Your well pump has stopped — here's what to check first

When your well pump stops working, the first thing to do is check whether the problem is electrical or mechanical. Most well pump failures fall into one of two categories: the pump itself has failed, or power is not reaching it. You can rule out a power problem in about five minutes by checking your breaker panel and the pressure tank gauge.

Start by looking at your home's electrical panel. Find the breaker labeled for the well pump — it is usually a 240-volt double breaker — and check whether it has tripped to the middle position. If it has, flip it fully off, wait ten seconds, then flip it back on. If the breaker trips again when ready, you have an electrical fault that requires a licensed electrician or well pump technician. Do not keep resetting it.

If the breaker is in the on position, look at your pressure tank. Most tanks have a gauge on the side showing water pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI). If the gauge reads zero or very low, and you have no water at your taps, the pump is not running. If the gauge shows normal pressure (usually 40 to 60 PSI) but you still have no water, the problem is downstream — a clogged filter or a valve issue — not the pump itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Check your electrical breaker first: if it has tripped, flip it off and back on once; if it trips again when ready, call a technician rather than resetting it repeatedly.
  • A pressure tank gauge reading zero means the pump is not running; a normal reading with no water means the problem is in your plumbing, not the pump.
  • Well pump repairs almost always require a licensed technician because the work involves electrical connections and pressurized systems that can cause injury.
  • A failed pump typically costs $800 to $2,500 to replace, depending on depth and pump type, and the work usually takes one day.
  • While waiting for a technician, you can use stored water from your pressure tank, but do not run the pump continuously or it may overheat.

When to call a well pump technician

If the breaker is on and the pressure gauge is at zero, your pump is not running. This is the point to call a licensed well pump technician or a general plumber who services wells. Do not attempt to repair or replace a well pump yourself — the work involves high-voltage electrical connections, pressurized tanks, and deep-well equipment that can cause serious injury or electrocution.

A technician will diagnose whether the pump motor has burned out, whether the pump itself is clogged or stuck, or whether a control switch has failed. The diagnosis usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. If the pump needs replacement, the technician will remove the old pump from the well, install a new one, and test the system — a job that typically takes four to eight hours depending on well depth.

Call during business hours if you have water stored in your pressure tank and can wait a day or two. If you have no water at all and need it urgently, ask whether the technician offers emergency service; many charge a premium for same-day or evening calls. Have your well depth and pump horsepower ready — this information is usually on a label inside your pressure tank or on the pump itself.

What a well pump replacement costs and how long it takes

A new well pump typically costs between $800 and $2,500 installed, depending on the pump type, your well depth, and your region. Shallow wells (under 25 feet) use jet pumps, which are less expensive; deep wells use submersible pumps, which cost more. Labor usually runs $500 to $1,200 for the full job, including removal of the old pump, installation, pressure tank adjustments, and testing.

The entire job — from arrival to finished system — usually takes one full day. If your well is very deep (over 300 feet) or if the old pump is stuck in the casing, the work may take longer. Some technicians can order and install a pump the same day; others may need to order it and return the next day. Ask when you call whether they stock pumps or need to order one.

Before the technician arrives, ask your homeowner's insurance whether well pump replacement is covered under your policy. Some policies cover pump failure; others do not. If you have a home warranty, check whether it includes well systems — some do, and the coverage may reduce your out-of-pocket cost to a service call fee.

How to use your pressure tank water while the pump is down

Your pressure tank holds stored water that you can use even when the pump is not running. A typical 40-gallon tank holds about 10 to 15 gallons of usable water before pressure drops too low to push water to your taps. This is enough for a few showers, toilet flushes, and washing — not a full day's use for a family.

Use this water normally; do not try to ration it or you will run out faster. Once the tank pressure drops below about 20 PSI, water will stop flowing. At that point, stop using water and wait for the technician. Do not try to run the pump manually or reset it repeatedly — this can overheat the motor and cause permanent damage.

If you need more water than the tank holds, fill bathtubs, large containers, or a pool with water before the pump fails completely. You can use this stored water for flushing toilets and washing. For drinking and cooking, use bottled water or boil water from your tank if you are concerned about contamination during the outage.

