FAQs on Diagnosing & Fixing Complete Loss of Water Pressure: set #3.

Frequently-asked questions abou complete or periodic-complete loss of building water pressure & flow.

Determine if the problem appears to be at the water pump, pump controls, pump wiring, or the actual water source such as a private well or water storage tank.

Lost All Water Pressure: problems, solutions, FAQs

Recently-posted questions and answers about loss of water pressure posted originally at NO WATER PRESSURE - topic home. Check the diagnostic and repair steps given in that article.

Some of these questions may have been posted at the bottom Comments Box for this article.

[Click to enlarge any image] Photo: a two line jet pump.

On 2018-01-07 by (mod) - find frozen pipes blocking water flow

Claude,

If you have no water at fixtures in some areas of the home I suspect that there is another point at which the pipes are frozen.

Follow the pipes to see if you can spot the cold spot. A small amount of heat, from a hair dryer or even a light bulb will often do the trick.

Then see steps to avoid a repeat freeze-up found at https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Pipe_Freeze_Protection.php

On 2018-01-07 by Claude

Water froze over night, got it unthawed but toilet downstairs is working fine but have no water to any other fixtures can anyone tell me what the issue could be

On 2017-12-31 by (mod) - a bad foot valve or check valve and water is draining back into the well

Corry

That sounds to me as if your well has a bad foot valve or check valve and water is draining back into the well, or leaking out of a leaky well pipe - or your well is running out of water.

On 2017-12-31 by Corry

I have a in ground well pump and it works fine then just looses pressure. I can turn the power off and turn it back on. Then it works for about 15 min and does the same thing just put new pump in.

On 2017-11-16 by (mod) - loss of water pressure every couple of days

Lora I'd start with the diagnostic suggestions at WATER PRESSURE STOPS, THEN RETURNS "on its own"

as I suspect either you are occasionally exhausting the well

It's also possible that your pump is being protected by a pump protection switch that turns it off if the switch senses that the pump is running dry.

On 2017-11-15 by Lora

I have the loss of water pressure every couple of days. I reset the pressure control switch and the pressure returns and will work fine for a while. I have well water and an in house pump. What is the order of things to check?

On 2017-10-25 by Daniel Wayne

Replaced 2 in schedule 40 and foot valve to 110 foot, replaced inch and a quarter schedule 80 threaded with new jet valve and leathers to 90 foot , new 1 horse sta rite vertical pump and can't get to prime. Should it prime without being hooked to tank or am I overlooking something else

On 2017-10-10 by (mod) - Start by seeing if the pump itself runs.

Kie

Start by seeing if the pump itself runs. Other step by step suggestions are in the article above.

On 2017-10-10 by Kie Brown - I go to turn my faucet on and the is no water

I have spring water for my house and I go to turn my faucet on and the is no water. Is it my pump or what could it be

On 2017-07-18 by (mod) - You may need to prime the pump or to replace a bad foot valve or venturi

You may need to prime the pump or to replace a bad foot valve or venturi in the well

On 2017-07-18 by Darrel

We've repaired leaks in lines running from the house to the pump... and installed new 2line jet pump... the water from pump to house is shut off... leaving only 4-5' of waterline to pressurize... yet the pump will not build up any pressure...

On 2017-07-06 by (mod) -

Patrick

Check through the lost water diagnosis and causes listed in the artigle above, then let me know what you found.

On 2017-07-03 by Patrick

my waterpump does not have a pressure

On 2017-07-02 by Sandra

Water stopped running in house. Water company said pressure was fone may be water softner or heater hiw can I trouble shoot

On 2017-05-16 by (mod) -

I would check the items in the article above, starting with:
- is there power to the pump
- is the pressure switch trying to turn on the pump

An experienced well pump tech will typically also check the current draw (amps) at the pump since high current can mean a seized motor.

On 2017-05-16 by Jim

I suddenly lost all water pressure. Pulled the drilled well pump. Water there. Is my pump likely broken?

On 2017-04-22 by (mod) -

Dee, Replacing a kitchen tap ought not affect the pump controls nor upstairs water pressure one iota. Start by looking for a water supply valve that was left closed. Also try removing the faucet strainer and then turning on water - if flow is good then the strainer was clogged.

