Questions & answers about how to diagnose & fix water pump problems:

FAQs about fixing problems like no water pressure, low water pressure, water system noises, or just about any other well pump trouble diagnosis & repair.

This article series describes how to diagnose and repair all types of well water pump problems and includes questions and answers from and to homeowners who lost well water pressure. We outline how to diagnose and fix bad water pressure (and link to articles in greater depth). We describe tracing a water pressure problem to the pump pressure control switch or to a bad water pressure tank (and what to do about it).

FAQs: Diagnose & Fixing Water Pressure or Pump Problems

These questions and answers about how to fix a water pump (or well pump) were posted originally at WATER PUMP REPAIR GUIDE - home - be sure to check the advice organized on that page.

Page top illustration of a water pump, tank, controls & water well is used with permission of Carson Dunlop Associates, a Toronto home inspection, education & report writing tool company [ carsondunlop.com ].

[Click to enlarge any image]

On 2017-09-24 by (mod) - diagnosing pump problems by measuring current draw

When you have a service tech on the site she might use an ammeter to check the current draw from the pump motor. That can tell you if the motor is seized or if it's spinning and running dry.

I'm also concerned that you might have a well piping leak somewhere between the pump and the building, perhaps in the well itself. Ultimately you're probably going to have to pull the pump.

That's as much as I can guess what's a little information. You keep me posted let me know what you're told and I might be able to suggest more.

On 2017-09-24 by Danielle

Working on finding someone to come check this out, but in the interim maybe someone can help us figure out part of the problem. Drilled well, submersible pump, well pressure tank is at 0 PSI, power to pump is on, but obviously no water Is coming in.

If we turn the power off for about a minute and turn it back on, water starts flowing in, but only for a minute. The tank then falls back to 0 PSI and no water flows. When it is on, it will pull in maybe 3 gallons of water.

We had been having some issues with water this summer, but figured it was just a low producing well (since we just moved here). We still had water, but we seemed to have air in the pipes intermittently.

On Labor Day, a family friend who used to work on wells, ran a mini-flow test on the drilled well, directly from the well (not through the water softener system), and it ran with no water pressure issues for 25 minutes no problem.

He listened down into the drilled well, said it sounded like water was rushing in, and it didn't sound like there were any leaks or odd sounds coming from the pump. It is a Goulds submersible pump, and was installed in 2009.

Since then, we have found the above issue where we are just running out of water completely. It seems there is an issue with the tank, or pump, or some mechanism within it, but we don't know what.

We haven't had much luck in finding someone that people say is trustworthy, but will continue to search. Any help in determining the actual issue would be helpful! Thank you!

On 2017-09-21 1 by Desperate Mama

Having a problem, the small hose running from the pressure switch to the pump has been replaced three times over the past few days but keeps springing a leak just before the connection at the pump. The pressure on both the pump gauge and the tank read fine around 45psi,

we even replaced the hose again and lowered the pressure to 30. Again over night it sprang a leak in the same area of the connecting hose just before the actual pump . I am assuming there's pressure building up even when it's not actually running but ...Help stumped! Please thank you

On 2017-09-11 by patsy

My well stop pumping; still got power...........don't know why it isn't working.

On 2017-09-05 by (mod) - water pressure comes and goes

Kristi

See WATER PRESSURE STOPS, RETURNS where we describe the occasional or "intermittent" loss of water pressure - for diagnostic and repair suggestions. Let me know how that works for you and ask for more help as needed.

On 2017-09-04 by kristi

my water stopped was shutting off I`d flick the switch on the panel and it would come back on than a few days later it would do it again after about a week of doing this now I have no water at all. was thinking it was the pump or pressure switch any advise, and how much it could cost?

On 2017-09-04 by john howell

no pressure in line. pressue gage reads 0 already checked to see if ants were in relaythy werent

On 2017-09-02 by (mod) -

Kurt,

If you can try the InspectApedia search box on this page to find our article PUMP RUNS for NO REASON or for WATER PUMP INTERMITTENT CYCLING you'll see the common causes of this problem and some recommended steps in its diagnosis and repair.

