Annual Well Pump Maintenance Checklist

Regular maintenance keeps your well pump running efficiently and prevents expensive emergency repairs. This comprehensive checklist covers everything you need to do monthly, quarterly, and annually—plus what to leave to the professionals.

A well-maintained pump lasts 15-25 years. A neglected pump might fail in 8-10 years. At $1,500-$3,000+ for pump replacement, proper maintenance pays for itself many times over. Use this checklist to protect your investment.

Monthly Maintenance Tasks (DIY)

These quick checks take 10-15 minutes and can catch problems before they become expensive repairs:

☐ Visual Inspection

• Check for leaks — Look around the pressure tank, pipe connections, and fittings for drips or wet spots
• Look for rust or corrosion — Any orange staining on equipment indicates a developing problem
• Inspect the wellhead — Ensure the cap is secure and no insects/debris have entered
• Check the area around the well — No new sources of contamination (chemical storage, animal waste, etc.)

☐ Listen to Your Pump

• Normal sounds: A quiet hum when running, distinct click when the pressure switch activates
• Warning sounds: Grinding, squealing, excessive vibration, or clicking without the pump starting
• Frequency: Note how often the pump cycles—more than once every few minutes indicates a problem

☐ Check the Pressure Gauge

• Normal range: Usually 40-60 PSI (check your system's settings)
• Cut-in pressure: The PSI where the pump turns on (typically 30-40 PSI)
• Cut-out pressure: The PSI where the pump turns off (typically 50-60 PSI)
• Warning sign: Gauge stuck at one reading or wildly fluctuating

☐ Water Quality Quick Check

• Color: Clear, not cloudy, brown, or orange
• Odor: No sulfur (rotten egg) smell or chemical odors
• Taste: Normal, not metallic or salty
• Staining: No new stains on fixtures, laundry, or dishes

Quarterly Maintenance Tasks (DIY)

Every 3 months, perform these slightly more involved checks:

☐ Pressure Tank Air Charge

The most important DIY maintenance task. A waterlogged tank causes short cycling, which burns out pumps.

How to check:

1. Turn off the power to the well pump at the breaker
2. Open a faucet to relieve pressure and drain some water
3. Find the air valve on top of the pressure tank (looks like a tire valve)
4. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the air pressure
5. Correct pressure = 2 PSI below your cut-in pressure (if cut-in is 40 PSI, tank should be 38 PSI)
6. Add air with a bicycle pump or compressor if low
7. Close faucet and restore power

Warning signs of tank problems:

• Tank feels completely full of water (no air cushion)
• Pump cycles every minute or more frequently
• Tank is cold on top and warm on bottom (or vice versa)
• Visible rust, bulging, or damage to tank

☐ Clean or Replace Filters

If you have sediment filters, carbon filters, or other water treatment:

• Sediment filters: Check monthly, replace when visibly dirty (usually every 1-3 months)
• Carbon filters: Replace every 6-12 months or per manufacturer recommendation
• UV bulbs: Replace annually regardless of appearance
• Water softener: Check salt levels monthly, clean brine tank annually

☐ Electrical Visual Check

• Look at the control box for burn marks, melting, or discoloration
• Check that all covers are in place
• Verify the conduit is intact (especially if exposed to sun)
• DO NOT open or touch electrical components—visual only

Annual Maintenance Tasks

Professional Inspection ($150-$300)

A licensed well contractor should perform these tasks annually:

Pump Performance Testing

• Flow rate measurement — How many gallons per minute your well produces
• Drawdown test — How far the water level drops when pumping
• Recovery rate — How quickly the well refills
• Amp draw — Motor electrical consumption (high amps indicate wear)

Electrical System Check

• Test voltage at the pump
• Check amp draw against motor specifications
• Inspect wiring connections for corrosion or looseness
• Test pressure switch operation
• Verify ground connections

Physical Inspection

• Inspect wellhead and sanitary seal
• Check well casing condition (visible portion)
• Examine pressure tank for rust, damage, or wear
• Test check valves and other components
• Measure and record static water level

Annual Water Testing ($100-$250)

Test your water every year at minimum. Required tests:

Additional tests based on your area:

• Arsenic — Required in some areas with natural arsenic deposits
• Iron and manganese — If you have staining issues
• Sulfur — If you notice rotten egg odor
• Radon — Recommended in certain geological areas

Seasonal Maintenance Considerations

Before Summer (March-April)

• Test system under high-demand conditions
• Check that irrigation connections are working
• Clear vegetation from around wellhead (fire season prep)
• Verify backup power options if you have a generator

Before Winter (October-November)

• Insulate exposed pipes (even in Southern California, mountain areas freeze)
• Check pressure tank for signs of freeze damage from previous winters
• Disconnect and drain irrigation lines to the well system
• Verify heat tape is working (if installed)

After Heavy Rain

• Check wellhead for flooding or debris
• Monitor water quality (heavy rain can affect shallow wells)
• Inspect the area for new erosion near the well

After Earthquakes

• Check for new leaks in all visible piping
• Monitor water quality (earthquakes can affect groundwater)
• Look for changes in flow rate or pressure
• Schedule professional inspection if anything seems different

Warning Signs That Need Immediate Attention

Don't wait for your annual inspection if you notice:

🚨 Pump Problems

• Pump runs continuously — Could indicate leak, failed check valve, or low water level
• Pump won't turn on — Electrical issue, failed pressure switch, or dead motor
• Pump cycles rapidly — Waterlogged pressure tank or leak in system
• Unusual noises — Bearing failure, cavitation, or debris in pump

🚨 Water Quality Issues

• Sudden change in taste or odor — Possible contamination
• Brown or rust-colored water — Iron problems or disturbed sediment
• Cloudy water — Could indicate bacteria or surface water intrusion
• Air in water lines (sputtering) — Pump problem or falling water level

🚨 Physical Damage

• Visible leaks anywhere — Fix immediately to prevent damage
• Damaged well cap — Opens system to contamination
• Electrical burning smell — Turn off power immediately and call a professional
• Pressure tank bulging or leaking — Needs immediate replacement

Printable Maintenance Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

Professional Maintenance Services

Southern California Well Service offers comprehensive annual maintenance packages that include:

• Complete pump performance test
• Electrical system inspection
• Pressure tank evaluation
• Water quality sampling
• Written report with recommendations
• Priority scheduling for any needed repairs