On 2017-04-22 by Dee

Since my tap has been replaced in the kitchen the water pump won't kick in. As a result I only have a very slow and weak flow of water upstairs and unable to use the shower. Any idea what the problem might be? It's a new pump located upstairs and not easily accessible, the plumber didn't touch the pump when he changed the tap.

On 2017-04-13 by (mod) -

Keonnette, are you saying that the water source for your home is an outdoor stream or that the water flow rate at the tap is a weak "stream" of flow?

If water flow has stopped entirely, try going through the steps in the article above as that's a good sequence, and let us know what happens.

Daniel

On 2017-04-13 by keonnette blakey

My water in my house will come on then stop an its been off for o RR 24 hours . it just has a stream. Our pump isn't even a year old. Someone told me it was the switch in pump house

On 2016-12-28 by (mod) -

Heidi

If your home has water at most fixtures but not in one location, the problem is not due to the water company's supply.

More likely a valve is closed, or a pipe or faucet strainer is clogged. Or perhaps a pipe froze if you're in a cold climate.

On 2016-12-28 by Heidib

Over the weekend our subdivision (which runs on a well) lost water. When we called the water company they said that a motor blew and they had to have one brought in. Keep in mind this is Christmas weekend. Anyway a day and a half later, the water was back but the sink in one bathroom won't come on. The tub/shower in that bathroom works and the toilet, so why does the sink not work???

On 2016-11-30 by selah

My friend has no water pressure at all in her home. The pump is at 30. The water just stopped running out of no where. What May be the problem or what should we do until we can get a pro in to check it out?

On 2016-11-02 by Trini

Our building is served directly from the mains we did not had a problems olin our flat before 34 flats however someone installed a water pump directly on their wayer supply within the flat. What equipment can be used to monitor this issue as people will not allow us to inspect the property. All help much appreciate.

On 2016-10-31 by (mod) -

Anon:

Sounds as if your well flow rate is inadequate. You might live with the problem for a while by installing more water storage - larger tank or more tanks - that get filled slowly, overnight, when you're not using water.

On 2016-10-29 by Anonymous

Are home runs on a well and when we use the water for a long time or a lot off water running at the same time , we lose pressure and have to shut down the water to get pressure to come back?

On 2016-09-25 by John

My home runs on a well...yesterday, we had no water coming into the house at all...when I went out to check the well, I could hear the pump running. I turned the pump off from the breaker. Our well pump is inside the well. Any feedback for troubleshooting & fixing would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

On 2016-08-21 by (mod) -

John

Fuses on the pump circuit are common on

1. older electrical installations

2. water pumps that use a second heavier-duty control relay to turn the pump on and off.

On 2016-08-21 by john

My pressure system has fuses-is this usual?

On 2016-06-28 by (mod) -

Look for a partly-closed valve, solder-clogged pipe elbow or connection, wrong pressure switch settings,

On 2016-06-28 by Tim

correction - went from 1/2hp to 3/4hp due to limited supply at lowes

On 2016-06-28 by Tim

We just replaced our submersible pump (went from 1/2hp to 1/3hp due to limited supply Lowes) and installed a new pressure tank. Have pressure at the tank and the spigot near the tank works normally. However, we only have water anywhere else if the pump has kicked on. Can you help with some suggestions for diagnosis/repair? Thanks

On 2016-06-07 1 by (mod) -

Chris:

Are you sure the pump and piping are primed? If you need pump priming help search InspectApedia for HOW TO PRIME THE PUMP for details.

DO NOT let the pump run dry - it may be damaged.

On 2016-06-07 by Chris

I can't get the system to pressure up. Impeller looks fine. And pump housing is getting very hot.

On 2016-06-03 by (mod) -

If you search InspectApedia for PUMP RUNS INTERMITTENTLY you'll see common causes and cures.
Also in future texting please
don't SHOUT

On 2016-06-03 by Douglas Monroe

PUMP COMES ON FOR A FEW SECONDS THEN SHUTS OFF MAY COME BACK ON IN 5 OR 10 MINUTES. WHAT DO YOU THINK?

On 2016-03-21 by (mod) -

Mike:

Did you find that the well line is leaking outside of the building?