Please check that out and then don't hesitate to ask for further help.

On 2017-09-02 by Kurt

My well pump runs when there is no demand for water. I have a backflow preventer and a shutoff valve to the entire house. The pump still runs?

On 2017-02-13 by (mod) - water pressure OK except at toilet and sink

Jay

I would first look for a closed or clogged pipe, elbow, valve, or fill control at toilet or clogged strainer at the sink

On 2017-02-13 by Jay

Water pressure is fine,except in the bedroom in between the tiolet an the sink

On 2017-02-12 by (mod) - tap the water pressure gauge to see if its stuck

Tap the gauge gently; does it move? It's probably debris-clogged and needs replacement. It won't affect how your pump runs but the same clogging can foul up the pressure control switch so watch for a switch that doesn't respond to a drop in water pressure.

On 2017-02-12 by norman miller

Pressure gauge stays at 50lbs is it bad?

On 2017-02-02 by Anonymous - dirty water

replaced submersible well pump but water is dirty. will this clear up ?

On 2017-02-02 by vickie - using 2000 gallons a day

We are going thru about 2000 gallons a day with only about 7 people using the well water. Can not
figure out where the water is going to ?
Losing water 4x faster than normal.

On 2017-01-30 by (mod) - pump keeps tripping the circuit breaker

Sounds like shorted wires or a motor that is binding or seizing. Perhaps your electrician can do a continuity check on the full wiring. Also a motor may start and run without load but perform differently loaded.

On 2017-01-30 by Betty

Electrical problems, pumps runs fine out of well, checked wires, purchased a new control box, yet it still will not click in. Keeps throwing the breaker. Electrician cannot figure it out. Any suggestions

On 2017-01-23 by (mod) - pump keeps turning on and off when no water is running

Alan

Search InspectApedia for INTERMITTENT WATER PUMP CYCLING or for WATER PUMP RUNS FOR NO REASON
to see articles diagnosing and fixing that problem. I suspect there's a leak somewhere/

On 2017-01-23 by alan

my well pump keeps turning on and off with 5-10 sec bursts of pressure. It also turns on when no water is being used, like in the middle of the night.

On 2017-01-22 by arafath

i was not able to rotate the wings of the home water pump which was not rotating even when switch is onned

On 2017-01-17 by (mod) - running water sounds in pipes

I suspect a leak in well piping. Another possibility the less likely would be a whole or damage in the side of the casing, admitting surface groundwater.

On 2017-01-16 by Anonymous

Well sounds like running water

On 2017-01-13 by (mod) pump won't stop running

I would turn off the pump to avoid damaging it.

I think you are describing a 2 line jet pump; problem could be any of several things - search InspectApedia.com for WATER PUMP WON'T STOP RUNNING to see detailed causes and cures.

On 2017-01-13 by Anonymous

We have a dual-feed line ,50'under..a 20 gal tank.The pump kept running and it wouldn't shut off

On 2017-01-13 by (mod)

If the water pump motor is running and no water is being delivered there are several possibilities but two common ones are no water in the well, or a damaged impeller in the pump itself.

On 2017-01-13 by Sims.

I can feel pump running but no pressure. The pump is almost 18 years old and contact points or pressure switch is too. I was wondering if that could be my problem

On 2017-01-12 by (mod) - pump control points won't disengage

John,

On occasion the contacts in a relay can become welded together, OR another defect such as debris clogging in the pressure control switch or a failed switch diaphragm can keep the points closed.

Or debris clogging the pressure port on the control switch can keep the switch from sensing that pressure has reached the cut-off.

I suggest that you replace the switch and check that the close nipple or tubing that communicates water to the switch is not also debris clogged.

On 2017-01-12 by John

Points will not disengage to shut well pump off

On 2016-12-30 by (mod)

Brian:

Start by checking for a clogged filter or a valve that's clogged or nearly closed between the water pump and the pressure tank or building.

