How to Tell if Your Well Pump is Bad
- Staff Desk
- 6 hours ago
- 8 min read
A private well gives you independence from municipal water systems, but it also means the entire responsibility for your water supply rests on a single piece of equipment: the well pump. When it begins to fail, the signs show up quickly in your home. Low pressure, sputtering faucets, cloudy water, or a pump that never stops running are all clues. The sooner you spot a failing pump, the easier and cheaper it usually is to fix.
This blog covers every major sign of a bad well pump, how to troubleshoot the system, what parts commonly fail, what repairs cost, and when it’s time to call a professional. It’s written for homeowners who want to understand their well system with confidence—whether you live in a rural property, use a shared well, or maintain a home with an older well pump.
Understanding the Role of a Well Pump
Before diagnosing problems, it helps to know the basics of how a well pump works. Your pump sits either inside the well (submersible pump) or inside your home or well house (jet pump). Its job is simple: pull water from the well and push it into your home at a consistent pressure.
A complete well system includes:
The pump (jet or submersible)
Pressure tank
Pressure switch
Check valve
Electrical supply
Drop pipe and well casing
Plumbing lines feeding your home
When one component fails, the whole system feels off. Many symptoms that look like pump failure can also be caused by a bad pressure switch, clogged filter, cracked pipe, or low water level. That’s why careful troubleshooting matters.
Signs Your Well Pump Is Going Bad
Below are the most reliable indicators your pump is struggling, failing, or about to stop working entirely.
1. No Water Coming from Faucets
This is the most obvious and alarming sign. If all faucets suddenly stop producing water, the issue often involves:
A failed pump motor
A tripped breaker
A dead pressure switch
A failed capacitor
A broken pipe between the well and the house
A pump that can no longer lift water
When your home goes dry, follow this quick check:
Troubleshooting steps
Check the electrical breaker.
Look at the pressure gauge on the pressure tank.
0 psi means the pump is not running or can’t build pressure.
20–40 psi suggests the pump is running but struggling.
Listen for pump noise.
Inspect visible pipes for leaks.
If these steps show nothing obvious, the pump itself may be burned out.
2. Low or Fluctuating Water Pressure
A well pump should keep pressure stable. If you notice weak showers, slow sinks, or pressure that rises and falls, something is wrong.
Possible causes
Pump impeller worn down
Pump is too old to maintain pressure
Pressure switch malfunction
Clogged pipe or sediment blockage
Pressure tank losing air or bladder failure
Pump wired incorrectly
How to diagnose
Compare pressure levels across several faucets.
Check pressure readings during pump cycles.
Listen for rapid clicking at the pressure switch (a bad sign).
Low pressure is often the first warning before a pump fails completely.
3. The Pump Runs Constantly or Cycles Rapidly
A healthy pump runs only when needed. When it runs nonstop or turns on and off too often, it’s an indicator of serious system stress.
Reasons the pump may run continuously
Major leak between the well and the house
Failing pressure switch
Pressure tank bladder failure
Pump losing efficiency
Well water level dropping
Check valve stuck open
Why this matters
A pump that runs constantly overheats and burns out early. This is one of the fastest ways a pump fails permanently.
4. Air Spitting from Faucets
If water comes out mixed with spurts of air, your well system is pulling in air somewhere it shouldn’t.
Common causes
Pump pulling water below the well’s waterline
Cracked drop pipe
Loose or failed check valve
Tiny leaks in suction lines (jet pumps)
Clogged or failing pump impeller
Symptoms that pair with this
Pressure drops
Pump cycles more often
Water cloudy at first, then clears
Air in your lines is almost always a sign that a pump or pipe is compromised.
5. Dirty, Sandy, or Cloudy Water
Changes in water quality are a major red flag. A failing pump can disturb sediment at the bottom of the well or struggle to filter out fine material.
Why this happens
Pump sits too low in the well
Pump motor weakening and losing efficiency
Well producing more sediment
Worn pump components stirring up debris
Cracked well casing allowing contamination
What to look for
Grit in faucets
Water with a brown tint
Cloudy water that settles in a glass
Filters clogging quickly
A pump pulling sand or grit is often nearing failure.
6. Pressure Tank Problems That Look Like Pump Failure
A pressure tank that doesn’t hold air causes rapid cycling. This makes the pump turn on and off constantly, wearing it out.
Symptoms
Rapid clicking from pressure switch
Pressure swings from high to low
Pump turns on every time you open a faucet
Signs the tank may be the issue
Waterlogged tank
Bladder has burst
Tank loses air pressure frequently
Pressure tank issues stress the pump but may not require replacing the pump itself.
7. Higher-Than-Normal Electric Bills
A pump that runs too long or works too hard will consume more electricity. If your bill climbs for no reason, compare it with your water use.
Possible causes
Pump struggling against sediment
Impeller clogging
Pressure switch stuck on
Tank failing
Leak in underground line
Unusual energy consumption is often the earliest sign of hidden pump trouble.
8. Odd Noises Coming from the Pump or Well
Healthy well pumps run quietly. Loud sounds almost always signal a mechanical failure.
Sounds to listen for
Grinding
Screeching
Humming that doesn’t stop
Metallic rattling
Clicking that repeats rapidly
Each sound gives a different clue:
Humming: pump can’t start (bad capacitor).
Grinding: worn bearings or damaged impeller.
Rattling: drop pipe or pump movement.
Never ignore these noises—they almost always mean the pump is failing.
9. The Pump Takes Longer Than Usual to Reach Pressure
A slow-building pump is a struggling pump.
