Well water pump won't start or won't run, diagnostic FAQs:

This article provides answers to frequently-asked questions about water pumps or well pumps that will not start or will not run.

If the well pump or control switch makes no noise at all, just hums or clicks, and when the water pump simply does not run these diagnostic questions may help track down and repair the trouble.

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

On 2021-06-30 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod)

@Dirkson,

I would check first for a silt or debris-clogged water pressure sensor port

On 2021-06-29 by Dirkson

I have a pedrollo water pump with a smart head attached. It was installed about 1 year ago and was working great , but now it delays in switching on when the tap is turned on. What could be the problem

On 2021-06-10 by (mod) - water would work for 5 minutes at a time, then after 10 minutes would run again

@Alyssa,

Thanks for the question though, saying "thanks" when you have no water ....well that stinks.

You're posting on the FAQs page for our advice on this topic.

Ask Hubby to take a look at the diagnostic steps at

WATER PUMP WON'T START - topic home inspectapedia.com/water/Water-Pump-Wont-Turn-On.php

Look: unless there is pressure in the system ABOVE the PUMP CUT-IN setting on the pressure control, the pump ought to run regardless of the pressure tank condition.

So first we rule out the pump: check the pressure control CUT IN setting against the tank's air pre-charge. How?
Check the pressure in the system now that the pump is OFF.

If your installer put in a new pressure switch and did not fool with its settings, the CUT IN pressure is either 20 psi or 30 psi.

So if your system pressure is below 20 psi (easily done with pump off, just run some water) then

if the pump isn't turning on
and if there is power to the pump (on the pump side of the pressure switch that ought to be closed, calling for water)
then the problem is the wiring, or pump, or there is a broken-open water line

Or no water in the well

On 2021-06-10 by Anonymous

Ok thank you!

On 2021-06-10 by Alyssa

Hello there! Our well water pumps works for two mobile houses. We had a really bad storm in which the power kept going off. Short story, we no longer had water. Had a man come out and look at it. Well he said our pump went out. Spent over $1550 and put a new pump, supposedly new pressure switch, new breakers, and new pipe.

Our water would work for 5 minutes at a time, then after 10 minutes would run again. Then come to find out our pressure tank's bladder busted. So another $902 later we got a new pressure tank.

Our water worked good for a day. Now we have no water again. My husband checked the pump and it has 220 volts going to the pump but the pump won't turn on. Checked pressure tank and its fine. My husband thinks our new pump burned out. Could it be something else maybe? Is there anything we can do besides paying another arm and leg for another pump? Its been over a month with either little water or no water at all. I am over it! Please help

On 2021-03-08 by (mod) - jet pump buzzes but won't start

@ET, buzzing sounds like a failed pump relay or motor itself.

see the diagnostics at WATER PUMP WON'T START - topic home - https://inspectapedia.com/water/Water-Pump-Wont-Turn-On.php

On 2021-03-08 by ET

Jet pump will not start when connecting power. It will only buzz. Checked voltage and connections. Checked capacitor and impeller/shaft and all checked ok. Any advice?
Thanks

On 2021-02-22 - by (mod) -

Humming sounds as if the motor can't start -possibly a frozen or jammed impeller assembly.

Don't leave the pump power on if it hums - you'll burn up the motor

On 2021-02-21 by Ken

My water pump froze and now when I turn it on. It just hums and doesn't pump water. I don't see any leaks or damage and the pump is primed. Can someone give me some advice please.

On 2021-01-04 by (mod) - When the pump motor hums but doesn't actually run,

Lisa

When the pump motor hums but doesn't actually run, that sounds like a failed pump motor. I suppose if the pump is itself exposed to freezing conditions and its impeller is frozen that'd produce the same symptom.

If the pump motor is actually spinning (running) but no water is delivered, yes the piping could be frozen.

Leave the pump off in that case so as to avoid burning up the motor or damaging the impeller .


If you are familiar with your pump
and the sounds that it normally makes with it working properly then you should be able to tell whether the pump is actually running or the motor is humming and not starting. When electric motor can't start it could be a failed starting capacitor which is an inexpensive replaceable part.

Watch out: if you're not familiar with safe electrical wiring practices keep your fingers away from exposed live electrical wires and terminals or you could be shocked or killed.

On 2021-01-04 - by (mod) -

Lisa

When the pump motor hums but doesn't actually run, that sounds like a failed pump motor. I suppose if the pump is itself exposed to freezing conditions and its impeller is frozen that'd produce the same symptom.

If the pump motor is actually spinning (running) but no water is delivered, yes the piping could be frozen.

Leave the pump off in that case so as to avoid burning up the motor or damaging the impeller .

On 2021-01-04 by Lisa

My well is full, I have pressure, wont pump water, when I touch the points together I have spark and the pump just hums, could this be the line is froze some where, or the motor is locked?

