Well water pump won't start or won't run, diagnostic FAQs set #2.

This article series gives diagnosis & repair advice for well or water pumps, controls, tanks, water pressure, water flow, water quantity.

Water Pump Will Not Start - Diagnosis & Repair FAQs

These questions and answers were posted originally at WATER PUMP WON'T START - be sure to check out the ten diagnostic and repair steps that we give in that article.

Also see this water pressure loss diagnostic table: WATER PRESSURE TABLE 1: PUMP WON'T RUN diagnostics.

On 2019-02-04 by (mod) - pump won't run after being off for a time

Anon

During the recent (and probably to be repeated more-often) deep freeze in North America some water pumps were damaged by freezing, either by actual frost damage to the water pump or because a pump was left running dry when no water could be delivered.

If there is power to the pump control relay for your system

AND

if the water pressure is below the pump cut-in pressure (typically 20 or 30 psi)

First try tapping on the pressure control switch: sometimes debris clogging of the switch sensor port causes it to fail to respond to pressure drop, or the contacts may be burned;

If the contacts are closed, sending power to the pump and the pump doesn't run

CHeck for a reset-lever on the side of the pressure control switch

Check for a reset button on the pump motor - not usually present

If none of these get the pump running you need more-detailed diagnostics of the pump, motor, impeller, wiring and circuit.

Those are given exhaustively in the

article WATER PUMP WON'T START.

On 2019-02-03 by Anonymous

My well pump will not turn on after being off for seven to nine days during the 2019 polar vortex. What do I do to get it running? I have power at the switch.

On 2018-11-25 by (mod) -

Chris,

Please be sure to leave the electrical power to death circuit off completely. You could be killed or someone else could be killed touching the circuit the switch or the pump itself. It sounds to me as if there's either a wiring error or damaged wiring.

On 2018-11-24 by Chris

I just replaced my submersible well pump installed it and it wont come on and it shock's me every time i go to flip the switch but if i hold the switch on you can here the pump running

On 2018-08-31 by (mod) - pump won't turn on if tank air pre-charge pressure is too high

With pressure drained from your system, the air pre-charged in your water pressure tank should be 2 psi lower than your pressure control switch cut in pressure setting

On 2018-08-31 by mike

my water wont turn on I replaced the pressure switch and nothing then it starts for 10 to 15 seconds then nothing

On 2018-08-25 14:07:58.974972 by Riki

Its a new motor. It was working fine.

One day the motor ran for 45min after that when we switch on himmm sound come then it took a tester manually rotate the wheel(fibre wheel at the back) it works fine. No smoke is comming out and no heatup also. How can i fix that.

On 2018-08-08 14:23:33.852854 by (mod) -

Pi

Most-likely the pressure control switch pressure sensor port is debris clogged, though there can be other reasons a switch won't close in response to water pressure fall. Try having the switch replaced.

On 2018-08-08 06:25:02.176621 by Piyush

My motor is running in manual mode but its not working in Auto mode y how to trouble shoot plzz hel me guyzzz

On 2018-07-16 15:26:02.062684 by Carol

, the two gray boxes (one large one small) large one had a reset button on the bottom and the small has the allen wrench looking lever...did both and back in business! Thank you for your help!

On 2018-07-13 18:54:53.513876 by Anonymous

ok thank you!

On 2018-07-13 17:37:32.797828 by (mod) -

Carol

I "improved" details in my answer and re-posted it - so excuse the confusion.

Let me know what you find. Or attach photos of the controls as we might be able to comment further.

On 2018-07-13 17:36:18.169257 by (mod) -

Carol,

Is your well pump physically in the well? Or in the well house can you see the pump?

If the pump is in the well and moreso if the well casing is metal, there's a chance that lightning hit the well and damaged the pump or wiring. If that's the case the pump wiring could be burned, shorted, unsafe, or the pump itself or its controls could be damaged.

Safest would be to get help from an electrician who will

1 confirm that electrical power is being delivered to the well / pump controls

2. test the pump and wiring and controls for a short circuit or damage

BUT

Before calling the electrician, let's see if there's a manual reset on the pressure switch that would get the pump going.

