How long can a well water pump run continuously?

Author: Mr. Dalton Klocko II  |  Last update: Thursday, December 25, 2025

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

Is it OK for a well pump to run continuously?

As long as the well doesn't run dry it can run continuously with no issue. The water in the well cools the pump so if it runs dry that's a risk that can kill the pump. Short cycling if the pump can also shorten the pump life as well.

How long can you run a well pump without damaging it?

Submersible pumps are generally designed for continuous operation, making it acceptable to run them for 24 hours. Check the pump's specifications to ensure it is suitable for continuous use. Keep the pump submerged in water for cooling, consider power consumption, and perform regular maintenance.

How many hours can a water pump run continuously?

Unless your pump is installed in an area that's well below the water table, your device shouldn't be running continuously. In situations where there's flooding or excess water threatening your home, your pump can work continuously for up to 22 hours without showing signs of breakdown or fatigue.

What is the maximum well pump run time?

It is advised to run the pump for no more than 10 hours in a single run. Give it time to cool down and then you can start the motor again.

Troubleshoot: Water Well Pump Won't Shut Off

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

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

How often should I flush my well pressure tank?

The tanks should be flushed semi-annually to remove accumulated sediments by opening the tank drain valve. These sediments could harbor and shield harmful microbes from chlorination should the well and home plumbing system require disinfection.

Can I leave my water pump on all the time?

Not necessarily, but it's a little bit like tempting fate. Nothing is definitely going to go wrong with your water pump if you leave it on, but leaving it on allows for the possibility of problems like leaks, floods, and drained batteries.

Can you burn out a well pump?

If the unprimed pump runs for too long, it will overheat and soon burn out.

Can a pump last 24 hours?

How Long Do Gym Pumps Last? On average, a gym pump lasts between 2 to 3 hours after the workout. However, this timeframe may change based on the following aspects: Intensity of the Session: A high-intensity workout with heavier weights and rigorous exercises will lead to a more defined pump than a lighter session.

What happens if my well pump doesn't shut off?

If your well pump keeps running, it's usually because of one of the following issues: You have a running appliance. The well pump may have lost prime. The pump pressure control switch is faulty.

Will filling a pool burn up my well pump?

Large pools can take a long time to fill, especially if the well refill rate is slow. Drawing too much water can strain water supplies, compromise a water table or aquifer, affect neighboring wells, and cause wells to run dry. You can burn out the well pump.

Can you over pump a well?

If you install a pump that has a greater capacity than the aquifer, groundwater is removed at a faster rate than the aquifer can naturally replenish itself and, over time, “dewatering” occurs. Dewatering is also caused by extended over-pumping. Over-pumping is considered to be the number one cause of well failure.

What to do if your water pump keeps running?

A smart first step is to ensure faucets and taps are turned off and also inspect appliances that use water, such as your dishwasher, washing machine, water heater, or outdoor sources like sprinklers or hoses. If any of these is on, it can also cause your well pump to stay on.

How much does it cost to replace a well pump?

Most homeowners pay $975 to $2,575, or a national average of $1,775, for well pump replacement.

Do well pumps automatically shut off?

If the water pressure is too high, the pump turns off. This process of turning on and off is called cycling. Unfortunately, cycling can be very destructive to a well pump because it shortens the life of the motor and puts excessive wear on the control components.

Does it hurt a well pump to run continuously?

If you allow a dry pump to continue running, it will soon lead to overheating and other serious forms of damage. If you do not know the protocol for priming your pump, contact a plumber as soon as possible. A well pump that repeatedly loses its prime likely has underlying problems.

How do you tell if your well pump is burned up?

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 well pump shut off if it overheats?

These pump motors do have a thermal overload switch that is supposed to shut them down if they overheat.

Should I turn off the water pump when not in use?

You should turn off your pump using the circuit breaker located in your home's electrical panel. But be careful: if your pump shares a breaker with another appliance or system, you'll be cutting power to it, too.

Why would a pump run continuously?

Oftentimes, a continuously running pump ties back to a control switch that has been set incorrectly. The specific issue here involves a switch with an exceedingly high setting. Known as the cut-out setting, this setting tells the pump when the ideal pressure has been reached — in other words, when it can turn off.

Can a well pump run out of water?

If there is no groundwater available to enter the pump, it sucks air instead of water. When the tap is turned on, nothing comes outs. In most cases, this is caused by the underground water table dropping below the level of the well pump or the well going dry.

What is the life expectancy of a well pump?

With proper well maintenance, your new well pump can last, on average, 8 to 15 years, though many homeowners report their pumps lasting far longer, often between 20 and 30 years!

Should I add air to my well pressure tank?

It will not only improve the performance of your well system, but it will also save you money in the long run by avoiding the need for costly repairs. Taking the time to properly prepare your well pressure tank for the addition of air is a small task that can make a big difference.

How do you know if you need a new well pump?

Spitting Faucets

Another sign that your well pump needs to be repaired or replaced is spurts of air or air bubbles coming out of your faucet when you turn it on. If there is a crack in the pipe that connects the well pump to your home, the well pump may be pulling in air instead of water.

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