On 2020-11-23 - by (mod) -

Morris:

You don't say if the problem is the pump won't run or if it runs but doesn't deliver water.

Let's begin with the diagnostics at WATER PUMP WON'T START https://inspectapedia.com/water/Water-Pump-Wont-Turn-On.php

On 2020-11-23 1 by Morris hodge

My water pump is not working
How can i fix

On 2020-04-30 - by (mod) -

Thank you, Ben, that well pump lubrication tip may help others.

Let ne know ho much longer the pump continues to work.

On 2020-04-24 by Ben

Just a follow up (and not suggesting what I did fixed the issue) but I took the back metal panel off at the end of shaft and added some non-detergent oil to the shaft itself. I put the panel back on and it’s worked great. No issues at all. It did look like there was already oil there, and the manual says it’s pre-lubricated, but I did anyway. Thanks for the help again!

On 2020-04-14 - by (mod) -

Thank you for the added information.

Those are common signs of the conditions that I suspected in my previous remark.

On 2020-04-14 by Ben

Thanks for the quick reply! I will read those articles, just a bit more info. It runs fine for 2-15 cycles, then will hum. I can turn shaft with screw driver and get the same effect for 2-15 again, but like it said, even when it hums and shuts off and is completely silent, it gets hot.

On 2020-04-14 - by (mod) -

Ben

That sounds like either a motor with a seizing bearing or shaft or possibly a motor that just needs a new starting capacitor.

Search InspectApedia.com for

ELECTRIC MOTOR DIAGNOSTICS

and for

HARD START CAPACITORS

to see more detailed diagnostic suggestions.

Watch out: if you're not familiar with safe, proper electrical wiring you could be shocked or killed.

On 2020-04-14 by Ben

First time posting, I’ll keep it short. After troubleshooting many issues with my Wayne shallow well pump, I’ve noticed that it will hum for 10 seconds and then stop. The problem is the motor get really hot even if it’s not being used after the hum. I could come down the next morning and it would be too hot to touch. The wiring connections look fine. It worked fine for years with no issue. Thoughts?

On 2020-04-06 - by (mod) -

Anthony

Please see your question and my detailed reply now found near the end of PUMP CONTROL STATUS INDICATORS

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

On 2020-04-06 by Anthony

I have a pedrollo water pump and i have noticed that it's status light turns orange after a second of it being on. Its green when its working. What seems to be causing this?

On 2020-03-18 - by (mod) - what to check when the pump won't start

Ben

Trying a new starting capacitor is a reasonable effort but if you used the right value starting capacitor, the cap is properly wired and is itself un-damaged,

and if you've checked out other "pump won't run" causes given

at WATER PUMP WON'T START

we're left guessing a loose or bad internal wiring connection in the start circuit or perhaps low supply voltage

On 2020-03-16 by BenG - 2 line jet pump hums but doesnt turn over

Hello. My 2 line jet pump hums but doesnt turn over. I've replaced the start capacitor. But still nothing.

I am able to kick start the motor by turning the shaft with a screw driver. The motor doesn't get hot and sounds beautiful when running. What else could my problem be?
Thanks in advance for any input.
BenG

On 2020-03-11 - by (mod) - smoke came out of the motor

Mark

It seems unlikely that a new pump would have a seized impeller or motor and it seems unlikely that it wouldn't be able to tolerate running briefly even if the priming operation was improper or incomplete. Therefore what's left is most likely a wiring error. At this point the pump may be damaged and unsafe.

On 2020-03-11 by Mark W.

Just installed brand new Deep well Jet pump. Primed pump and turned on breaker pump just hummed about 10 seconds and shut off. I turned breaker off checked wiring, and then turned breaker back on the pump just hummed again and smoke came out of the motor. Immediately turned pump off again. What could this be? As I stated this is a brand new pump.

On 2020-03-01 - by (mod) - water just stopped. Have power to pump. Points stay closed.

Bob

Take a look at the causes and cures found at WATER PUMP WON'T START

On 2020-03-01 by Bob

My water just stopped. Have power to pump. Points stay closed.

On 2020-02-18 1 - by (mod) - pump won't turn off

Ajay

There are several causes for a water pump being unable to reach its cut-off or "required" pressure

Please check out the diagnostic steps at WATER PUMP WONT STOP RUNNING

On 2020-02-18 y Ajay kumar

I have a question related to water pump, actually my water pump is not creating a required pressure as we have started our pump after some month's so what can we do?

On 2020-02-06 - by (mod) -

is it possible that a pump control or above ground pump has been wet or flooded or shorted out?

On 2020-02-06 by Kim King

We've had 3.25" of rain over night and I'm waking up to no running water in the cabin!

