What happens when a well pump stops working?

Author: Ambrose Dickinson  |  Last update: Friday, May 30, 2025

Your well pump may have stopped working due to a lack of power. Sometimes resetting a breaker or replacing a fuse affected by a power surge or brownout can fix this. If the well pump circuit breaker has tripped, the well pump itself may be failing.

What happens if a well pump stops working?

Check the circuit breaker connected to the well and see if there is a short in the system. If your well pump stopped working after a thunderstorm, check to see if the well was struck by lightning. If there is a short or surge in the power to your well, the circuit might have blown.

What is the average cost to replace a well pump?

Most well pump replacement projects fall between $975 and $2,575, but many factors can add additional costs. A small hand pump can cost as little as $200, while a high-end constant-pressure well pump could set you back as much as $5,000.

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.

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.

Most Common Reason for No Water!! Reset Pump Pressure Switch. Water Well Repair Vlog Ep.18

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!

Can you burn out a well pump?

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

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

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 do you reset a well pump?

Hold the reset lever in the start position until the pressure builds up and the gauge reads over 40 PSI; then let it return to the AUTO position. The pump should now run on its own and continue until the pressure reaches the cut out setting, (usually between 50 - 60 PSI), and then shut off.

What is the most common problem of a water pump?

Water pumps are essential for various applications, but they can also experience common problems affecting their performance and reliability. Common problems include overheating, leakage, low water pressure, noisy operation, and cavitation.

Does homeowners insurance cover a well pump?

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.

How many hours does it take to replace a well pump?

HOW LONG DOES A WELL PUMP REPLACEMENT TAKE? The length of time it takes for a complete well pump replacement varies. The experienced well pump plumbers of Team Austin have most well pumps installed in 8-10 hours.

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.

Why did a pump suddenly stop working?

This can be caused by various issues, including a broken impeller, a loss of power, or a clogged filter. Pump failures can lead to severe consequences, such as flooding, water damage or complete failure of the piping system, so it is essential to take steps to prevent them.

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.

How often do well pumps fail?

The average lifespan of a well pump is 15-25 years, and you will typically start to notice more issues with your pump as it ages like an increase in repairs, changes in water pressure or increasing utility costs.

How do I know if my well pump died?

One of the most common signs of well pump failure is a continuous clicking noise coming from the pressure tank. If the air bladder in the pressure tank leaks or bursts, it triggers the well pump to run constantly or start and stop frequently. This will lead to clicking sounds coming from the pressure tank.

Can a well pump just stop working?

There are several reasons why your home's water system might have suddenly stopped working. 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.

Where is the breaker for my well pump?

Start by shutting off the breaker switch to turn off the power to the pump. Where can you find this switch? It's usually mounted in a covered box located next to the pump.

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.

How do you know if your water pump is burnt out?

What are 3 ways you can tell if a water pump is bad? Leaking or residue from the front of the engine, overheating, and whining or squealing noises from the engine can indicate a bad water pump.

Why would a well pump go out?

Water Quality - A well pump can prematurely fail if you have poor water quality. Minerals can clog up the pump and cause it to burn out. Bacteria can build up a slime that can also clog up the mechanics. The well liner should be checked, as that's your best protection against corrosion.

How long does a pump last in a well?

On average, well pumps tend to last between 8 and 15 years. One of the biggest determinants of how long any particular well pump will last is the number of times a day it runs. The higher the frequency of your pump's duty cycle, the more wear and tear there will be on its motor.

Will a well pump burn out if it runs continuously?

Well pumps left to run for extended periods will overheat and burn out. Frequent or increased pre-priming needs checking by professionals.

What happens to a well pump when the power goes out?

Well pumps are almost always powered by electricity, which means that when the power's out, no water will flow.

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