Well water pump diagnostic FAQs:

This article, second in a series of well and water pump troubleshooting & repai, provides frequently-asked questions and answers about how to diagnose problems with the water pump.

These questions will help sort out what's wrong.

Questions & Answers Help Fix Problems with Water Pumps

These questions and answers were posted originally at WATER PUMP REPAIR GUIDE - please check out the diagnosis and repair advice given there.

2016-10-16 by ed - pump runs, but no water

pump runs no water at all what to do/ what do I check

Reply:

Start by turning the pump OFF right away as you risk burning up the pump or its motor.

Then take a look at the diagnosis/repair tips starting at NO WATER PRESSURE

2016-09-14 by chuks - pump works for 5 minutes then stops

What could be the fault of the machine (pumping) machine that always work for like 5 minutes and stop and continues after it get cold.the machine is always very hot during the working periode

Reply:

Chuks: sorry you had trouble posting a message; if the spam/scanner of Comments Box sees text followed by a period without a space it gets nervous and blocks posting until we approve it.

It sounds to me as if your system may have a failing motor that's overheating. Alternatively the pressure control switch may be sticking or debris clogged.

2016-08-07 by K hatton - water has a burnt or charred odor

What would cause well water that has run through a water softener to have a burnt or charred odor to it?

Reply

KH I'd take a water sample to your local water testing laboratory, delivering it as quickly as possible after sampling into a closed container; before collecting the sample discuss selection of water tests that are most-likely to be diagnostic. I can't guess what's causing the odor you describe, perhaps an organic contaminant or even a problem in the well pump itself.

Please search InspectApedia.com for ODORS IN WATER to read more details.

2016-08-06 1 0 by Fred - groaning sound in pressure tank & falling pressure

reference: Well, Pressure tank, pressure release valve, pressure switch (40-60).
Tank/system drained (twice), Pressure set in tank at 38.5lbs and system then refilled.

Problem: Pressure in Well-x-trol tank is 75.5lbs immediately after refill. Upon system refill pressure at all spigots is 50lbs+.

But, when tank depletes to appx 38.5lbs (before pressure switch kicks pump on, for about 10 seconds) all water flow stops. Then, finally the pump kicks on and pressure starts to rebuild.

And, I get the groaning sound of air in the system just AS the pressure drops to zero (Yes, I drained the system from the lowest spigot, and then opened the highest spigot to flush air out (twice).

Reply

Fred: How are you measuring tank pressure?

Could your gauge be inaccurate or debris-clogged?

If you are seeing pressure close to the 60 psi CUTOFF pressure at spigots, measured independently, that pressure is right.

If you are seeing pressure in excess of 60 psi CUTOFF setting when measuring independently at spigots or faucets, then either the switch is defective or it's not sensing water pressure reliably,

perhaps because it's debris-clogged.

2016-07-30 by Mike - home well short cycling

Home well short cycling, followed the test procedures for pressure tank bladder check and found less than 5 psi in bladder filled bladder to 28 psi, and than restarted system the control box chattered and tripped breaker, one other piece of info is that the control plug in was installed incorrectly and remedied problem still the same.

Reply

I"m not sure what control plug you refer-to, Mike.

A chattering relay may mean it's damaged - or its points are badly burned, or the system may be unable to start the pump itself.

Also see WATER PUMP SHORT CYCLING CAUSES

2016-06-27 by John G Davis - when water pressure drops to zeron the pump won't turn on again.

I just bought a camp. It has a 460' well with the pump set at 350'. The well was drilled 3 years ago but used very little. The pump worked initially and I left it running for an hour.

It cycled on and off with no problem. The pressure stays up in the tank for several days, but when I drain the tank and drop the pressure to zero the pump will not come on again. Why is it so inconsistent?

Reply:

That can be caused by debris-clogging the pressure switch sensor port; try tapping the switch; if it starts and runs you may limp along until you replace the switch;

2016-06-27 by bob b - pressure drops to zero for a few seconds before the water starts again

i have a 275' deep well for a while now we use water normally then pump switch turn on but pressure drops to 0 for about 6 seconds then water starts again

Reply:

Look for

[-a debris clogged pressure switch that's slow in sensing pressure drop and in turning on the pump

- a seizing pump motor

- a wiring short

- a short in the control or switch

2016-05-11 by David - failed bladder in Weltrol tank

I found my weltrol tank to have a failed bladder and changed the tank out along with all of the components.