On 2019-12-04 - by (mod) -

Sonia

Unfortunately a humming motor that doesn't run usually means that either the motor is seizing or it has a failed start capacitor

On 2019-12-03 by Sonia

My water pump plugged in and water connected does not start, when I push the restart button there is a humming sound but I am unsure why this will not work not sure what else you will need to know but if you can assist I would really appreciate it.
Thank you

On 2019-11-20 - by (mod) -

Mylene

Apologies but I don't understand the question. Do you mean dis-assemble the water pump (answer: never except during repairs),

or do you mean turning on water or tuning on the pump (answer: power to the water pump is in most installations always on, and the pump operating cycle or on-off cycle is controlled by a pressure switch. Pressure drops, pump turns on. Pressure reaches cut-off, pump turns off.

On 2019-11-20 0 by Mylene

When i will open the motor pump in day or night

On 2019-11-07 by Mike

Pump runs but does not syphon

On 2017-04-09 by (mod) re: smoking pump motor: turn it OFF right away

Smoke means I would turn the pump OFF pending a proper repair since you're risking an electrical fire.

when a motor runs when given a push usually that means there's a bad start/run capacitor.

On 2017-04-09 by Steff

I have a 1.5kw pressure pump which when connected straight to a wall plug without the pressure control unit its starts fine when I twist the impeller and runs beautifully but looking at the connection box for the wiring I can see smoke coming from the electrical coils compartment.

When I tested it it was on n dry run just to see if their is power to the pump. Does the lack of water cause the smoke or is there something else wrong? The wiring is connected as per the diagnostic diagram on the inside of the junction box.

On 2017-03-28 15:25:00.318566 by (mod)

Tim,

I too have read about the difference in power curve properties between backup battery systems (square wave) and grid power systems (sine wave) but I don't think we have to focus on that difference to solve this problem.

You'll want to either buy a self-contained battery-backup aquarium pump (the less expensive solution) or to buy a true battery backup system - also referred to as "double conversion" power backup systems.

The DC battery is charged from line voltage (until a power outage) but the power the unit produces from the DC battery is converted back to normal or standard AC power.

These will cost 3-5 times a battery-backup acquarium pump but could be needed to handle either longer power outages or larger pumps.

Indeed many battery backups don't provide the same current draw (amps) that a motor might use briefly at start-up; but I'd expect that if you try out a larger battery-backup system that will solve the problem.

One thing that always gives me courage in attacking a question like this is that I figure someone has already had the problem and has come up with a solution. I looked around and found that several companies sell battery-backp pumps specifically for aquariums, since obviously we don't want a power outage to kill the fish or whoever else is living in the aquarium.

Some battery backup aquarium pump vendors include

APC Smart-UPS aquarium backup systems

Azoo whose pump will run for 10 or more hours if there is a power failure

On 2017-03-28 by Tim

Hi I have a small water pump that I use for a saltwater aquarium.

I live in a country that power comes and goes, so we use automatic invertors and run off batteries when there's no power

. Trouble is the pump has trouble starting on batteries - just click and rattles and takes about 15 minutes to start. I've checked the voltage at the plug - 120 same as with power from the company.

I've tried other pumps, and other outlets - same result. The only difference I can see is that the invertor is quasi-sine (or modified sine)... would this make a difference? Are pumps sensitive to this?

On 2017-03-25 by (mod)

Pat:

Start at the electrical panel to confirm that the breaker or fuse is intact.

Confirm power at the pump wall switch

Confirm power at the pump pressure-control switch

Watch out: opening any cover or box that exposes live electrical connections or wires risks death by electrocution if you are not familiar with and trained in safe practices.

On 2017-03-25 by pat

Well pump no power

On 2017-02-26 by (mod)

Sounds as if your pump has been running dry, overheating, and is in danger of being damaged; if it's not delivering water, leave it off.

The problem could be that there's no water in your well. Search InspectApedia for DIAGNOSE LOST WATER PRESSURE

On 2017-02-26 by nancy

The water pressure has been dropping low then comes back for a few weeks now last night lose water all together try to prime it will kick on and suck water pressure goes up but once I put hose back on pressure drops to 0 .

I did pour water over pump to cool because it was very hot now when I try to prime the pump smells like wire burning and smokes white smoke could the smoke be cause the water I poured on it . and the reason pressure drops back to 0 when I put hose back on.

On 2017-02-12 by Peter

Well pump hot to touch. Low water pressure. Turned pump off but now it won't come back on, just hums.

On 2017-01-14 by (mod) - signs of a pump wiring error or damage

Sounds to me like a wiring problem, perhaps damaged wire or a bad connector. Less likley but possible: a failing pump motor that's drawing high current.

On 2017-01-14 by Niranjan Shukla

I have a 2 pump submersible system for my residence to pump water - both are 1/2 hp. I have set it so that the pumps run alternately to lift water to the overhead tank.