On 2016-03-19 by Mike

Hello. I need help please. My well pump has no power to it and is totally disconnected from the holding tank. I am still getting water coming out of the line that would normally fill the tank. I plugged the line and now it seem the concrete block wall in my basement is seeping water through where the line comes through

On 2016-03-01 by ken

Fixed water lines and now having problems restoring water back to house

On 2016-02-06 by Kendra

No pressure, checked tank and ok

On 2015-11-23 by (mod) -

I'm a little confused about whether we are fixing the heating system for water supply system. If none of your water supply system is working then that's the problem that needs to be fixed in order to refill your boiler. If you have water elsewhere in the building but not into the boiler than your water feed valve is closed or clogged, or broken internally.

On 2015-11-22 by debra day

I have bled a few radiators and now have low water pressure the boiler won't work and the tap which you fill your tank back up isn't filling up

On 2015-11-11 by (mod) -

Jim some more specific help is at an InspectApedia article found by searching the site for
Electric Motor Troubleshooting

https://inspectapedia.com/electric/Electric_Motor_Diagnosis.php

We need to pick up from the pump mfgs the range of normal current draw.

On 2015-11-11 by Jim

I have a 3/4 HP, 220V well pump about 75-100 feet down with the controls at ground level directly above it. The pressure switch and pressure tank are in my basement about 30' away.
I lost water pressure so I replaced my well pump control box assembly thinking I had a bad capacitor.

I have power to the control box because the pressure switch is locked in calling for water. When I connect power I hear a rapid electro-mechanical chatter coming from control box. (I'm guessing the relay) I do have good VOM's for troubleshooting but not sure what to do. Should I turn on power and check Amp draw on the motor wires? What should they be? Should I check all three wires (Red, Yellow, Black) or should I try something else.

On 2015-11-01 by (mod) -

Ray: might there be a bad foot valve or a leak in well piping? No water is running, right?

On 2015-11-01 by ray

pump builds up to ywenty pounds presure shuts off and then it bleeds off I repeated this three times same thing keeps happening

On 2015-10-27 by kent

Installed a new pressure tank with switch & pressure gauge because of very low water pressure from basement to house. Now we have NO water too house but strong in the basement
the pressure tank shows a full charge/pressure,,,, I'm thinking the pipes from tank to house may have got blocked with sediment ??

On 2015-10-27 by (mod) -

Kent

Your observation of good water pressure in the basement is a key diagnostic. That tells us that your well and pump is perfectly capable of delivering good water flow.

So if water pressure is bad elsewhere the problem is in house plumbing, valves, piping, controls, or equipment, not at the well and pump; \

Start by following the piping to see what's different in water outside the basement; I suspect there may be a clogged house water filter or a damaged or clogged valve or pipe elbow.

On 2015-10-27 by kent

Have well water with submerged pump with strong pressure in basement but poor in house, When the washing machine is in use we get just a drip upstairs. I installed a new 20gallon pressure tank with switch & pressure gaude. Still strong pressure in basement .. but now NO water to house, I was thinking the pipes may have become blocked with sediment ???

On 2015-10-25 by (mod) -

Shut off the pump to avoid damaging it.
Watch the pressure gauge: when you run water if the gauge doesn't respond it's clogged or stuck;

I suspect the power loss may have disclosed a bad foot valve that resulted in loss of well prime.

On 2015-10-25 by Wes

Power went off and on 4 times in two hours
The last time of the four was about 30 min
After that no water
Pump is running and will not stop
Pressure gauge shows 50 psi

On 2015-10-12 by I'm on a well and I have had no water all day and now all of a sudden, I have water again. What happened?

I'm on a well and I have had no water all day and now, all of a sudden, I have water. What do you think happened?

On 2015-09-24 by (mod) -

Jessica

Please see the diagnosis and repair articles in section #7 of the article above.

On 2015-09-23 by Jessica

My switch seems to be working but we had to mess with it to get it to work but still no water and we already had the switch replaced 2 times within a year please help

On 2015-08-14 by (mod) -

I'm not sure Jerroul.

An air volume control may be designed to remove excess air that can be injected into some pump and well and tank systems.

Too much air nor too little air in a pressure tank would not directly explain loss of all water flow at a building.