On 2016-12-30 by Brian

Water pump kicks on for about 5 seconds and cuts off with pressure switch contacts still closed tanks about 5 times on and off to build pressure up to 50 psi and open contacts?

On 2016-12-18 by Barry

We woke up this morning and do not have any water pressure. We have a Cellmate water pressure tank. The pressure gage was at 0psi. We also checked the pressure of the actual tank using a pressure gage and we didn't get pressure.

We read online that if the bladder is broke or there it is water logged than when we check the pressure both water and air will come on. This did not happen. We used an air compressor to try and fill the tank up but the gage will only reach 20 PSI.

Any ideas what the issue could be? Since it is a Sunday we can't find anyone to come out and look at it without charging an arm and a leg.
Thanks

On 2016-12-17 by (mod)

Typical pressure switches cut IN/OUT at either 20/40 or 30/50 PSI.

On 2016-12-13 by Hank

New pressure switch,gauge and tank. 30 lbs of pressure max. Was 60 at one time?

On 2016-12-05 by David

How do you fix a damaged diaphragm on a bore hole

On 2016-12-05 by sam bill

Iam a mechanic i came across so many fg wilson generator problem with the water pump and what is the cause the water pump to fail.

On 2016-11-30 by Cleo

I switched my pump on by the plug but forgot to open the valve to allow the water to go to the garden.

Only realized it wasn't pumping water a half an hour later so switched it off the switched it back on with valve open but no water came out and the pump was super hot. What did I damage and how bad is it? Is there a way I can fix it myself?

On 2016-11-29 by (mod)

Thanks Danni.

While we do not permit posting of ads nor links to businesses in comments, we are happy to cite, credit, thank, and link-to people (and their businesses) who contribute technical content to InspectApedia.com A contribution may be a simple suggestion, correction, edit, content idea, critique, etc.

On 2016-11-29 by (mod)

Re-posting:

Danni Black said:
I am really glad that I came across this article! My husband and I have been thinking that there might be something wrong with our water pump because it keeps turning off at randoms times.

We will have to call someone in and see if they can figure out what the deal is. Thanks for the information!

On 2016-11-16 by vincent

My water pump keep turning on and off ever 1min to 2min. is it the selinoid needs to be replaced or the tank?

On 2016-11-08 by (mod)

I'd not leave the pump on as if it's stuck or broken you risk further electrical hazards. Check the current draw as that may indicate a seized motor or no load indicating no water.

On 2016-11-08 by Tim

I have a second well hooked up to my house. I wanted to see if it works as a backup.

However when I plugged it in it won't bring up any water to the house. It's a submersible pump and the motor control box has been making a clicking noise. It's not the pressure switch as it works fine for the other well.

On 2016-11-06 by Robin Shultz

Also to let you know we have city supplied water. We DO NOT HAVE A WELL.

On 2016-10-27 by (mod)

Gary

Use the pump POWER switch to turn off the pump immediately to avoid damage.

Then use the search box just above to search InspectApedia.com for "WATER PUMP WON'T STOP RUNNING" to read how to diagnose and repair the problem. Or start at inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Pump_Runs_On.php

On 2016-10-27 by Anonymous

I have replace the pressure control switch and the valley instrument

On 2016-10-27 by Gay Croft

My pump will not turn off

On 2016-10-2 by (mod)

Sounds as if the pressure tank is waterlogged and/or the pump's not turning on when it should.

On 2016-10-25 by Jason

Had plenty of pressure for the last 10 years now pressure drops when toilet flushed or other faucets turned on. Pump seems to work correctly. Any ideas?

On 2016-10-17 by NC

Neighbor just had a new well drilled ( all the noise and "vibrations" included). Next day my well develops a leak (bubbling up out of the ground 15 feet from my well pump). Coincidence or not? Your thoughts?

On 2016-10-07 by dexter

if a pump is running slow could the motor have something to do with the cause.