One of the pumps often fails to start - the same pump always - and the display panel shows 'U.C' (for under current). However, if I start the other pump manually for a minute or so, put it back to the Auto mode (so that it goes on Standby) and then switch over to the U.C. pump in 'Auto' mode, it starts running perfectly till the upper tank is full. This happens regularly but not every time. What can be the reason for the same pump to display under current - I have set this at 5.3 Amps, and to start functioning normally if the alternate pump is operated for a minute ( or less even ) ?

On 2017-01-03 22:20:45.143708 by (mod)

Kyle,

It sounds as if you've found a bad wire to the pump, but honestly I'm scared you're going to get electrocuted. If you've not got expertise in electrical wiring it'd be better to ask for help from an electrician to be sure that the wiring is safe for you and anybody else around.

On 2017-01-03 by Kyle

Ok question my well motor stopped working so I went looking at it pulled the pressure switch top thing off and filed the points.nothing so I seen a half cut wire running from the back inside of the pump to 1 of the four things were you screw the wires down and

I took the one cut wire fixed it still nothin but I touched the wire to the grounding wire on the inside bottom of the points pressure switch and it sparks and the motor kicks on what could be the solution

On 2016-11-25 by Jennifer

Ive been living here 10 yrs never had a problem with my well except for having to change pressure switch and the past couple weeks my water pressure has been surging I thought maybe its cause of the drought we are in...but tonite I was washing my hands and the water was fine one min.

And then just stopped the next. I went out the power pole and the breaker was on but no sound from my well at all...what could it be?

On 2016-10-18 by Melanie ran out of water but now that we have the pump wont start

We ran out of water but now that we have the pump wont start at all is a star rote for a house

On 2016-09-14 by (mod)

Yes, a water pump that has running dry can suffer damage to a bearing or a pump impeller or even a pump motor causing it to fail to deliver adequate water pressure or flow rate.

On 2016-09-10 by Kelly

My well tank bladder ruptured and caused my well pump to constantly short cycle do not know how long this went on for work. I replace the well tank pressure switch and tank T. Then I started having loss of water and water pressure.

So then I pulled the well pump figuring it may be the check valve so I replace the check valve and reinstall the pump in the welland two weeks later it started doing the same thing again.

Could this be a problem with the pump because it was short cycling so often it seems like there is enough water in the well.

On 2016-08-24 by (mod) - pump runs when not hooked to water system

Richard:

If the new pump runs (briefly so as to avoid damage) when connected to power separately then the problem is in the existing pump circuit or control. See if your control has a pump protection switch or feather that's tripped.

On 2016-08-24 by Richard Boll

Was using my hose the other day - pump shut off pressure dropped to zero. Pump is less than a yr old. Has been working fine til now. 230v Red Lion Shallow well jet pump. Checked the breaker was still on - shut off & on again - nothing ! Checked the Electric line - no problems

- checked power at the pressure switch 115/120 both sides. Still not working. Bought a new pump - changed all the fittings - primed - ready to run - hooked up power & nothing again !! Extremely frustrated! Bad Capacitors? Bad Pressure tank ? Something easy and stupid ? I'm at a loss !??

On 2016-06-09 by (mod)

Check for a water-logged pressure tank. Or search InspectApdedia for WATER TANK AIR HOW TO ADD

On 2016-06-08 by Angel

Water pump would hum for approximately 30 seconds then stop.

We thought it was the pressure switch and replaced it. Pump is doing the same thing. Is my pump bad or should I have checked bladder tank pressure? We also checked for prime but plenty of water still in lines.Don't know what to do. Please help.

On 2015-11-03 by (mod)

Dave, find our email at the page bottom CONTACT link and send me some sharp high-resolution photos so I can understand what's going on and what you're looking-at.

I'm not sure if we're seeing rust, a simple leak, a failed tank, mud or debris contamination of the water supply or what.

Daniel

On 2015-11-03 by Dave

I have a large amount of orange/brown mud that has oozed out of the rubber hose that connects between the tank and the top priming valve. It is at the top of the hose around the clamp. I am not well versed on the names of parts. But the orangish mud leaked on to the electrical plug for the pump and tripped the breaker. Is this a major headache that will require a professional?

On 2015-09-15 by (mod)

Terri I suspect either a wiring error or capacitor of wrong specs. Look first for a short circuit in the well wiring.

On 2015-09-15 by Terri

Turned on new 3/4 hp deep well 220 volt pump and it blew the capacitor.It was a new control box.

Question: pump won't start: my well pump doesn't run it just hums, how can I fix it?

I have a approx. 10 year old well pump that hasn't been ran in about 2 years. The motor ohms out good but just hums. Is there an easy way to break it free from not running for an extended period.

And will just taking the pump out and turning the impeller by hand and then cycling power to run it back in to free it up cause any kind of water logging or vapor locking of water side? - Ken 3/18/12

(June 28, 2015) richie said:
pump won't start

Reply:

Ken the motor could be frozen - it may be freed by a complete disassembly and cleaning of the pump motor. OR the problem could be a broken or jammed pump impeller.