That's because during a power loss some systems (such as a well with a leaky check valve or foot valve) can lose water pressure, and that in turn can cause a pump protection device to switch off power to the pump. While some of those switches will re-set automatically, some models are designed to be manually re-set.

Here are the details

Look at the pump pressure control switch - photos of this control are at inspectapedia.com/water/Water_Pump_Control_Repair.php WATER PUMP PRESSURE SWITCH REPAIRS

If you see a control that looks like the one in our photo - try lifting the silver rod-like lever once.

Note that some pressure controls look similar but will not have that lever.

Basically, depending on the pressure switch model, some such as the Square-D Pumptrol FSG2J21M4 switch will automagically shut off the pump at low pressures (to protect the pump from running forever with no water and thus being damaged). For this switch ONLY, the company tells us

Form M4 only—Low water or loss of system pressure will cause the pump to be cut off.

After the fault in the system has been corrected, move the lever to Start [marked in the side of the plastic case] and hold it until enough pressure builds up to keep the contacts closed.

Details about various pump protection switches and how they are automatically or manually re-set are found at

WATER PUMP PROTECTION SWITCH

You might want to look at that article since of course your pump could have different controls.

On 2018-07-13 17:14:33.075003 by Carol

danjofriedman, yes I did see a small lever on a little gray box. My pump is in the well. I will check that when I get home. Dang..I hope it works! The pump itself is about three years old and its down more than 400ft

On 2018-07-13 16:51:52.952657 by Carol

We had a storm here yesterday while I was at work. I got home to find I had no water. I checked the breaker (switched off and back on
) then went to the well house and saw the meter said 60 psi...I'm not sure where the problem may be. My husband works out of town so I was trying to help myself..any suggestions??

On 2018-07-08 22:26:06.752854 by Tracy

100ft deep well - submersable 1/2hp pump - 20/40 pressure switch.
When our water stopped running originally, I checked the pressure switch{ 20-40) and found that earth worm had commited suicide across the contacts

. Also noticed that the presure guage had a small amount rust inside and out. I immediately replaced both, and nothing. I came upon your site while researching the possible problem. Following your various diagnosis and FAQ's, I have repaired a couple leaky pipes, checked for clogged tubes and tightened the fixture on the bottom of my pressure tank (which had to be pulled out of the mud btw)

and had to add air to bring it up to the 18psi cut-off. I checked and made sure that my wiring was correcct and that the pump (submersible) was recieving power, How this system was ever working before I'll never know. Still nothing, which lead to pulling the pump .

Had to buy a new one but chose a 3/4hp instead and changed switch to a 30-50. after these were installed, I searched and found a small leak right outside the well casing. Nothing... searched further and needed to readjust the pitless valve because a friend helped install the pump and didn't have the valve lined up. All this being said, when I try to get things going here's what happens.

To get any pressure at all I have to back fill water from an outside source throughan outside spout. This brings tank Pressure up to the cut-off 28psi but no higher. As soon as I turn off the outside spout, and open a faucet in the house, pressure will start to fall thus making the switch come on.

The switch contacts will stay together while all pressure will slowly lower until it reaches the low pressure protection pressure of 20psi, the the switch kicks off. I have checked and found that when the switch truns on, the wiring at the well to the pump will jump.

I have even used a multi meter to make sure that the pump was still getting power. I'm ready to give up. What am I missing?

On 2018-06-11 16:29:54.888787 by (mod) -

Usually when a water pump is short cycling rapidly at or near the cut off pressure a problem is traced to a clog in the system such as a clogged water filter.

On 2018-06-11 16:13:59.413079 by Ginny

The centrifugal pump goes on and the water while coming out goes strong and then lower, the contacts on the pump keep going on for few seconds and then off and theb on, so on-off-on-off, what could be the problem, the pressue seems to be 30-50

On 2018-05-29 23:52:51.578884 by (mod) -

I think maybe you meant to say that the pump does not hum or run in which case it's not receiving power. Could be your switch is wired incorrectly watch out if you're not familiar with and trained to do electrical wiring you could be shocked or killed.

On 2018-05-28 14:43:16.690772 by Allen

Pump does hum or run. Has new points

On 2018-05-24 23:24:01.136940 by (mod) -

the table at this address has some suggested starting points 4 water pump that won't run

https://inspectapedia.com/water/Water_Pressure_Table.php

On 2018-05-24 15:00:37.406832 by Haroon rashid

My water motor doing sound but the water is not pushed out.please help me.