On 2016-10-07 by emily

I turn off the hot water switch to conserve oil. Will this cause damage to the equipment?

On 2016-10-04 by joyce madden

my pump won,t come on replced pressure switch and still no water help

On 2016-09-24 by (mod) - pump won't turn on even when pressure drops

When a pump doesn't turn on as waterpressure drops, the gauge and pressure control switch may be debris clogged; try replacing them before starting other more costly repairs. That's such a common problem that it's almost a favorite response to this sort of question.

The tank does not give higher pressure to the home - that's the function of the pump.

When you lifted the well cap and water came out I can't know if you're describing an artesian well or a leak in well piping while the pump was on.

On 2016-09-23 by Mike O.

What I just posted was really a Question and not a comment. Sorry.

On 2016-09-23 by MikeO.

Several weeks ago, I noticed pressure gauge was on 20PSI. I checked the pressure in the take and topped it off at 28PSI. The water throughout the house is very slow and pressure is very low. Today, I shut off the power and drained the pressure tank of water and then tried to restore it.

I didn't notice a change in the tank from prior to that. It still seemed empty. I tapped it and tilted it and it does seem empty. I lowered the PSI's to 10 and tried filling it again but to no avail. The house still has slow water with little pressure.

I checked at the well by lifting the well cap and when I did, water sprayed everywhere and then I realized I left the power on.

But then again, should water have sprayed out from under the cap? Anyway, I disconnected the hose from the elbow at the well cap and turned the power back on and water flowed from the water pipe with no problem. Anyone have an idea of what could be wrong? I replaced the pump last year.

Help! I've read a lot of the articles here but can't find and answer. I wonder if there might be a split in the pipe coming from he pump itself. Pump is 364 feet down. I would appreciate any information anyone could give right now. Thank you, Mike

On 2016-09-19 by (mod)

Sounds as if the well is running low on water or there's a piping leak.

On 2016-09-19 by marshall

I just had a new water pump installed 4 months ago, now the pump is turning itself off and is making spurts of water pressure instead of a steady flow. Do I need to drain the pump and get out any debris that has been pumped into the new pump ? When moving here we flushed out the tank that the water goes into before coming to house ?

On 2016-09-14 by (mod) air discharged at faucets or air in water piping

Dan please search InspectApedia for AIR DISCHARGE at FAUCETS to read details of diagnosis and repair.

On 2016-09-14 by Dan

why do I have air in my line?Air tank is ok \

On 2016-09-14 by (mod) - delay in pump turning-on

Common cause of the symptom you describe is mud silt or debris clogging the pressure control switch or the tube that brings water pressure to the switch. Replacing both of those May fix the problem.

On 2016-09-11 by Cindy Irby

Water well for home use, several years, no problems. A few weeks ago began to notice pressure would drop a few seconds before pump kicked on and brought pressure back up.

Over the past few weeks the delay has gradually increased to the point that water flow now fully stops for 30-35 seconds before kicking back on. What tests or repairs are indicated?

On 2016-09-05 by Darcy dibble

Lower than normal water pressure ( taking longer than normal for washer to run and dishwasher leaves dishes dirty. Pooled water around well head.

On 2016-08-29 by (mod) - causes of muddy water

Damaged well casing
Low water in the well
Need for a filter

On 2016-08-29 1 by Anonymous

muddy
water

On 2016-08-29 by (mod) - no water at our fixtures

Amy to see a nice orderly sequence of things to check, search InspectApedia.com for NO WATER PRESSURE

Keep me posted.

On 2016-08-28 by Amy

No water, changed the pressure switch and made sure it wasn't clogged. Still no water.

On 2016-08-25 by Brad Bauman

We have a Grundfos MQ 45 booster pump. The sound that it makes when running took on a different pitch and it is pretty loud. The pump seems to still be working properly but something has changed in the operation to create the sound change. Any ideas?

On 2016-08-23 by (mod) - leaky foot valve causes lost prime

If your well has a leaky foot valve it will repeatedly lose prime.