If you disconnect the impeller assembly from the pump motor you can see which part is jammed, and what to replace.

If the pump motor and impeller will both spin by hand (power disconnected so you don't get killed), then the problem could be a bad pump motor start capacitor if your pump uses one.

See CAPACITORS for HARD STARTING MOTORS for details.

Richie: Start by checking power, then the switch, wiring, and pump current draw.

(Feb 3, 2014) Donna Giles said:

we have a well and the pump froze up. so we purchased a new pump we made sure that there is water in the well. we wired in the new pump put it in and it would not start . we pulled the pump checked the wiring and made sure that the pump worked. it started fine .we put in back in the well and it will not start. what could the problem be?

Reply:

This question makes me a bit nervous.

IF I've got this right, when you connect the pump while it's out of the well it runs, but when it's in the well it does not.

You could have an electrical short or improper wire connections at the well or in the well - which sounds like a hazard.

Or it could be that your out-of-well test did not run the pump through the pressure control switch. If the problem is in the pressure switch or its pressure sensor that could leave the pump "off".

Is your pressure switch turning on the pump?

Question: pump motor capacitor keeps blowing

(June 1, 2015) Jimmy Arnold said:
well pump capacitor keeps blowing ever few months?

Reply:

Look for a shorting pump motor, failing pump motor, or shorted wiring or switch - assuming the capacitor is properly selected and wired.

Question: water pump starts but then shuts off

(July 3, 2015) David Watts said:
Have Rona 1/2 hp pump and when pressured up the motor comes on for 10 seconds then shuts down and comes back on in 1-2 minutes - when not pressurized seems to run fine - 110v - 11/4 inlet - 1" outlet

Reply:

David

I agree that the symptoms you cite are a bit confusing. I'd check for a bad pressure switch or pressure sensor tube connected to the switch.

Question: submersible well pump will not start - it has power

My submersible pump will not start. It is getting power to it but it wont come on.

I tested it before putting it in the well and it was fine but now I cant get it to come on. Power is there at the pump but it just wont come on. What is wrong with it. Its only a couple years old. - Joe 8//3/12

Reply:

Joe, check the amps - current draw when your pump switch sends current to the pump; If there is no current then there is an open break in the wiring; high current sounds like a seized motor.

Similarly, with power OFF and the pump wires disconnected from the circuit above ground you can use a VOM to check for a short, open wire, in the pump circuit and motor.

Unfortunately, unless you find a wire damaged or bad switch above ground it probably means pulling the pump and wiring again. See WATER PUMP WIRING REPAIR

Question: Summer cabin well pump won't start, can I use solar power to run my well pump?

Can I use solar power to run my well pump? I had a solar power hookup but now the pump has stopped running. Gary 7/13/12

We have a summer cabin in the mtns. Two yrs ago we had a deep well submersible pump put in our well.

At this time there are no componets to the well pump. We have the wiring to the pump and that is all. When power was applied at the time the pump was put in, all worked well. The system has not been used since then.

We tried to start the pump with solar power from the cabin (extension cord) the pump would not start. My question is, why wont the pump work now, when it did two yrs ago? Thanks for any info. - Gary 7/15/12

Reply: yes but ...

Gary,

About using solar power to run the well pump:

First check that all of the wiring is intact, continuous, without shorts or breaks.

Then check the voltage delivered by your solar converter as well as its current capability (amps) against the pump specs. And if your well pump uses a separate start relay (separate from the pump pressure control switch at the water pressure tank) check for a bad start/run capacitor. There are also resistance tests that with power off can tell you if the pump itself has frozen up.

Question: pump quit after lightning storm

(Sept 7, 2012) jamie said:
just had a lightning storm blow thru and now my well quit.i can push in the reset button and pump comes on but after a few seconds it trips again.

Reply:

Look for a damaged pump wiring, lightning damage to the pump, pump control, even a leak in well casing or piping. Start with following the pump controls and wiring. I suspect lightning damage to the pump motor.

Question: new pump trouble after lightning strike

(Sept 6, 2014) Marc said:
Previous pump failed after a nearby lightning strike.

A new pump on an existing well begins to pump water and build pressure 35-40psi in the collector tank.

Then suddenly the water flow seems to stop and impeller portion of the pump gets hot as if the water source has dried up.

Could there be something going on down at the water source?

Reply:

Marc

Ask your well driller to check for a damaged well casing and a reduced water level in the well.

Question: no water after electrical outage

(June 6, 2015) Ted said:
water did not come on after electrical outage. What might be wrong?

Reply:

Check all of the circuit breakers/ fuses for loss of power; also a lightning strike can damage well pump, well piping wiring, or the well itself.

Question: pump kept blowing breakers then the relief valve blew

(June 6, 2015) kevin kleinsmith said:
I found pump blew breakers and then

replaced pump presure switch, worked ok but took awhile to pressurize but found out the 75 psi pop off valve was spewing water, when I forced the pop off valve closed it now blows breakers twice the amperage, from a 6amp to 10amp and blew a 15amp as well? thinking it could be wiring short in the well? any suggestions?

