions, it could cause the pump to shut off early, then restart as water pressure decreases. This constant cycling wastes energy and strains the pump, possibly shortening its lifespan. If left unaddressed, this problem can also contribute to water pressure tank problems.