On 2016-08-22 by Ron

I have an above ground sprinkler well pump in melbourne, Fl approxiamatly 75ft deep put in 7 years ago and have lost prime, tried to prime and pump wouldn't hold so i replaced pump with new and still won't prime.

I filled the suction line with water and let it set for a few hours to ensure i didn't have a cracked suction line and water level never dropped. What do you suggest next? how do i test my well depth or water level?

On 2016-08-21 19:56:31.211927 by (mod)

Anon

Searching InspectApedia for NO WATER PRESSURE will return several diagnostic and repair articles.

Try this one first https://InspectAPedia.com/water/No_Water_Pressure.php

On 2016-08-21 by Anonymous

no water

On 2016-08-16 by (mod)

Sounds like a pressure switch is not responding to pressure changes: perhaps it's clogged.

On 2016-08-16 by Beth

We have new pump and pressure tank. When water is turned on it runs great for a couple of minutes then stops for about 4 seconds and then comes back on. Will do this twice during a 15 min. Shower.

On 2016-08-11 by (mod)

Ron

Sounds like

- low voltage
or

- a seizing pump bearing or impeller

But before replacing the pump check to see if it uses a start/run capacitor that needs replacement.

On 2016-08-11 1 by ronz

My water pump turns very slow when pumping water. It used to have a very high speed but now very weak and pumps little amount of water for hours so it over heats.Sometimes it won't start until I apply some oil on its propeller. Sometimes it starts but doesn't pump. What could be the best remedy for this?

On 2016-08-04 by (mod) - why a water tank can gain in pressure for no apparent reason

Yes, from several causes including a malfunctioning air volume control, snifter valve, or other control, and in some odd cases, a leaky bladder in an internal-bladder type pressure tank.

On 2016-08-04 by David

Can a well water tank gain air pressure

On 2016-08-03 by sheila

I have an in-house water pump for well water, replaced pressure gauge, pressure switch box, adjusted air in bladder tank, prime the pump, gauges all look fine, go upstairs, running water has slowed then stops and sputters off and on, I am at a loss, can anyone help me figure this out?

On 2016-08-03 by Donita

My well isn't working so we have replaced pump, wire, points, and the control box still nothing what else can it be?

On 2016-08-01 by (mod) - pump running at too-high pressure

I'd check for and replace the pump pressure control switch; Since you did that and nothing changed, I'd check that

1. the CUT OUT pressure is set to a safe number such as 50 psi

2. that the tube conducting water pressure to the switch is not clogged or blocked

3. that the control wiring is correct

Watch out: high pressure can be dangerous, bursting tanks, pipes, and causing injury as well as water damage.

On 2016-08-01 1 by Dale Ice

I have a 15 yr. old 1 HP Jacuzzi pressure pump that is suddenly running at 80 psi.
I installed a new pressure control box but it didn't help. Where to start?

On 2016-07-29 by (mod) - pump runs but no water is delivered

If the pump motor runs but no water is delivered it makes sense to pull and inspect the pump for a damaged impeller. I'd do that before replacing it, or in general, I'd want a diagnosis in which I was confident before I'd spend to replace parts.

I'm unclear what "valve" costs $800. unless they're telling you that your well's foot valve has failed and has to be pulled. If the pump is above ground - say a jet pump - that could be the trouble.

On 2016-07-27 by Beth Campbell

My well pump has been working fine for many years. A few days ago, I opened the faucet to allow the pump to start running. Water came our of the sprinkler for several minutes, then suddenly started sputtering, and stopped running.

The motor was still running (I could hear it). I flipped the breaker to the pump, and later turned the power back on. Motor runs, but no water comes out. A call to a local well company said it was likely a bad valve (approx $800) or a new pump (around $1400). Do you have any other thoughts?

On 2016-07-24 by (mod)

I don't start with that assumption, Joe. I'd first check for a broken well pump wire between the control and the well.