Reply:

Watch out: turn this water pump system off and drain water pressure immediately as you are describing possibly fatal hazards of electrical shock or injury from explosing pressure tank or piping.

It sounds as if the pressure control is defective or its pressure sensing port or tube is clogged.

A failing pump motor will also trip breakers.

Question: well pump won't run - it won't start or keeps turning off

(July 18, 2015) al said:
I installed a brand new pump, it isn't drawing water from the well, its pumping and then the hose collapses and then shuts off. Water is not being drawn, then it shuts off, went to my other well and it is doing the same.

So I don't think the well is dry or clogged, why would the same thing happen on 2 wells. I didn't have a problem with water before installation just replace the pump as I had a leak in the bladder. Thank you.

(July 18, 2015) george said:
I have water in my pump but cant figure out why its not pumping into the house and coming out of the taps.

26 July 2015 Joseph said:
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 at WATER PUMP DIAGNOSTIC TABLE 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.

Question: black oil came out of my water pump

Turned on pump before hooking to tank, looks like black oil came out, what did I do wrong? - Michael 7/29/12

Reply:

Michael, I agree it sounds odd to get oil coming out of a water pump; sometimes however when we've been hooking up new plumbing fittings and equipment,

the first time we turn things on we see solder paste and oxidized debris in the flush-out of the system. It's a good idea to flush out the water system after working on it. YOu may not have done anything wrong.

Question: well pump circuit breaker trips repeatedly

The circuit breaker for my well puump has tripped twice today. Well pump is 20 years old. This occurred both times when we had outside spigots open for watering flowers. - Dean 7/1/12

Reply:

Watch out: for electrical shorts, fire hazards, shock hazrds - if a breaker keeps tripping, leave that circuit off until it's properly diagnosed and repaired.

Circuit breaker trips could be due to a pump motor that is seizing, or a fault in the circuit, wiring, or control switch.

Question: how much electricity does my well pump use?

how can i find out how much electricity my well head and pressure tank are using? The well pump is 1/2 horsepower. The pressure tank has no label or information on it. I am in the process of installing a back-up generator and I need to know the amount of power consumed at start up by these systems. - Anon. 3/5/12

Reply: some ways to figure out how much electricity an appliance or well pump is actually using

Anon, here are several approaches to finding out just how much electricity your well pump or any other electrical appliance in your home is actually using:

1. You can record the information on the data tag for your pump motor, noting the RLA figure.
   
   See DEFINITIONS of ELECTRICAL TERMS and understand amps, current, volts, watts, and you can calculate the theoretical electricity use.
2. You can turn off every single electrical thing in your building except the well pump, then watch your electric meter spin.
   
   That timing or LCD readout combined with the meter specifications from your electric company can give you a good idea how much electrical power the pump is actually using when it's operating. To that you'll need to monitor how often and for how long the motor runs during an average month.
3. You can also measure the pump's current draw using a clamp-on ammeter.
4. You can also rent or buy electrical use metering equipment that you'd hook into the circuit.

To compare the energy efficiency of different versions of a home appliance such as an air conditioner, refrigerator, or heat pump,

see SEER RATINGS & OTHER DEFINITIONS.

Question: pump starts then trips breaker or blows capacitor

(June 4, 2014) mike said:
pump starts then in 10 to 20 seconds either kicks out or blows capacitor in control box. 3/4 hp 230v 6.8 amp with max of 8.0 amp. Pump system has been installed and running for 2 years plus.

Reply:

When a pump trips a breaker or blows a capacitor I suspect shorted wiring, shorted switch / control, or a failing pump motor.

Question: no water pressure

(Oct 11, 2014) char said:

hardly any pressure of water in our showers etc. we have well water with a pressure tank.

(Nov 22, 2014) sherri said:

I woke up this morning to no water, i have a sump pump, what could be wrong.

(Nov 29, 2014) Anonymous said:

no water to house

12/17/14 Tim Wright said:

I had good water pressure and all of sudden. I had very little pressure

The pump is in about 80 feet of water.But the pump is about 20 years old too

Reply:

See WATER PRESSURE PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS TABLE

Question: My water well will work for about 20 minutes, then it shuts down.

(July 1, 2015) John Stauffer said:
My water well will work for about 20 minutes, then it shuts down. I can re-start it by depressing the disconnect switch. What is my problem ?

Reply:

Most liklely the well flow rate is very poor and your are pumping water out faster than the well recovers.

A second possibility is an overheating well pump motor. But if that were the case it would not re-start immediately on stopping, as time would be needed for it to cool down.

