A steady water supply is essential for your home’s comfort, cleanliness, and safety, especially if you rely on a private well system. At the heart of that system is your well pump. When it starts to fail, the signs may be subtle at first, but left unresolved, they can lead to major disruptions in your household’s water pressure and quality. That’s why knowing the signs of well pump failure is critical.
Whether your faucet spits air or your water pressure drops suddenly, being able to detect early symptoms can help you avoid costly repairs or replacements. In this guide, we’ll explain the most common red flags of a malfunctioning well pump, offer troubleshooting advice, and help you determine whether it’s time to repair or replace your system.
Why Do Well Pumps Fail?
Most well pumps are designed to last around 10 to 15 years, but many factors can shorten their lifespan. Pump failure doesn’t always happen suddenly. It can be the result of gradual wear and tear, sediment buildup, or electrical issues that develop over time.
Your well pump’s job is to draw water from the ground and send it to your home’s plumbing system. Along the way, other components like the pressure tank, pressure switch, and pipes work together to keep your water flowing properly. If any of these break down or become inefficient, your system may show symptoms that look like pump failure, but aren’t.
Here are some of the most common causes behind pump issues:
- Sediment buildup in the pump or intake screen
- Faulty pressure switches misread the tank pressure
- Air leaks in suction lines
- Electrical problems, such as a tripped circuit breaker
- Running dry due to low water levels in your well
Understanding the full system is key to pinpointing the exact cause of failure and avoiding unnecessary pump replacements.
7 Warning Signs of Well Pump Failure
When something goes wrong in your well system, the symptoms are usually visible or audible. Below are the top signs that your well pump may be malfunctioning and in need of service.
1. Low or Inconsistent Water Pressure
A sudden drop in water pressure levels is one of the earliest and most common signs of well pump trouble. You may notice that water from your shower or sink is weak or that pressure fluctuates throughout the day.
While low pressure can result from clogged pipes, a leak, or a pressure tank issue, a malfunctioning well pump often can’t generate enough force to push water through the system. In homes with older or undersized pumps, this issue can also appear gradually over time as performance declines.
2. No Water from Your Faucets
Turning on a faucet and getting no water at all is alarming and usually points to a serious problem in your well water system. A damaged well pump, broken pressure switch, or dry well can stop your pump from drawing any water at all.
Before assuming the worst, check your breaker box to see if the pump circuit has tripped. If power is flowing and you still don’t have running water, it’s time to call a professional to inspect your pump, tank, and electrical connections.
3. Spitting Faucets or Air in Pipes
If air sputters out when you turn on the tap, your faucet may be drawing in air instead of water. This symptom, known as “spitting faucets,” often signals a leak in the suction line or air pressure imbalance in the pressure tank.
It could also mean the pump is pulling water unevenly due to sediment buildup or a cracked pipe. Over time, air entering the system can lead to short cycling and pump efficiency issues, increasing your risk of a full breakdown.
4. Dirty or Discolored Water
Seeing rust-colored, cloudy, or gritty water coming from your faucet can indicate that the pump is pulling sediment from the bottom of the well, or that corrosion is affecting your pipes or pump components.
In some cases, this may be caused by a leak in the well casing or a shift in groundwater levels that disrupts normal flow. Either way, discolored water is a warning sign that shouldn’t be ignored, especially if it’s accompanied by a bad taste or odor.
5. Clicking or Strange Noises
Well systems are usually quiet. So if you hear a clicking sound near the tank or unusual noises when water is running, that’s a clear sign of trouble.
Clicking typically comes from the pressure switch and can indicate it’s constantly cycling due to air loss in the tank. Other noises, like banging or humming, may point to a failing motor, broken impeller, or air in the lines. These sounds signal that your system is under strain and needs attention before more expensive repairs are needed.
6. Constantly Running Pump
If your well pump runs constantly, even when no one in the house is using water, something is wrong. The pump might be struggling to reach the shut-off pressure, or it could be losing pressure due to a leak or broken check valve.