Why pressure build slows down
Pump motor weakening
Drop in water level
Leaks in underground lines
Pressure switch misreading levels
Sediment clogging intake
If the pump takes twice as long as it used to, failure is probably close.
10. The Well Itself Is Running Low
Sometimes the pump isn’t the problem—the groundwater is.
Signs of a low well
Water sputtering
Cloudy water from stirred-up sediment
Pump running continuously
Water pressure fading slowly throughout the day
Well recovery rates vary depending on rainfall, seasonal demand, aquifer depth, and well age. A low well frequently masks itself as pump failure.
How to Diagnose a Bad Well Pump (Step-by-Step)
Use this practical troubleshooting sequence to pinpoint whether the pump is the problem or the issue lies elsewhere.
Step 1: Check Power Supply
Inspect breaker box
Ensure pump switch is on
Check for blown fuses
Test voltage if you’re comfortable doing so
Many pump failures begin with simple electrical issues.
Step 2: Look at the Pressure Gauge
A healthy system typically sits around:
40–60 PSI for standard homes
30–50 PSI for older systems
If the gauge sits at 0 PSI, the pump isn’t building pressure.
Step 3: Inspect the Pressure Switch
Look for:
Burned contacts
Rapid clicking
Dirt or insect nests (common!)
If the switch doesn’t send the “turn on” signal, the pump won’t run even if the pump is fine.
Step 4: Test the Pressure Tank
Steps:
Turn off the pump.
Drain the tank fully.
Check air pressure with a tire gauge.
Tank pressure should be 2 PSI below the switch cut-in pressure.
If water comes out of the air valve, the bladder has failed.
Step 5: Check for Leaks in the System
Look for:
Damp soil over underground pipes
Water inside the well casing
Water running back into the well after the pump shuts off
Leaks force the pump to work harder and mimic pump failure.
Step 6: Listen to the Pump
A pump that hums, grinds, or overheats almost always needs service.
Step 7: Inspect for Sediment
Remove filters and check for sand buildup.
Heavy sediment indicates a deeper pump issue or well level problem.
Step 8: Perform a Flow Test
If pressure slows over time, the pump may be failing internally.
Common Causes of Well Pump Failure
There are several reasons pumps break down:
1. Age
Most pumps last 8–15 years depending on usage and water quality.
2. Low Water Level
A dropping water table forces the pump to run dry.
3. Electrical Failure
Bad wiring, breakers, or switches.
4. Sediment Abrasion
Sand wears down the impeller and motor.
5. Pressure Switch Failure
A bad switch prevents the pump from turning on properly.
6. Waterlogged Pressure Tank
Rapid cycling burns out the pump motor.
7. Corrosion
Older steel components corrode over time.
How Much Does Well Pump Repair or Replacement Cost?
The cost varies widely by pump type, depth, and problem.
Pump Replacement Costs
Submersible pump: $800–$2,500
Shallow jet pump: $300–$900
Deep jet pump: $600–$1,500
Repair Costs
Pressure switch: $80–$200
Pressure tank: $300–$1,000
Drop pipe replacement: $200–$800
Electrical repairs: $150–$400
Sediment/cleaning service: $150–$700
Replacing a pump in a deep well is the most labor-intensive and costly repair.
When to Call a Professional
You should bring in a pro when:
The pump runs constantly
You have no water at all
Pressure drops drastically
The well may be running low
Wiring or electrical components may be damaged
Water quality suddenly changes
You hear grinding, humming, or rattling noises
You suspect the pump needs to be pulled from the well
Pulling a submersible pump requires specialized equipment and two or more experienced technicians.
If you don’t know who to call or you’ve had bad experiences with unreliable contractors, DreamDen helps simplify that. It’s a marketplace where you can browse trusted well specialists, plumbers, electricians, masons, and other contractors in your area. You can compare reviews, check availability, and book help quickly—no guessing, no hunting for referrals.
How to Prevent Pump Problems
Keeping your well system healthy extends pump life and reduces surprises.
1. Inspect the Pressure Tank Annually
A failing tank is a silent pump killer.
2. Replace Filters on Schedule
Clogged filters force the pump to work harder.
3. Test the Pressure Switch Regularly
Dirty contacts and bad springs interrupt pump cycles.
4. Check Water Level Seasonally
In drought-prone areas, water levels fluctuate more than you think.
5. Monitor Sediment Levels
Excess sand accelerates pump wear.
6. Fix Small Leaks Quickly
Even a small underground leak strains the system.
7. Schedule Professional Maintenance Every 1–2 Years
A technician can test pump amperage, check electrical components, evaluate performance, and catch problems early.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a well pump last?
8–15 years on average, depending on usage and water quality.
Will a bad pressure switch mimic pump failure?
Yes. A failing switch is one of the most common misdiagnosed issues.
Is low water pressure always a bad pump?
No. It can be clogged filters, failing pressure tanks, or leaks.
Should I turn off my pump if it’s running nonstop?
Yes. Continuous running can burn the motor.
Can the well itself run dry?
Yes. Seasonal drought or overuse can lower water levels.
Final Thoughts
A bad well pump usually gives plenty of warning signs before it fails completely—low pressure, odd noises, constant running, dirty water, or air spitting from faucets. Understanding these symptoms helps you fix small issues early and avoid expensive emergencies.
If troubleshooting doesn’t solve the problem or you’re unsure where the failure is happening, a professional can pinpoint it quickly. And if you need help finding someone reliable, DreamDen connects you with skilled well specialists and plumbers in your area so you can get clean, steady water flowing again without the hassle of guessing who to hire.