A pressure tank that has an improper air charge (too much) will send air along with water to discharge at plumbing fixtures, after which event, if there were no other problems, water flow would ensue.

A pressure tank that has too little air charge would cause the pump to short cycle on and off, showing up as water pressure spurting at a tap.

Indirectly, a pressure tank that had too little air charge and that caused a pump to sort cycle could ultimately damage the pressure control switch or the pump itself, either of which could lead to loss of water supply.

More likely your wife ran the well out of water.

On 2015-08-14 by Jerroul

My wife was watering yesterday and the water stopped, after looking at it pressure tank was empty, I manually pressured up the tank slightly with the pressure switch and noticed that the tank air volume control switch on the side of the tank was leaking air, I removed it and believe this is the problem, no pressure no water... does this diagnosis sound correct?

On 2015-08-06 by (mod) -

Lisa

If all of the well equipment is working properly then I suspect your water table has fallen or that the storm damaged the well casing or piping - e.g. from a lightning strike. Ask your well driller to check the well's static head and flow rate first.

On 2015-08-05 by Lisa

After a tornado, if the outside hose is in use, we get barely any water downstairs in the house and nine upstairs. I have a well. We used to lose pressure, but not to the point where you can't take a shower or do laundry if you're using the hose to water the lawn, etc. Any suggestions?

On 2015-07-24 by (mod) -

Bill,

If your plumber is right, pulling the well pump will show a damaged pump impeller.

But a bad pump would not give bad cold pressure but normal hot water pressure. To me that makes no sense.

On 2015-07-24 by (mod) -

Matt please post questions on just one article lest you double a heavy workload.

On 2015-07-24 by Matt

A couple weeks ago, we had a lightning strike and long story short, it shorted out the pressure control switch and got it replaced. Anyway, since then our whole house water filter has been getting VERY dirty within 24 hours of replacement. We usually could go 5 months or so without replacing it. Any solutions?

On 2015-07-20 by Bill Greul

I have recently had surging water through my faucets from my well pump. Now the surging has stopped and I have started to notice small pieces of small white plastic material floating in the water. My cold water line has low pressure while the hot water line seems to have normal pressure. My plumber is saying that our well pump is going out and it needs to be replaced. Any thoughts?

On 2015-06-20 by (mod) -

Cindy

Chech for a bad pressure contol switch or debris clogged switch pressure sensing port or tube

On 2015-06-07 by joanne

I just purchased a new home and Im noticing that a small section of the cement just below the area of the well is always wet, but not to the extent of the water puddling. The water pressure is great, I haven't noticed any difference. I checked inside the basement near the water tank and it is dry.

On 2015-06-04 by Cindy

We have a lake house with well water. Most of the time, everything works well with no problems. But on a typical weekend there, once or twice the well pump fails to kick on when the pressure drops to the set level. All that is needed is a tap on the box on the side of the tank (where the points are located, I believe),

the pump immediately kicks on and pressures up, and everything will then work just fine for hours or days until the next time this happens. My husband says he has replaced the points a couple of times, but the problem persists. Any ideas?

On 2015-05-21 by Jon

Our cottage has well water. Our pressure tank shows 60 PSI. We have 0 water coming into the house. Any ideas?

Thank you ,

Jon

On 2015-04-27 by (mod) -

When the gauge sticks as you describe I suspect debris clogging at the gauge's water pressure inlet port. Sometimes that can be cleaned by removing the gauge and poking around it's inlet, but once you've troubled to remove the gauge you may as well just install a new fresh one.

On 2015-04-27 by Linda

In the light of day, we went back down to the pumphouse. We tapped the gauge with a wrench and the PSI went down to 20. Seems the needle was stuck on the indicator.

We added air back up to 75 and all is back to normal. Now it seems we better watch that gauge. Maybe it needs to be replaced. Will watch for a loss of air again to see why we lost pressure. Thanks for your help!

On 2015-04-27 by (mod) -

Linda:

Start by looking for a clogged water filter - if one is installed;

Next check for clogged strainers and or shower heads. Just remove the strainer from the slowest fixture sink and let me know what happens.