On 2016-07-24 by joe

every thing has power but there is no water power to top of well cover outside I tested do I need a new well pump

On 2016-07-17 by (mod) - use a pump protection switch

Steve,

Is there a pump protection switch on your pump? It may be running low on water and cutting out.

On 2016-07-17 8 by Steve Gray

I have A submersible shallow well pump.The well runs normal with good water pressure for about 15 min. then shuts off.The points on my pressure switch are closed and thew pump makes A rumbling sound like its trying to come on.It does that about every 15 sec. or so.

The pump will never pump unless I turn the breaker off for about 15-20 min and then I will turn back on and will run normal and then the problem continues again.

On 2016-07-15 by (mod) - Before pulling a submersible pump

Before pulling a submersible pump, an experienced well tech will often check the current draw as that can diagnose some problems such as a failing pump motor or even low water in the well.

On 2016-07-14 by Nate

Should I pull the pump up the well

What should I look for

On 2016-07-13 by (mod)

Jlogur - sounds as if there is a crack or leaky gasket in your pump, or a leaky pump connection

On 2016-07-13 by (mod)

Ask your electrician to check the circuit for shorts or loose wires, then to check for abnormal current draw by the pump motor - that might indicate that pump repair or replacement is needed.

On 2016-07-13 by Nate

I have a well and a pressure tank
The well pump and tank seem to work well 90% of the time.

The breaker for the well pump often decides to switch off
I'm not exactly sure why
Any help diagnosing where this problem is coming from ( pressure tank or well pump )
Would be greatly appreciated

On 2016-07-13 by Jlogur

When I turn on water in the house I find after awhile the water pump that is outside above the well has water coming out of the it .... What is going on?

On 2016-07-06 by (mod)

Anon: you need an onsite well expert; certainly if you search inspectApedia for WELL RETRIEVAL TOOLS you'll read a number of approaches to freeing and removing stuff dropped into or stuck in wells.

On 2016-07-06 by Anonymous

in the water supply well at the field the pump stuck and can not removed even we tried to pulled out by two cairn
we fill the well from above by water but could not removed we tried to use diesel but could not
could you help us

On 2016-07-05 by (mod)

Sounds like a short in wiring at or in the pressure switch.

On 2016-07-05 by Bill Eicher

something keeps tripping out 15 amp 2 pole breaker. Amperage is only 5 amps on each pole of breaker.

Pressure switch seems to be working properly. If I reset breaker it trips right away if I turn on the water first and then reset breaker, breaker does not trip for awhile. So when the pump is being called for water breaker holds

something keeps tripping out 15 amp 2 pole breaker.

Amperage is only 5 amps on each pole of breaker. Pressure switch seems to be working properly

On 2016-07-04 5 by (mod)

Anon

Often after a storm that knocks out power we discover that a long-existing slow leak at a check valve or foot valve in the well piping has resulted in lost prime.

You need to re-prime the pump and piping system to get going, and you'll need to find and replace the bad check valve or foot valve.

While there is power the slow leak drains down and the drop in pressure causes the pump to come on and re-pressurize the system and to maintain its prime.

When there is no power all water can drain back out of the tank and piping into the well, thus losing prime;

On 2016-07-04 by Anonymous

We have no water this morning after an electrical storm early this morning. Evidently my washer ran the tank dry. There are no tripped breakers or bad fuses. Now what do we?

On 2016-06-28 by (mod) - common points of leaks that cause the pump to run from time to time

You need to find and fix the leak:

- a bad foot valve

- a leak in well piping

- a leak in water piping

- running water such as at toilets

- a pinhole leak in a pump or water tank

Tapping the pump to start it suggests a different problem than a leak, however. If your pressure switch is not turning on the pump when pressure falls below the CUT-IN pressure, then the switch is defective, perhaps debris clogged. Try replacing it.

Keep me posted.

Daniel

On 2016-06-28 by Staci Bashaw

How do we fix our water pump if it won't hold pressure? Pressure won't stay up unless we tap on the pump.