On 2018-05-14 01:45:00.354086 by (mod) -

I'm only speculating myself but I would check the current draw of the pump, and I would check the rating of a start run capacitor, and I would double check the supply voltage.

On 2018-05-14 00:18:51.695854 by Ron

@Heath Mizell,
I have put hundreds of pumps in but this one has me screwed up, it has 120 to it (I changed the setting to 115 before install) but it wont run full speed----- when I check the voltage while the pump is trying to run it reads 105----

this was the last one the parts place had so I need to fix it---its in a small pump house I hope I can fix it without taking it out thanks

On 2018-05-07 17:29:22.422226 by (mod) -

Heath

Turn the pump off right away to avoid damaging it further.

Then check your installation manual wiring instructions to make sure that the pump is set up for the voltage that you are feeding it. You can't just connect the pump arbitrarily to 120 or 240volts; you also need to make some jumper changes at the motor.

Watch out: if you're not trained in familiar with electrical wiring you could be shocked or killed.

On 2018-05-07 16:33:10.480915 by Heath Mizell

I just bought a new shallow well pump it started up just fine now it wants to hum and not ingage what causes that it is a 115 or 220 I have it on 115amp . I can turn the motor just a little and it starts right up.

On 2018-05-04 13:51:29.962478 by (mod) -

If your pump has lost prime, indeed it won't lift water. Never leave a pump running dry as the pump can be damaged.

See PRIME the PUMP, HOW TO

On 2018-05-04 05:51:12.152958 by Atharv

I started my well pump its starts but water not coming from well so i guess air is stuck in pump so what can i do for that?? And water level is good and motor is also in good condition and connections are also good.

On 2018-05-03 14:56:01.685588 by Experience

When I pull the starter from my machinery it doesn't respond.

On 2018-03-07 22:00:06.995567 by (mod) -

Sally

I suspect there's a frozen pipe; be sure to leave the pump off as running it "dry" can damage it.

On 2018-03-04 15:45:31.086827 by Sally Wilson

Our centrifugal pump brings water up from a small ceramic reservoir fed by a stream spring. It has ceased to work in sub zero temperatures so I switched it off. Now it hums but does nothing. The pressure gauge is on2 bar.

does this imply there is still a frozen pipe somewhere between the pump and the water source .Should I just be more patient or dies it sound like an obvious problem with the pump? There is no water from the taps which implies no water coming from pump to house.

On 2018-02-24 23:33:34.910971 by (mod) -

Eras

several unsafe conditions can be causing the circuit breaker to trip, but the most common for the situation that you described would be a pump motor that is seasoned and dry excessive current. Check to be sure that nothing is clogging or binding your pump.

On 2018-02-24 14:43:22.430199 by Eras.

Pls i have a Shimge submersible pump with attach floater but of recent the pump has been triping the circuit breaker when its put ON. What can be the cause of the triping?

On 2018-02-18 17:10:50.743838 by Anonymous

On 2018-02-11 20:29:44.251256 by (mod) -

Ray I want to help but don't understand your situation, nor what a water pump has to do with a fan.

On 2018-02-11 10:43:36.520451 by Ray

I have an onga water pump connected to the rain water tank.
I need to switch it on and off quiet a lot to get the fan to engage.
Any suggestions on how to fix.

On 2018-01-28 01:01:01.997853 by Samuel

I owe a 1 hp surface water pump, was using it to irrigate and the sound changed, fan ran way slower and the pump noise quieter with no water pressure, What could be wrong?? Thanks

On 2018-01-05 21:50:44.321501 by (mod) -

Corinna,

Possibly the cold weather has frozen a water line or even the well or well pump, though most-likely it's a well pipe freeze.

The pump, pushing against solid ice is perhaps overheating and tripping the breaker. I would not keep re-setting the breaker as you may burn up the pump or wiring.

A savvy plumber in your area may be able to help you find and thaw the frozen line if she confirms my guess. That plus perhaps use of a heat tape or other heat source should get your well working again if the pump has not already burned up.