Question: irrigation pump has to be re-set manually

(July 11, 2015) Anonymous said:

Dear Dan, i have an irrigation network in my home garden using sprinklers that connected and supplied from my home water supply network (bathrooms,showers water faucets and so on..) which supplied from upper roof tank by a pump (booster). and the water supplied to this upper roof tank by another pump located at the entrance of my home (at ground floor),

when the irrigation system stop, no water come down from the upper tank because both two pumps are shut down and needed to be reset manually from their electronic pressure controller, i don't know why? and shall i do to solve this problem?

Reply:

Anon

It sounds to me as if you ran the water out of the rooftop tank and ran the supply pumps dry until they shut off on thermal reset.

Question: house trailer water system ruined - pump fell over

(May 21, 2014) Anonymous said:
at our house trailer in northern Michigan. a lot of snow melt and water rise lifted the pump until it fell over. never happened before so the hose may have tipped it over. when turned on, it hummed for a moment then stopped. power is off now. would water in the pump short it out so it will need to be replaced or can it easily be fixed. getting water is no problem as there are many springs in this lake area.

tom sydor

Reply:

Sorry Tom Sydor, I'm not sure what the question is. You described a ruined water supply system that sounds as if it needs to be rebuilt, and what sounds like a shorted, burned-up motor or motor start capacitor or control.

Question: slight push starts the pump

(June 27, 2014) Asad said:
it needs a slight push to start the pump. switch was on when ran out of electricity and i forgot to switch it off. after an hour when the light came, since switch was on so pump stuck and did'nt start.. and after half an hour smoke started coming out of wires of the pump... there was a little blasting sound too. what do i do now??

Reply:

Asad,

Sounds as if the pump as well as possibly some wiring burned up and need replacement. Also check for proper fusing.

Then check for a failed start or run capacitor.

Question: replaced pressure switch, now breaker trips

(July 9, 2014) brian said:
i just replaced a faulty pressure switch and now it keeps tripn the breaker on the out side control box like once a day.

Reply:

Brian

If a breaker keeps tripping there is most likely an intermittent short in your wiring or an overcurrent caused by a failing pump motor.

Question: pump runs intermittently

(Jan 21, 2015) Ray said:
My pump (from tank to house) has been running intermittently and actually shut down twice in the last 24 hours. I went to the pressure switch and was able to manually restart the motor twice, once last night and once this morning. It happened a third time this morning and I was unable to restart it.

When I try the manual restart the switch sparks and then I hear only a hum rather than the pump kicking on. I replaced the pressure switch because the contacts looked burned. Still no pump start. I also cleaned out the filter and checked the pressure in the bladder tank. Pressure was very low so I added air up to 25 psi but still have no pump start. Pump is at leat 10 years old. What next?

Reply:

Ray

This sounds like there is a leak somewhere, perhaps a bad foot valve, a leak in well piping, or water running somewhere - that is exhausting water in the well. If the pump no longer starts it may have been damaged by running dry. Start by checking for power, reset switches, etc. to be sure the pump gets power.

If you added enough air pressure to put the tank pressure above the pump cut-in pressure, of course, it'll never start.

See WATER PUMP INTERMITTENT CYCLING

Question: pressure gauge over 100 psi

(Feb 21, 2015) calvin said:
well water. the gage is reading is over 100ps, I bleed the tank and it went back to 60ty and the pump came on the pressure went back to 100ps which cut the relay off, no water getting to water heater,

Reply:

Watch out: If the pressure really is that high the situation is dangerous as you can blow the tank or piping, causing injury.

Or the gauge is debris clogged and or faulty.

Check the actual system, pressure independently.

Question: well pump tank makes a noise after tank begins to fill

(June 28, 2011) elmer said:

Is a good article but i still with my question because i did not find the answer . My well pump tank make a noise after the tank begins to fill again?..The pressure control works fine.

Reply:

It might be normal to hear a noise at the pressure tank when the pump is running, as water is flowing into the tank. If you hear air gurgling then there may be a leak in your well line causing the pump to also send air into the tank.
See

• AIR DISCHARGE at FAUCETS, FIXTURES

Question: pump control relay clicks clicks clicks at end of cycle

(July 19, 2011) carter said:

i have a question,,i have a new installed jet pump...6 months,,when i flush my toilet my pump will run for maybe 20/30 seconds,,,it runs fine,,but when its right at the end,,the pressure points will snap on and off right fast 3/4 times,,i adjusted the screw and it worked good for a day now its doing the same thing,,,,runs smooth until right the end,,,then click,,click,click,,

Reply:

Pump pressure control switch contact bouncing?

It sounds as if the contact switch points may be burned; take a look, or try replacing the switch. I am guessing in that direction because at the end of a pump cycle even if the pressure sensor of the switch is not working properly I wouldn't expect pressure sense to drop so far as to fall below the cut-in right at the END of the pump cycle.