On 2015-04-27 by Linda

Hope I am describing the details well enough. Water pump pressure reads 80 PSI. Flow from the hose at the pump house is good. Water pressure from hose at the spigot outside our home seems normal. Water pressure in the house is very low. Water flow in the kitchen has always been a little slower than other spots in the house, but not worrisome. Now it is even lower and the bathroom/laundry room is running slow, as well. Suggestions?

On 2015-04-24 by Mike

I have a well I use for outdoor watering. Does not prime using city water. Took pressure gauge off by pump and funneled 10 pitchers of water down and only heard gurggeling. Whats the problem?

On 2015-04-01 by (mod) -

Norm if you didn't find the help you needed to fix "no water and no pressure" in the article above, try the diagnostic table found in ARTICLE INDEX

WATER PRESSURE PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS TABLE

On 2015-04-01 by Norm

No water and no pressure

On 2017-08-26 by (mod) - tracking down occasional pump refusal to turn on

I'd want a technician who could check the operation of the pump motor, check for overheating (and tripping off on thermal overload), voltage levels, and for the presence of and operation of any pump protection controls.

I agree with your hesitation and agree that before replacing an expensive motor I'd want a more reliable diagnosis.

Be sure that the tank air pre-charge when all pressure is drained is at 2 psi below the cut in.
Inspect the switch for arcing burns, loose wires, bad contacts.
Take note if the pump is having trouble reaching the cut-off pressure.

BEWARE of fatal electric shock - live voltage in the switch.

Be sure you've reviewed the causes of water pump's not-starting at WATER PRESSURE TABLE 1: PUMP WON'T RUN, WON'T STOP, or CYCLES

Also see WATER PUMP WON'T START FAQs

On 2017-08-23 by Brian W. - we replaced the pump

The repairman did clean sediment out of the nipple which the switch sits atop. I have called the well company a number of times and they have "no idea" why I can turn the breaker off and on and the pump will start.

The repairman returned and couldn't figure out what is wrong though he gave me some half-assed guess that the pump maybe has too much head pressure and that is keeping the pump from turning on.

Of course he thinks I should just replace the pump and check valve at $2500.

When it turns on the pump seems to be working correctly so I do not think there is anything wrong with the pump. I am not aware of any other protection features for the pump.

Should I make any more adjustments to the air pressure of the tank or just try re-wiring the switch?

On 2017-08-23 by (mod) - a few reasons a pump won't turn on besides

Certainly when pressure drops below the cut-in and the switch doesn't turn on the pump then

- the switch isn't getting the water pressure right, perhaps from a clogged sensor tube

- the switch is defective

- the switch is miswired

- the switch has or elsewhere in the system there is a pump protection feature that's tripping off

Be sure you reviewed the diagnostics

at WATER PRESSURE INTERMITTENT LOSS

On 2017-08-23 by Brian W. - intermittent loss of water pressure, already replaced pressure switch

I have a home well approximately 143' deep with a submersible pump. Entire system was installed 12 years ago. I recently had issues with intermittent loss of water pressure where the pressure would drop very low.

I called a well company and the repairman they sent over decided that it was a faulty pressure valve and/or pressure switch and replaced both.

I now have issues where the water pressure will drop and completely run out.

I have attempted to diagnose this problem myself and I have determined the following things:

- The new pressure switch is factor set at 40/60.

- When the water is turned on, the water pressure will drop below 40 on the gauge and then drop to nothing and the low-pressure switch does not activate.

- If I turn off the breaker to the pump and then turn it back on, the pressure switch will then engage and pressure will build-up very rapidly to 60psi at which time the pump shuts off.

- Once I have flipped the breaker and the pressure has built up, I can then run water and drop the pressure to about 40psi and the pump will engage; however it may fail to engage at low pressure the next time.

- With the system at 0 and no water coming out, I have checked the pressure tank and found initially that the air pressure in the tank was approximately 50psi. Everything I read about the pressure switch indicated that the air pressure needed to be several psi below the low pressure switch setting so I let air out of the tank until it is now approximately 36 psi when empty of water.

- I still lose pressure several times per day with the pump failing to start at low pressure unless I turn off the breaker and then turn it back on.

Any ideas why the pressure switch doesn't seem to be working correctly? Is the air psi for the tank set appropriately? Could the new switch have a wiring issue or a short? Should I disconnect all the wires and then reconnect to make sure that every contact has a good connection?