I have a 40/60 and set the bladder pressure to 38PSI.I turned the power back on and the pressure rose to 63PSI and the pump shut down.

I turned on the water at three locations, ran it for a bit,pressure dropped to 35 PSI the pump came on and it maintained for a few minutes, pump shut off and then dropped to 0 psi. The pump came back on and the pressure climbed to 62 PSI and shut down again once the faucets were shut off.

Any suggestions on what the problem may be? im left only with a bad foot valve? any help would be appreciated,Thank you

Reply

David,

I'm not sure but guess that your well flow rate may be limited and that your pump has a pump protection circuit installed that's shutting off the pump rather than let it run dry (that causes damage). Check the well flow rate.

2016-05-11 by David - bad capacitor?

I was thinking my capacitor may be bad, I'm going to check the amperage and see where it starts on a call for the pump and see if it rises and then trips out the pump, cools down and then restarts

2016-05-09 by Bart - 3 wire well pump won't hold pressure - is it the control box?

I have a 3 wire water well pump that doesn't hold pressure up to required amount. I believe the control box is good. Any suggestions?

Reply

Bart, if the pump is able to reach cut-off pressure, then "not holding pressure" is more likely to be a leaky foot valve or well pipe than a control box problem. The control box is basically an on-off switch.

2016-05-03 by DAVID - pressure drops to zero before pump starts

I have a problem with pressure from My well pump. I replaced the PRESSURE SWITCH 40-60, twice and didn't touch the factury settings. I drained down the weltrol tank and checked the pressure, it was at 55 PSI, I brought it down to 38 PSI. When bleeding the air there was no sign of any moisture. I also removed the 1/4" brass nipple and replaced it and checked for debris there was none.

I have everything back together and the pump pulls right up to 60PSI and the contacts disengage

I open up faucets and I have beautiful pressure. I watch the pressure gauge (new) drop and when it gets to 38 PSI it slows, the pressure then drops to 0 PSI and bounces back up to 38 PSI and the contacts engage and the pressure climbs to 60 PSI and the contacts disengage. If I run two faucets and the tub it will run fine for 4-5 minutes and then the water just stops all together.

I do have a filtration system on the supply side of the pump which has been rinsed and back washed. My question is< why does the pressure drop to 0 psi and bounce back up to 38 psi ?

there should be a call when the pressure drops below 40 and i believe an even rise in pressure as the contacts engage. thanks for and help or suggestions to remedy the issue >

2016-04-07 by Steve

Water runs smoothly then shuts off for about a minute then runs smooth again ? What am I looking for to fix ?

Reply

I'd look at inspectapedia for SHORT CYCLING WELL PUMP to see how we diagnose this

2016-03-19 by Anonymous

Our water well pump smells like it is burnt when it is running motor not hot

Reply

Anon

I'd ask for help from an electrician as the pump may be overheating, near failure, or may have a wiring, power supply, voltage level,or other defect.

2016-03-17 by anne marie MacLean

my water punp to house is till pumping water but is making an unusal sound than normal.Doesn't sound good

Reply

Anne M. M.

I suspect a failing pump bearing OR air in the water line.

2016-03-02 by Jude - pump moves water uphill to a storasge tank - weak capacity

We have a pump that moves water uphill to a storage tank, then that water gravity feeds to the house to give us pressure. The problem we have is that the pump is still working fine, but at reduced capacity.

We could run it for 20mins and it would shift enough water to the top tank for about 1-2 weeks of household use, now we have to pump water up every 1-2 DAYS to cover the needs of the house, without those needs increasing by much. We think the expellers may be worn, and not as efficient? The pressure readings for the pump are still high.

Reply

I think if the pump is still producing original pressure levels then the problem is elsewhere.

Check the water level in the well and the well flow rate. Also check for piping leaks

2016-02-05 by Handy Man

I have a 30-50 well pump that runs up pressure to 50 lbs. fine then drops to 30 lbs in just a few seconds...i replaced pressure switch and check valve.. it still does it.. any Ideas?

Reply

Handy

If you mean that the pressure switch is set to cut out at 50 psi, the pump runs, at 50 psi on the gauge the pump stops (as it should), but then you immediately see a pressure drop to 30 psi on the same gauge, then I suspect debris clogging at the gauge, debris clogging at the pressure switch sensor port, or a water logged pressure tank.