In addition to wearing out your pump motor faster, continuous operation can cause short cycling, a phenomenon where the pump turns on and off rapidly, creating more stress on electrical and mechanical parts.
7. Higher Electric Bills
A well pump that runs more often than necessary draws more electricity. If your electric bill has increased but your household water usage hasn’t, that’s a potential red flag.
This could be due to a leaking pressure tank, faulty switch, or even a pump that’s lost efficiency over time. Tracking utility costs alongside visible water system symptoms can help you detect issues early.
Is It the Pump, the Pressure Tank, or the Pressure Switch?
One of the most confusing parts of diagnosing pump problems is figuring out which component is at fault. Here’s a quick diagnostic overview:
- Start with power: Check the circuit breaker and listen for pump activity.
- Inspect the pressure gauge: If it’s not holding pressure, your pressure tank might be leaking or waterlogged.
- Test water flow: Try running water from a nearby outdoor spigot. If the flow is weak or non-existent, the pump may be underperforming.
The pressure switch is another common failure point. A malfunctioning pressure switch may not trigger the pump to start at all, making it seem like the pump is broken when it isn’t.
If you’re unsure, it’s safest to call a licensed technician to inspect the full system and determine the root cause.
When to Repair vs. Replace a Well Pump
Not all pump issues require a full replacement. Many signs of well pump failure stem from minor parts like the switch or pressure tank. However, replacement may be the better option when:
- The pump is 10–15 years old
- Multiple components are failing
- You’ve had recurring issues
- The cost of repair approaches the cost of a new pump
Here’s a quick comparison to help decide:
| Factor | Repair | Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $150–$600 | $1,200–$2,500 |
| Downtime | 1–3 hours | 4–6 hours |
| Lifespan Boost | Short-term | Long-term |
| Common Use Case | Minor part failure | Old or inefficient system |
Expert Tips to Extend Your Well Pump’s Life
Proper maintenance can help you avoid premature pump failure. Here are a few proven strategies from professional pump technicians:
- Schedule annual inspections to check electrical connections, pressure levels, and flow rate.
- Test your water quality regularly, especially for bacteria, sediment, and minerals that can cause damage.
- Install a filtration or sediment trap system if your water has high debris content.
- In colder regions, protect your system from freezing by insulating exposed pipes and the wellhead.
These proactive steps can extend your pump’s life and protect your home’s water supply.
Conclusion
Understanding the signs of well pump failure, such as low water pressure, spitting faucets, or a constantly running system, can help you avoid costly damage and water disruptions. While some symptoms point to minor issues like a faulty pressure switch or clogged filter, others may indicate a failing pump that needs professional service or replacement. If you notice unusual behavior in your well water system, it is important to contact a licensed technician promptly to inspect your setup and restore reliable water flow to your home.
At Housatonic Valley Well Pump, our licensed technicians are ready to help if you’re dealing with low water pressure, no water, or other signs of well pump failure. We’ll inspect your system, identify the issue, and restore your water supply quickly and safely. Contact us today for reliable well pump repair and maintenance you can trust.
FAQs
How to know if a well pump needs to be replaced?
If your pump is over 10 years old and shows multiple symptoms, such as low pressure, frequent cycling, or no water, it may be more cost-effective to replace it rather than continue repairing it. A professional inspection can confirm whether the core components are still functional.
What are the symptoms of a failing well pump?
Common symptoms include low water pressure, no water from faucets, strange noises, spitting faucets, and higher electric bills. These signs usually point to stress on the system caused by age, sediment, electrical issues, or low water levels.
What is the most common problem with a water pump?
One of the most common issues is a malfunctioning pressure switch. When this switch fails, it prevents the pump from activating correctly, leading to low or no water pressure. Other frequent problems include clogged intake screens and air leaks.
How many years should a well pump last?
A typical submersible well pump lasts between 10 and 15 years with proper maintenance. Jet pumps may have a slightly shorter lifespan. Regular inspections and water testing can help extend this timeline.