On 2018-01-05 21:46:34.362300 by Corinna

So we’ve had a bout of extremely cold weather and it tripped my well breaker. I tried tripping it back on. It sounds like it’s trying to pump water and then trips off. What can I do to fix this or do I have to wait until Spring?

On 2017-11-30 23:22:43.481239 by (mod) -

K

There are a couple of things to check, including the voltage being supplied to the pump versus with the pump expects, and of course that the pump is not being run dry which will overheat and kill many water pumps.

On 2017-11-30 18:45:04.130764 by katz

i changed the pump it goes on for one minute then gets hot

On 2017-11-21 05:04:04.496349 by (mod) -

Most likely, Gary, it will be one of the reasons given at

https://inspectapedia.com/water/Water_Pressure_Table.php

On 2017-11-20 16:16:24.882671 by Gary

Have power to pressure 120 volts on each line .but pump wont kick on .brand new pump and switch. Whhat could it be

On 2017-09-24 13:34:42.603423 by (mod) -

Prakash,

I'm sorry but I I don't quite understand the question. If you mean the water enter the electrical parts of your pump, it might be possible to remove the pump from its electrical and plumbing connections disassemble it and dry it cleaned it and rebuild it.

But I'm frankly not sure that that's the problem that you're describing. If you mean that the pump is simply not delivering water then you might try our diagnostic article found by searching this website using the on Page search box to find NO WATER PRRSZURE

On 2017-09-24 11:36:06.980146 by Prakash

Water went into the pump how to fix it

On 2017-09-19 01:40:30.319529 by (mod) -

Chris, if the pump were direct-wired and the power switch flipped on that would bypass the pressure control switch.
But that's also pretty dangerous since
- without a pressure limit the pump could overpressurize and burst a tank or pipe - an even that killed a plumber in New Paltz NY
- if the motor is seized there is risk of overheating and fire IF the circuit breaker doesn't trip
- and excuse me but I have to say that fooling around with wiring if you're not trained to do it can result in death by electrocution

At https://inspectapedia.com/water/Water_Pressure_Table.php you will find a list of typical causes and cures for the problem you describe.

I add:

A service tech would probably check that the tank pressure is below the pump CUT IN pressure since we want to avoid that embarrassing mistake.

Typically the service technician will check the current draw on the circuit as that's diagnostic (high amps can mean seized motor, very low amps can mean pump is running dry). If finding no problem she might just try swapping in a new pressure control switch.

On 2017-09-18 14:00:50.310541 by Chris

Any way to test switch?

On 2017-09-18 13:58:56.676180 by Chris

Have a two wire submersible well pump that won't kick on, have a pressure in line. Pressure tank is holding air. Pressure switch will not reset and i can see water in casing. How do i tell if i have a bad switch or pump?

On 2017-08-21 17:47:30.989223 by (mod) -

B

Try replacing the pressure switch AND the tube or pipe or close nipple that conducts water pressure to the pressure control switch base.

Let me know if that works for you.

On 2017-08-20 19:33:21.623084 by B

Occasionally (every other day) my Monsoon 2.0 bar single pump won't start when I turn on the shower hot water tap. When the pump doesn't start, there is hot water that comes out (from the cylinder tank), water out free flowing.

Sometime the pump works perfectly, kicks on within seconds as I turned the hot water shower on.

Any ideas?? Can you please advise? Thanks

On 2017-07-24 21:35:42.719748 by (mod) -

I would replace the pressure control switch Tracy.

You could instead get a re-build kit for the points but considering the time and trouble and risks and also considering that the root problem could be debris clogging not just burned points, replacing the switch is quicker and easier and more reliable.

On 2017-07-22 04:16:20.994719 by Tracy

My half hp deep well pump stops working , I check the pressure and where the points are it will be sparking and I tap on it ,it comes back on and there is tiny bugs all over the points what do I need to do?

On 2017-06-13 16:46:18.677342 by (mod) -

SH

At a companion article https://inspectapedia.com/water/Water_Pressure_Table.php we give a list of reasons that a pump won't start (or won't stop) - that's a good place to start; let me know which of those seems to fit your situation.

On 2017-06-13 14:06:19.495139 by SHouse

Noticed the last few wks, water pressure was low. Came home last night to no water at all. Replaced pressure value on well, checked to make sure it was receiving power... pump still will not turn on. Read through all other questions And answers, but nothing seems to answer my problem. Suggestions.