Common reasons well pumps fail

The most common cause of well pump failure is age. Most well pumps last 8 to 15 years depending on water quality, usage, and maintenance. If your pump is older than 10 years and stops working, replacement is usually the most cost-effective option rather than repair.

A second common cause is a burned-out motor. This happens when the pump runs dry — when the well level drops below the pump intake — or when the pump runs continuously without rest. If your well is shallow or you use a lot of water quickly, the pump may run dry and overheat. A technician can install a low-water shutoff switch to prevent this.

Sediment and sand in the well can clog the pump intake or damage the impeller. If your water has been cloudy or discolored before the pump stopped, sediment may be the culprit. A technician can flush the well or install a sediment filter to prevent this in the future. Electrical problems — a failed capacitor, a tripped breaker, or a broken pressure switch — account for about 20 percent of pump failures and are usually cheaper to fix than replacing the pump.

How to prevent future well pump failures

Have your well and pump inspected once a year by a licensed technician. A yearly inspection costs $100 to $200 and can catch problems early — a worn bearing, a failing capacitor, or low water pressure — before the pump stops completely. Many technicians offer maintenance contracts that include an annual inspection and priority service if something fails.

Install a sediment filter on your well line if your water is cloudy or contains visible particles. A whole-house sediment filter costs $200 to $400 installed and protects your pump, your plumbing, and your appliances. If your well is shallow or you have noticed the pump running dry, ask a technician about installing a low-water shutoff switch — this prevents the pump from running when the well level is too low and costs $150 to $300.

Keep your pressure tank in good condition by having it inspected during your yearly pump service. A technician can check the air charge in the tank and refill it if needed. A properly charged tank reduces the number of times your pump cycles on and off each day, which extends pump life.

What to do if you cannot reach a technician when ready

If you have called a technician and cannot get an appointment for several days, you have options. First, check whether a second technician in your area can come sooner — call your county health department or ask neighbors for referrals. Some areas have multiple well service companies and one may have faster availability.

Second, ask the first technician whether the problem is likely to be a straightforward fix — a tripped breaker, a failed capacitor, or a pressure switch — or whether it will require a new pump. If it is likely to be straightforward, you may be able to get a faster appointment by asking for a diagnostic call only, then scheduling the repair for later.

Third, if you have no water and need it urgently, contact your local health department. Some areas have emergency water distribution programs or can connect you with a temporary water hauler who can deliver water to your home while you wait for the pump to be repaired. This is not common, but it exists in some regions and is worth asking about.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset my well pump breaker if it keeps tripping?

No. If your breaker trips once, flip it off and back on. If it trips again when ready, stop resetting it and call a technician. Repeated tripping means there is an electrical fault — a short circuit or a failing motor — and resetting the breaker repeatedly can damage the pump or create a fire hazard.

How long can I go without water while waiting for a technician?

You can use the water stored in your pressure tank — usually 10 to 15 gallons — for a few hours. After that, you will need bottled water for drinking and cooking, and you can use stored water in bathtubs for flushing and washing. Most people can manage for one to two days; beyond that, you may need to arrange temporary water delivery.

Is a well pump repair cheaper than replacement?

It depends on what failed. If a capacitor or pressure switch failed, repair costs $200 to $500 and is worth doing. If the pump motor burned out or the pump is clogged, replacement is usually cheaper than repair because the labor to fix these problems is nearly as much as the cost of a new pump.

What should I tell the technician when I call?

Tell them your well depth if you know it, your pump horsepower, and whether the breaker is tripped or the pressure gauge is at zero. If you have had recent water problems — cloudiness, low pressure, or the pump running frequently — mention that too. This helps the technician bring the right parts and tools.

Will my homeowner's insurance cover a failed well pump?

Most standard homeowner's policies do not cover well pump failure because it is considered maintenance. However, some policies cover sudden mechanical failure, and some home warranties include well systems. Call your insurance agent or check your policy documents to find out what is covered in your case.