On 2016-06-20 by (mod)

check for a bad check valve or foot valve

On 2016-06-20 by Anonymous

replaced motor get water than loose prime

On 2016-06-12 by (mod)

Anon Search InspectApedia for PUMP WON'T STOP RUNNING to read how to diagnose and fix the problem you named.

On 2016-06-12 by Anonymous

I have water and pressure but the pump dont seem to be turning off

On 2016-06-11 by (mod)

If your well ran out of water - ran dry - allowing the pump to continue to run risks damaging it. If you wait a few hours or longer the well should recover.

Try running the pump again. If your pump is above ground you may also need to prime it - search InspectApedia for HOW TO PRIME THE PUMP to read details.

On 2016-06-11 by Gladys Martin

My water quit working. The pump will not come on and 2 capacitors were burned inside the large box. I was using a lawn sprinkler on top of my house to help keep it cool for my disabled husband and I think I might have run it dry because we have had a drought.

On 2016-05-27 by (mod) - what to do if there is no water pressure

No

Please Use the on-page search box at the top or bottom of this page or at page top to search InspectApedia for NO WATER PRESSURE to see the articles on diagnosing and fixing this problem.

On 2016-05-27 by No

We lost water pressure in our house we have a well,what could be the problem?

On 2013-03-16 by (mod) -

Butch, if you are getting power to the submersible pump and no water at all appears, the pump is probably damaged or broken. In the (troubling) process of pulling the pump you'll also inspect the well piping for leaks, damage, disconnections.

On 2013-03-16 by Butch Millen

I lost water and the run capacitor seemed to be bad so I decided to replace Control Unit on my Submersible Well Pump. I now have 240v through the pressure switch to the line side of the control box and now the load sides also.

Pump is pulling approx. 11amps on Black and Yellow wires but nearly nothing on Red. I have no water at all. Where do I start?

On 2013-03-11 by (mod) -

Anon:

If when running your laundry your home is consuming more water than from other uses (bathing, for example) then it could be that the water demand is exceeding the well flow rate - a problem that won't show up when just small amounts of water are drawn.

I don't figure how the problem would be a bad foot valve - if that were the problem it would show up as loss of pump prime when the home sat overnight and in any event not in response to just running the laundry.

On 2013-03-11 by (mod) -

Ron:

Sounds as if your water pump has an internal problem, maybe a jammed impeller or bad bearing and is going off on thermal reset.

On 2013-03-11 by Anonymous

Every time I do laundry i lose pressure in my pump, is that the pump going bad or is it the foot valve going bad

On 2013-02-09 by ron

Pump won't run and is hot

On 2013-02-09 by B Andrews

my situation is as I just previously state in the prior post.
When I reset the tank pressure from 38 to 18psi, I noticed that when I tried to completely empty the tank, I unplugged the pump, closed the valve to shut off the house supply from coming back through the drain line.

When I opened the valve to empty the tank, I only get about 2 gallons of water out of the tank before the switch clicks and then I get no water at all out of the tank. There is no way a 36 gal tank only holds 2 gallons of water. What is the problem?

I just purchased a new shallow well convertible jet pump to replace the old one..the bearing was getting noisy. The new pump has a pressure switch included which is a 20-40 switch. The tank is relatively new, and it is a 36 gallon tank.

The info on the side said it was pre-set at 38psi. Since my switch is a 20-40, I changed the tank pressure to 18psi. everything is working properly, however I now have less pressure throughout the house than I had before. The low pressure is instantly low, as soon as a faucet is opened

. It builds up a little when the pump kicks on. Should the switch be replaced with a 40-60 or a 30-50 to get the pressure back up? is the tank only for a 40-60 system?

On 2012-11-23 by (mod) - smart to turn off the pump rather than burn it up

Teresa

Always smart to turn off the pump rather than burn it up

Sounds as if the pressure tank is waterlogged
And or
Perhaps the pressure switch or mount is debris clogged and ot sensing pressure consistently.

