What happens to the pump if a well runs dry?

Author: Broderick Thiel  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 9, 2025

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. Well pumps can be quite expensive to replace.

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.

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.

Can you fix a pump that ran dry?

Can you fix a pump that ran dry? A dry-run pump can often be repaired, but seals must be replaced. If the damage is bad enough, other components like rotors or bearings may need replacing. These parts can be expensive, and it is always best practice not to allow a pump to dry run.

How long can a well pump run without damage?

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.

No Water. Most Common Reason a Water Well Runs Dry. Well Pump Troubleshooting Starts Here

How do I know if my well pump is dry or bad?

Some of the most common indicators of a faulty well pump and pressure tank include:
  1. Fluctuations in Water Pressure. ...
  2. Noisy Pressure Tank or Clicking Sounds. ...
  3. Spitting Faucets. ...
  4. Scalding Shower Water. ...
  5. High Electric Bills.

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.

What to do if well pump runs dry?

What to Do When Your Well Runs Dry
  1. Assess the Situation: Determine if the well is dry temporarily or permanently. ...
  2. Reduce Water Use: If you suspect over-pumping is the issue, reduce water usage to allow the well to recover. ...
  3. Check for Mechanical Issues: Inspect the well system for any mechanical problems.

How long can you run a pump dry before damage?

A small amount of liquid in the pump keeps the parts wetted, helping to prevent instantaneous damage; however, most positive displacement pumps can only run dry for a few minutes before friction heats up the internals and the pump is damaged.

What happens if you leave a water pump on without water?

If the pump is running without water, the seal will overheat and melt, If left running without water for a long period of time, the heat generated could damage the PVC pipe and other system components.

Can a dry well get water again?

A well is said to have gone dry when water levels drop below a pump intake. This does not mean that a dry well will never have water in it again, as the water level may come back through time as recharge increases.

How common is it for a well to run dry?

How likely is it that my well will run dry? Not likely. It depends on many factors, but generally most modern wells are dug deep enough so that they should never “run dry” in their lifetime.

Does rain help refill a well?

It's a common misconception that rain has a direct impact on the amount of water in residential wells. Over 95% of rainfall doesn't go directly into your well or even stay on your property; it runs off into creeks, streams, and rivers, some of which become part of the area's surface water supplies, or “reservoirs”.

How do I know if my pump is running dry?

How can I identify if my industrial pump is experiencing dry running? Common signs include abnormal vibrations, increased noise, reduced flow rates, and elevated temperatures. Implementing monitoring systems can provide early detection and prevent severe damage.

Can a water pump be bad but not leak?

One of the common signs of bad water pump functionality is overheating. The pump may not leak coolant, but the pump mechanism itself may have failed. Over time the fins of the pump can actually wear down to the point where they are no longer moving coolant.

How do I stop my pump from running dry?

To avoid the inconvenience of the dry running you can simply install a dry running protection device which stops the pump immediately in case of danger of dry-running.

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.

Is it bad for a submersible pump to run dry?

One of the main problems that can cause damage to the submersible pump is, in fact, what is known as dry running. Operating the pump in the absence of water is not only a waste of energy, but also results in the motor overheating and eventually burning out, as the water is used to cool the electrical part.

How long can an impeller run dry?

Dry running your boat

Rubber impellers rely on water to keep them lubricated. If your boat runs for even a few minutes (or even seconds) without water flowing through the impeller, it will shred and need to be replaced.

How long does it take for a dry well to fill back up?

In general, you should expect your well to replenish at a rate of 5 gallons per minute, but there are a number of factors that will play a role in how quickly it refills. For reference, if your well is 1200 gallons, it should take approximately 4 hours to refill.

How to tell if well is dry or pump bad well water?

Is Your Water Well Going Dry? Here Are Some Common Warning Signs
  1. Change in Taste of Water. ...
  2. Well Water Appears Muddy. ...
  3. Water Pumps Running for Longer Periods. ...
  4. Faltering of Faucets Leading to Leakage. ...
  5. Change in Water Quality. ...
  6. Bubbles of the Dissolved Gases Appear in Well. ...
  7. Huge Increase in Power/Electricity Bill.

How much does a well pump replacement cost?

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. The average well pump replacement cost is $1,889, but the total depends on many different factors, from the type and size of the pump to the depth of the well.

Does homeowners insurance cover well pumps?

So to recap; homeowner's insurance does not normally cover pump replacement or servicing. If it does, it's probably due to weather anomalies that would also have ended up damaging a significant portion of your home. You'll need to check your specific policy for a weather peril clause.

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!

How do you tell if your well pump is bad?

One of the most common indicators of a failing well pump is fluctuation in water pressure. Water pressure issues can result from a number of factors, including scaling inside your pipes from hard water, bacterial buildup, low water levels at the well, or a pressure tank issue.

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