Any ideas would be appreciated!

On 2017-08-21 by (mod) - waiting a day and then having no water despite installing new equipment

Chris:

About waiting a day and then having no water despite installing new equipment:

There are lots of little parts and controls in a water supply system, but basically we've got

- a hole in the ground that might or might not have water in it

- piping that brings water from well to building and to pressure tank

- a pump in the well or somewhere else

- a control that turns the pump on when pressure drops and off when pressure reaches the CUTOUT

- a pressure tank that smooths the delivery of water so that the pump doesn't cycle on and off so rapidly as to be damaged

For the case you describe there's either no water in the well - a bad recovery rate, or an improper installation, or a total well piping leak that someone hasn't found.

On 2017-08-21 by (mod) - no water and a pressure gauge reading zero

Tara:

Turn the pump breaker OFF and back ON just to double check that the breaker wasn't tripped, since a tripped position can sometimes be difficult to see.

If you have no pressure and the pump is not running, you will probably also see zero pressure on the pressure gauge installed at your water pressure tank or control - if a gauge is installed at all.

With no water pressure and gauge zero and pump not running, unless you're qualified to safely work on electrical stuff it's time to call for help from a well plumber.

But try TWO more things first.

1. Give a sharp RAP with a ruler or a SMALL tool onto the top of the pressure control switch. If it was "stuck' it might re-start. Repairs are still needed buy you may have water meanwhile.

2. Take a look at the pressure control switch. Does it have a metal wire-like lever on one side? Some pressure controllers include a pump protection feather that will shut the circuit switch off if it thinks the pump is running dry. Some of those require a manual re-set - typically done by lifting and releasing the lever.

Details are at
MANUAL PUMP ON/OFF SWITCH - side lever on pump control switch
at
https://inspectapedia.com/water/Water_Pump_Control_Repair.php#Bypass

Let me know what you find.

On 2017-08-21 by Tara - no water and a pressure gauge reading zero

Hi, I came home to no water and a pressure gauge reading zero. I immediately checked to see if it was a breaker issue but there were none tripped. I do not hear the pump at all. Any suggestions? Thanks.

On 2017-08-06 by chris

can wait for a day and will work fine for unknown amount of time checked water in well it has plenty cant figure out this problem

we replaced submerssible pump,wire,pressure switch,tank,worked fine for three weeks then lost water again why?changed everything in well but pipe

On 2017-07-24 by (mod) - Pump running - no water coming out

Ed

We have a diagnostic procedure for the problem that you have named the water pump that won't stop running. Please check out this article

WATER PUMP WONT STOP RUNNING

https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Pump_Runs_On.php

Let me know if that works for you or if you need more help

On 2017-07-24 by Ed

Pump running - no water coming out

...

Continue reading at NO WATER PRESSURE - topic home, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see NO WATER PRESSURE DIAGNOSTIC FAQs-4 - more-recently-posted questions and answers about total loss of water pressure

Or see these

Recommended Articles

• WATER PRESSURE TABLE 1: PUMP WON'T RUN, WON'T STOP, or CYCLES
• WATER PRESSURE TABLE 2: PUMP RUNS, WEAK or NO WATER PRESSURE
• WATER PRESSURE TABLE 3: PUMP RUNS, NO WATER or INSUFFICIENT WATER

Suggested citation for this web page

NO WATER PRESSURE DIAGNOSTIC FAQs-2 at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

Or see this

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to WATER SUPPLY, PUMPS TANKS WELLS

Or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia

Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia

Try the search box just below, or if you prefer, post a question or comment in the Comments box below and we will respond promptly.

Note: appearance of your Comment below may be delayed: if your comment contains an image, photograph, web link, or text that looks to the software as if it might be a web link, your posting will appear after it has been approved by a moderator. Apologies for the delay.

Only one image can be added per comment but you can post as many comments, and therefore images, as you like.
You will not receive a notification when a response to your question has been posted.
Please bookmark this page to make it easy for you to check back for our response.
Our Comment Box is provided by Countable Web Productions countable.ca

Citations & References

In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.

---

ADVERTISEMENT

---