If there is little or no air in the tank then the second the pump cuts off the pressure will drop and if there is even the smallest water flow out of the tank it will drop substantially

2016-02-03 by Anonymous - water pressure drops to a trickle until pressure re-builds

I have a shallow well pump. When the pressure drops down the water trickles off until the pressure builds back up. What does this problem sound like?

I have a new shallow well jet pump system and I'm having problems getting it primed need help any advice

Reply

Anon:

Sounds like a well flow rate and pump unable to keep up with the demand flow rate.

2016-01-29 by Bob - pump keeps shutting off

My water pump keeps shutting down and all electrical breakers are on. I have had a company come to repair the problem.

One time the pressure regulator was replaced. The next time I had a problem I called them out and the control panel was replaced and my pump is still shutting down. I turn off the breakers and push the reset buttons and my pump may or may not work

. I do not think I have a problem with the pump. When the pump comes on the pressure builds up very fast. I think I have another electrical problem.

This pump was installed in 2001 when the house was built. I am not the original owner and I do not know how ever thing was installed. What could the problem be with my pump?

2016-01-08 by Two Houses on one well with booster pump and 2500 gal of Storage

Trying to figure out a complex (for me)well with pressure boost system, supplying two homes, which is cycling on and off rapidly. The water pressure doesn't seem to be going down.

When the water is running the booster pump will cycle on and off and on and off every few seconds, it sometimes was doing this when I wasn't running the water but someone may have been,perhaps.

The pressure gauge is filled with water, maybe this is a problem, and when the booster pump comes on the needle bumps up a bit from zero and quickly returns to zero.

There is a large storage tank in the system and a pressure tank. Funny thing was letting water out of the storage tank didn't make the system cycle. There definitely could be something clogged with Reply:

I'm not sure what fan motor we are discussing; but if you mean the jet pump motor behaved as you describe, the pump impeller may be damaged.

Reply

two:

search InspectApedia for WELL PUMP SHORT CYCLING to see a good procedure for diagnosing and fixing the problem you describe.

2016-01-06 by Andy Rager - McDonald pump makes noise

1/2hp ay McDonald pump .pulled prime right away two pipe deep well 90' to 100' turned water on to pressure tank then motor fan started making noise like it was hitting something. Adjusted bolts at pump head no more noise now it won't get over 20psi. I'm a Plumbing contractor done many of them but at a lose on this one. Foot valve is close to original depth.

Reply:

Look for a failing bearing or pump assembly

2015-12-30 05:57:47.107518 by Anonymous - tap on the pressure control and the water starts back up

Water shuts off in the house for a period of time, tap on square d box starts up and shuts right back off

Reply: Mod

Try replacing the pressure control switch; I suspect its sensor port is debris clogged.

2015-12-19 by Anonymous - what is the life of a well pump?

What is the life of a well pump? How many years will one normal last?

Reply

Fair question, Anon. I'll see if I can find some statistics - previously searches did not give a generalized answer; I've seen pumps last 40 years and others months. Factors include

- short cycling

- silt, debris, or minerals that damage pump impellers

- and the no. 1 pump destroyer: running the pump dry in a well that ran out of water

2015-12-02 by Anonymous

Sure. If the contacts don't open the pump keeps going.

2015-12-01 by Ed

When the pump shuts off shouldn't the contacts on the pressure switch disingage?

2015-10-23 by Martin - can't pull well drill out of the hole

We have finished drilling , just to install the pump. Suddenly it stopped on the way refusing to go in nor come out. Since three days

Reply

Search inspectApedia for "well retrieval tools"

2015-10-18 by Shawn Campbell

Pump stopped. Have had problem with fuses but checked and they were fune. Breaker had tripped. Reset breaker, turned power on at fuse box, both fuses blew. Changed them, turned power back in, both blew again. Replaced the two capacitors or control modules...not sure what they are called....but replaced both less than a year ago.

2015-10-05 by Kevin marcum - water pressure stops too soon

When you turn on the water in bathroom water comes out but quickly quits. I count to about 20 water starts coming out strong?

Reply:

Check to see if the pump is turning on or not

2015-09-15 by John@tawllc.com

Bought our house a year ago. The house sat for 6 months. At 2.5 minutes running a 3/4" hose, (coming directly after the bladder tank), the flow drops off quickly to a trickle. Almost seems like I'm emptying the well, not sure. After a minute the pressure will pick up, but not to the level it was at the beginning. The well is 105' deep. Original. 1973. Thoughts?