On 2017-06-05 21:34:53.339955 by (mod) -

Continuing:

Common causes for a pump that won't run are in the parent article to this page:

WATER PRESSURE PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS TABLE - https://inspectapedia.com/water/Water_Pressure_Table.php

There you'll several causes for a pump that won't start.

I suspect your humming water pump has one of the following

- a bad or failed start/run capacitor

- a seized impeller or pump motor bearing

- low voltage

- something else I've included in the table

On 2017-06-05 21:30:08.133118 by (mod) -

Tyler:

Just about any electric motor that hums but wont' run

should be TURNED OFF right away to avoid further damage, possibly a shock or fire hazard

Ok now that that's done, I'll continue:

On 2017-06-05 21:20:20.915765 by Tyler

It will only hum***

On 2017-06-05 21:19:43.666904 by Tyler

My pump want run, it will him for a few seconds and kick back off, the pump is hot to the touch

On 2017-06-05 by (mod) re: what to do when the pump motor hums but won't start

Tyler:

Just about any electric motor that hums but wont' run

should be TURNED OFF right away to avoid further damage, possibly a shock or fire hazard

Ok now that that's done, I'll continue:

Common causes for a pump that won't run are in the parent article to this page:

WATER PRESSURE TABLE 1: PUMP WON'T RUN

There you'll several causes for a pump that won't start.

I suspect your humming water pump has one of the following

- a bad or failed start/run capacitor

- a seized impeller or pump motor bearing

- low voltage

- something else I've included in the table

On 2017-06-05 by Tyler

It will only hum***

My pump want run, it will him for a few seconds and kick back off, the pump is hot to the touch

On 2017-05-31 by Ed

My old began to have problems . I replaced it with a new one same HP and style (convertible shallow well pump). The first new pump worked but the became hot and shut off. I called the pump manufacturer and they told me it was defective.

Returned and decided to go with a different brand.

Installed that one and everything seemed fine while testing after install. Took a shower and the next time the water was following that shower there was no pressure. I checked the pump and its humming. Turned it of and on several times and it kicked off and ran.

Built up pressure, when the pressure dropped it the contact engaged and the hum started again. Now I'm concerned there may be a deeper problem since I had a problem with two different new pumps. I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks

On 2017-05-06 by (mod) re: pump runs but no water comes out

Shub,

Please use the search box just above to search this website for

NO WATER PRESSURE

To see several really helpful diagnostic articles that will List the common causes of the problem you described as well as the steps to correct the problem

On 2017-05-04 by Shubhashis ghosh

My submurshible pump motor is working but water is not comes out

...

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

Or see WATER PUMP WON'T START FAQs-3 - more-recent questions & answers posted to this article series.

Or see these

Recommended Articles

• WATER PRESSURE LOSS DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR - home
  • MUNICIPAL WATER PRESSURE DIAGNOSIS - If your water supply is from a city or municipal water system
  • WATER PRESSURE PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS TABLE - succinct guide to pump & well problem causes & cures
  • 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
• WATER PUMP CONTROLS & SWITCHES - home
• WATER PUMP REPAIR GUIDE - home
• DIAGNOSTIC TABLE for WATER PUMPS
• ELECTRIC MOTOR DIAGNOSTIC GUIDE
• WATER PUMP CONTROLS & SWITCHES - home
• WATER PUMP INTERMITTENT CYCLING
• WATER PUMP LIFE EXPECTANCY
• WATER PUMP & TANK I&O & REPAIR MANUALS
• WATER PUMP NOISE DIAGNOSIS
• WATER PUMP PRESSURE CONTROL SWITCH - home
• WATER PUMP VARIABLE FREQUENCY / VARIABLE SPEED DRIVE (VFDs)
• WATER PUMP PRIMING PROCEDURE
• WATER PUMP RELAY SWITCH
• WATER PUMP SHORT CYCLING - home
• WATER PUMP WIRING DAMAGE
• WATER PUMP WIRING REPAIR
• WATER PUMP WON'T START
• WATER PUMP WONT STOP RUNNING
• WATER TANK: USES, TROUBLESHOOTING - home

Suggested citation for this web page

WATER PUMP WON'T START 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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