On 2012-11-16 by teresa

Was having problem with pump kicking on everytime turned water on or flushed tiolet air tank was empty thought fixed problem now pressure going up and down and pumps doesnt seem to be kicking on should i kick breaker to the hot water heater until i solve problem

On 2012-11-15 by Jesse, jesse.peragine@gmail.com

I have a submersible well pump, servicing two small bungalow style homes. As far as I know, it is not excessively deep. I live about 150 yards from the Long Island Sound. I recently uncovered the well site, and saw the white pvc with the cap. About four months ago I started having random spurts of the water shutting off for about 30 seconds.

The period of time water would stop is getting longer, to the point that it was stopping for about 120 seconds. I initially thought it was the pressure switch.

I tried to diagnose the issue by running water until the problem occurs. When I observe the pressure gauge that is located at the T that goes into the holding tank (Well X-Trol), it hovers around 45 lb, and slowly decreases to about 25 lb, and then it drops to below 10 lb out of nowhere.

After about 2 minutes I hear the pump engage again and the holding tank starts filling back up to about 45 lb. I replaced the switch (I am an electrician.) assuming that the switch was not functioning and causing the pump to not sense the low differential. This did not work. Today I was taking a shower, and the water shut off for about ten minutes, and eventually came back.

Now I know that there is some issue with the pump, not sure if it is losing prime or what.

On 2012-10-30 by Anonymous

I have a well and for the last 3 months have been losing water pressure in the shower, it will run for about 10 min. then shut off, you have to shut the water off for approx. 3 minutes to start up again, then just a few minutes later same thing. All in all it takes shutting the water off 4 times for a normal shower, what could be the problem?

On 2012-10-24 by tony

I live in the Northeast, we have had a bad drought but many of the homes around us seems to have plenty of water. We ran out of water last month, ordered pool water, around 3K gallons.

Lasted for a month. Finally we have had rain and plenty but ran out of water again. Ordered another 3K of water though this time it lasted only 3 days.

Shut down pump and after a day the pressure came back to normal, 60psi. Turned off water pump at night and in the morning pressure is fine. Today though, pressure was fine but it dropped and now no water at all...can you please tell me what do you think it's happening? Do I need a new well??? $$$$$$!!!!!!Thanks!

On 2012-10-14 by Raymond

I have a shallow well sprinkler system that does not appear to be functioning properly. I have four 1 1/4 well points (Brady) at 18 feet. The standing water level is 7 feet below the surface. When I hook up a 1/2 hp pump to the well points individually.

I get 7 gpm, 7 gpm, 5 gpm and 5 gpm to total 24 gpm. These well points are plumbed together in an H pattern, with the main suction pipe connected to the middle of the H and a check valve right there.

From there it runs 120 feet to a 1 hp Myers pump through 1 1/4 pipe.

When the 1 hp pump is turned on it will only produce about 13 to 14 gpm. Not 24 gpm. I have seven sprinklers that use 1.5 gpm each. That is only 10.5 gpm and the 1 hp pump can not keep up with that. I have to partially close the discharge valve (between the pump and sprinkler system) until the discharge pressure is 30 psi just to get everything to work.

The pump is turned on by a relay switch. The system does not have a pressure tank.

I need more water volume. Do I need to put down another well point?

Thanks

On 2012-10-09 by Kayla

We are de-winterizing the home we just bought. We managed to get the pump on; however, there is no water pumping out.

On 2012-10-05 by Adrienne

We have replaced the pump switch recently, and the problem is getting worse if two things are running at the same time (i.e. toilet flush and washing machine) the pump(?) won't catch (when it hits the certain spot it's supposed to) and we have to manually go downstairs and reset it to get the water going again. What is the problem?? Please help before this problem gets worse!!!

On 2012-08-21 by JC McGahee

I am looking to purchase a 1 hp water pump for my home and its above ground either new or rebuilt at this point which ever i can get the fastest

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• WATER PUMP REPAIR GUIDE - home
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