2015-09-02 by Frank

I have a small end suction pump that draws water from a cistern through a foot valve and pumps into a bladder tank. The system runs fine, supplies adequate flow and pressure and there is no loss of pressure when when the pump is off. However, when the pumps first starts there is water hammer. This is fairly recent and I am wondering if this could be an indication of a ruptured bladder within the pressure tank

Reply

Intereresting idea, Frank; water hammer is generally caused by the combination of high water velocity and sudden stopping of flow by a valve. I don't see how a ruptured bladder would speed the water flow rate, but if the pressure tank has lost its air charge and thus the pump is short-cycling that might be a factor.

2015-08-27 by Alice

I have a 380 ft deep well with submerged pump. was put down about 30 years ago. Always have had plenty of water and no problems. But, now, no water. Have checked and turned off and on the breaker with no results.
What should I try next?

If I need assistance, do I contact an electrician or a deep well person first?

2015-08-21 by Frustrated well - sometimes pump won't come back on

I will try and describe the issue. every so often we go and turn on the water and nothing comes out, head to the well house and flip breakers, the issue is not when it comes back on, it's when it doesn't.

Looks like the box has a 30 amp breaker install and I believe I read the pressure relief switch was a 10 amp. this box has four breakers installed, one for the outlets, one for the inside lighting, one for the pump and one feeds off to the neighboring shed. the pump always seems to work when I have someone here to help or look at the issue. last night the pump was off out from at least 9 pm until 4 am when it finally decided it was time to work.

I went and flipped the breaker on about every hour, when the pump did not come one, I turned it off.

Now in flipping the breaker when the breaker was on the light in the building went from around 60 watts to about 100 watts in brightness. Not sure why it does this.

There seems to be more issues when there are storms in the area, and we have been lucky for a few months now, until yesterday. We also had zero issues over the previous 24 months, so can anyone guide me in a fix or solution. I will not move because it's haunted either. :-)

2015-08-11 19:19:15.880915 by Anonymous - signs of a leak in the well piping

Have a two line shallow well jet pump,lots of water,when pumps starts ,it runs and runs until pressure is at 60'it also holds psi at 60 ,could small return line have a leak

Reply:

Yes anon, a piping leak anywhere between jet pick-up and the house can make it tough for the pump to reach cutoff pressure.

Other explanations and a diagnostic routine are found by searching inspectApedia for "PUMP WON"T STOP RUNNING"

2015-08-11 14:19:33.102945 by huey - pump over heats

My water pump over heats

Reply:

Huey

I suspect that the well is running dry and the pump can't reach shut-off pressure (or search InspectAPedia for PUMP WON"T STOP RUNNIGN for diagnostics)_

or that there is low voltage to the pump

or that the pump impeller or bearings are failing

2015-07-25 by Joseph - suddenly pump won't run, it hums

I have a shallow well pump for irrigation. Was running perfect yesterday, and now all of a sudden will not run. When plugged in, makes a humming noise and trips off (in about 4 sec).

It almost sounds like a small puff of air blowing when it kicks off. I replaced the capacitor, no problem there. I can turn the shaft - with no problem from back of motor with screwdriver. What else can I trouble shoot without having to disconnect entire system or call in a professional?

Reply:

Joseph

In the diagnostic table above check out the section titled

Things to Check if the Well Pump Will Not Start

Humming sounds like a seized motor. The fact that you can turn the shaft argues against that so we might have instead a seized switch or control.

If the motor is drawing high current (amps) that's a good reason to leave it shut off.

...

Continue reading at WATER PRESSURE PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS TABLE for table listing causes & cures for well pump or water pressure problems, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see WATER PUMP DIAGNOSTIC FAQs-3 - more recent diagnosis & repair questions and answers for water pumps

Or see these

Recommended Articles

• PUMP PRIME, REPEATED LOSS of if you can't keep the pump primed
• WATER PRESSURE LOSS DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR - home
• WATER PUMP CONTROLS & SWITCHES - home
• WATER PUMP PRIMING PROCEDURE
• WATER PUMP REPAIR GUIDE - home
• WATER TANK: USES, TROUBLESHOOTING - home
• WELL PIPING REPAIRS

Suggested citation for this web page

WATER PUMP 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

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