Question: pressure drops to zero and pump stops unless manually re-set

(Aug 30, 2011) Janice said:

I have a question. We have a pressure control switch lever (as shown above) that we need to re-gauge if we run two faucets (or demand too much water) at one time. The pressure will drop to zero and we need to engage it in order to get the water working again. Any suggestions on what would be causing this? This also happens if we run the faucet in the tub or the washer. Thanks!

Reply:

Janice if your water pressure is dropping to zero, the problem sounds like more than just adjusting the pressure control switch. It sounds as if the well pump is not keeping up with the water flow rate demand in the building. Or your well itself cannot keep up.

Before trying to adjust the pressure control switch I'd check out the well flow rate itself.

Question: pressure drops below the pump cut-in set pressure before the pump comes on

(Sept 5, 2011) Jim said:

I've adjusted cut on and off pressures, etc. My problem is that when the pressure drops through the cut in point, the switch "tries" to trip. The contacts close briefly, pump just starts to turn, then everything stops and pressure falls. I can start it with the manual switch and it will run fine . Pressure tank is brand new, and adjusted to about two pounds below cut in pressure. Any ideas?

(Oct 18, 2011) Kerry said:

Pressure control switch isn’t turning on the pump - when using the manual cut in switch the pump isn’t turning on either, however, if you manually use a screwdriver and push the contacts down you can get the pump to engage. hold the contacts down and you can get the tank up to pressure, however as soon you run out of pressure you have to go down with your screwdrivers and get the pressure back up

Hmmmm whats going on?

Reply: check for a debris clogged pump pressure switch or sensor port or tubing

Jim,
I realize there could be another problem, such as with the pump itself, but I'd start by replacing the pressure switch. Also replace or clean out the switch mounting tube so we're sure it's properly sensing water pressure.

Kerry:

it's possible that the pressure sensing port on the bottom of your pressure control switch is clogged and not properly sensing water pressure. If the switch thinks that you are above the cut-off pressure it won't turn on the pump. Another possibility is that the switch contacts are burned.

I'd try replacing the switch and making sure the little tube on which it mounts is also unblocked by rust or debris.

Question: pump came on for just 10 seconds

(Oct 21, 2011) Andrew said:

I have a relatively new Gould. Today I noticed the pressure was not right then it finally had no pressure. While in the pump house I re-booted the power. The pump came on for about 10 seconds and then shut off again.

Again, I said it is about 3 1/2 years old and all the contacts I looked at look like the day it was put in. What is the most likely problem ? Pressure control switch - capacitor etc... Thanks for your help

(Jan 12, 2012) warren said:

my presure switch is tapping on/off on/off when i turn my tap on. what could be the cause?

Reply:

Andrew check the actual pressure in your system, then run water. Watch to see the pressure at which the pump cuts on. Then turn off water and watch to see the pressure at which the pump cuts off.

If the pump cuts off very quickly I suspect the water tank is water-logged - it's lost its air charge.

Warren,

See WATER PUMP SHORT CYCLING

(Feb 13, 2012) Rob said:

@Warren - two things come to mind that can cause that (as I just had the same problem). A bad pressure tank can cause your pump to kick in and out repeatedly while running water. The other potential problem is the setting on the pressure switch itself. If the in and out are too close it would cause this.

If you haven't adjusted your pressure switch I would check the air pressure in your tank. If you press the valve down and get water, then you've most likely got a ruptured bladder in your tank.

Question: testing my pump switch I saw a spark, then everything went dead - how do I select a new pump switch

(Jan 11, 2012) Steve said:

Square D 9013FSG 2 pressure control switch. While testing with a VOM probe, I got a small spark and everything went from dead to working normally (I think...at least the water is back on). If I eventually need to replace this switch, are there several varieties of the 9013FSG 2? How do I know what version to get? The tank is a red AMTROL H20W-TO WATERWORKER 9015-585 in a residential installation.

Reply:

Steve, just match the new switch to the original one by

brand and model or part number

equivalent brand and model chosen by the factory pre-set cut-im and cut out pressure

Question: new pressure switch not working

(Jan 12, 2012) Archie said:

just repaced breaker, wire, pressure regulator switch on home well pump and still nothing works. I checked the gauge tube for clogs and it was clear, when I open the contact points, there is no spark, but there is power going to them, what am I missing

Reply:

Archie, you need to run water until pressure in the pressure tank drops below the cut-in pressure set in the control.

 

...

Continue reading at WATER PUMP WON'T START - topic home - for ten things to check or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see WATER PUMP WON'T START FAQs-2 - more-recent questions and answers about a well pump that won't run.

Or see these

Recommended Articles

• WATER PRESSURE LOSS DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR - home
• WATER PUMP CONTROLS & SWITCHES - home
• WATER PUMP REPAIR GUIDE - home
• ELECTRIC MOTOR DIAGNOSTIC GUIDE
• WATER PUMP CONTROLS & SWITCHES - home
• WATER PUMP PRESSURE CONTROL SWITCH - home
• 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 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

---