What is the maximum well pump run time?

Author: Magdalena Bahringer  |  Last update: Tuesday, August 12, 2025

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.

How long can a well pump run continuously?

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.

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.

Can a well pump last 20 years?

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!

What is the minimum run time for a well pump?

Run time is another piece of the puzzle: 4” motors up to ¾ horsepower should run for at least one minute and motors over ¾ horsepower should run a minimum of two minutes to dissipate the heat build up from starting current.

Troubleshoot: Water Well Pump Starts too Often (Rapid Cycling)

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.

What is a good cycle time for a well pump?

Then when the pump shuts off, the motor is still warm, and it takes about a minute for the motor to cool down where it is safe to restart. So a minute on and a minute off has always been the minimum rule of thumb. Two minutes on and two minutes off is just that much better for the motor.

How much should it cost to replace a well pump?

Generally, a well-pump replacement will cost between $950 and $2,650, with an average of $1,800. Other factors like pump type and pipework will impact your final cost. What are the signs that a well pump is going out?

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.

How to tell if a well pump is 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.

Can you burn out a well pump?

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

What are the symptoms of a bad water pump?

6 signs your water pump is failing ​
  • Coolant Leak. The water pump has several gaskets that can be damaged or worn out over time. ...
  • Engine Overheating. ...
  • High Pitched, Harmonic Whining Noises. ...
  • Water Pump Rust and Corrosion. ...
  • Steam comes out from under your hood. ...
  • Holes or leakage system on the dry side of the water pump.

Is it OK to turn power off to well pump?

By shutting off the breaker, there should be no harm to the well pump system, provided the pump system is in good mechanical working order. However, you should also shut off the power to the hot water heater. In rare cases, a broken water line can siphon water out of the hot water heater, causing damage to the unit.

How many hours a water pump can 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.

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

5 Common Indicators of a Faulty Water Well Pump
  1. You Have No Water. If you have no water at all when you turn on your faucet or flush the toilet, there's definitely something wrong with your well pump. ...
  2. Fluctuating Water Pressure. ...
  3. Spitting Faucets. ...
  4. Boiling Hot Showers. ...
  5. Increase in Electric Bills.

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.

What is the life expectancy of a well pump?

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. At a point, the cost of replacement will outweigh repairing your well pump.

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 often do you have to redrill a well?

A well's lifespan is considered to be roughly 20 to 30 years. Over time, yield may decline because of sediment or mineral scale build-up. For some homeowners, however, a well can last many years beyond this lifespan.

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.

Can I replace my well pump myself?

While it is possible to replace a well pump yourself, it is generally not recommended. A number of factors need to be taken into account when replacing a well pump. If any are not handled properly, it could result in serious damage to your plumbing system, water pipes or water line.

What is considered a deep well?

By contrast, the average well depth for a deep well is at least 100 feet and can be as deep as 1,000 feet. Most deep wells fall into the 100 to 500 feet range. One reason to consider this greater well depth is the lack of a reliable water source closer to the surface on your property.

Can I replace my own well pressure tank?

Chances are it's time to replace your water well pressure tank. While this may sound like a job for a professional plumber, this is also something you can do yourself at home if you're handy with DIY plumbing.

Is it OK for a well pump to run continuously?

Your well pump shouldn't run constantly.

What is the best flow rate for a well?

The Water Well Board suggests that a minimum water supply capacity for domestic internal household use should be at least 600 gallons of water within a two-hour period once each day. This is equivalent to a flow rate of 5 gallons per minute (gpm) for two hours.

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