SC By SCWS Team | February 3, 2026 | 9 min read
High Electric Bill From Well Pump? 6 Causes & How to Fix
Your electric bill jumped $50-$100+ and you suspect your well pump is the culprit. You might be right. An inefficient or malfunctioning well pump can silently drain your wallet month after month. The good news? Most causes are fixable, often paying for themselves in energy savings within months.
📊 Normal Well Pump Energy Use
- • 1 HP pump: 1,000-1,500 watts while running
- • Normal run time: 2-4 hours total per day
- • Monthly usage: 60-180 kWh
- • Monthly cost: $10-$30 at typical rates
- • If you're spending significantly more, something's wrong
Why Startup Power Matters
Before diving into specific problems, understand this critical fact: starting a pump motor uses 3-5 times more electricity than running it.
Starting vs. Running Power
| 1 HP Pump | Amps | Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Running (normal) | 4-5 amps | ~1,000 watts |
| Starting (first seconds) | 15-25 amps | ~4,000 watts |
This is why short cycling (frequent starts) is so expensive. A pump that starts 100 times a day uses far more power than one that starts 10 times a day, even with the same total run time.
6 Common Causes of High Well Pump Electricity Use
1. Short Cycling (The #1 Culprit)
Short cycling—where your pump rapidly turns on and off—is the most common cause of excessive electricity use. Each start consumes that massive startup current.
Short Cycling Energy Impact
A pump that short cycles (turns on every 30 seconds) can use 2-3x more electricity than the same pump cycling normally (every 5-10 minutes). This alone can add $30-$60/month to your bill.
Causes of short cycling:
- Waterlogged pressure tank: Most common—no air cushion means instant pressure drops
- Undersized pressure tank: Can't store enough water between cycles
- Failing pressure switch: Incorrect cutoff points
- System leak: Pressure constantly drops, triggering starts
The fix: Usually a pressure tank issue. Recharging costs $75-$150; replacement costs $400-$1,500. See our short cycling guide.
2. Pump Running Continuously
If your pump runs non-stop (or nearly so), it's consuming power every hour of every day:
- 1 HP pump running 24 hours = ~24-36 kWh per day
- That's 720-1,080 kWh per month
- Monthly cost: $100-$200+ just for the pump
Why pumps run continuously:
- Major leak in system: Pump can't maintain pressure
- Failed check valve: Water drains back, pump can't build pressure
- Worn pump: Can't reach cut-out pressure anymore
- Pressure switch stuck: Won't turn pump off
- Cut-out set too high: Beyond pump's capability
The fix: Diagnose and address the root cause. A pump should turn OFF when pressure reaches the high setting (typically 50 or 60 PSI).
3. Water Leaks (Hidden Energy Vampires)
Every gallon that leaks is a gallon your pump must replace. Common leaks include:
Running Toilet
Can waste 200+ gallons/day. Pump may run nearly continuously. Cost: $30-$100+/month in extra power.
Underground Pipe Leak
Often unnoticed for months. Can be massive water loss. Look for wet spots, green grass patches.
Irrigation System Leak
Broken heads, cracked valves, line leaks. Pump runs during scheduled irrigation AND to replace leaked water.
Failed Check Valve
Water drains back down well. Pump must run to rebuild pressure repeatedly.
🔍 How to Find Hidden Leaks
- 1. Turn off all water fixtures in the house
- 2. Watch your pressure gauge for 30 minutes
- 3. If pressure drops with nothing running, you have a leak
- 4. Also listen for the pump cycling when house is quiet
The fix: Find and repair leaks. A $10 toilet flapper can save $50+/month in electricity.
4. Oversized Pump
A pump that's too big for your needs wastes energy in multiple ways:
- More horsepower = more watts consumed while running
- Larger motors draw more startup current
- May short cycle because it builds pressure too fast
- Works at inefficient point on its performance curve
Common oversizing scenarios:
- 2 HP pump serving a small household (1 HP would suffice)
- High-GPM pump with low actual water usage
- Pump sized for old, larger family now serving 1-2 people
The fix: When replacing your pump, get it properly sized for your actual usage. A 3/4 HP pump for a small household, 1 HP for average, 1.5-2 HP only for large homes with multiple simultaneous users.
5. Failing or Worn Pump Motor
As motors age, they become less efficient:
- Worn bearings: Create friction, motor works harder
- Damaged windings: Insulation breakdown increases resistance
- Worn impellers: Pump must run longer to move same water
- General degradation: Motor draws higher amps than rated
Signs Your Pump Motor Is Failing
- ✓ Gradually increasing electricity usage over time
- ✓ Pump takes longer to build pressure than it used to
- ✓ Unusual noises (grinding, humming)
- ✓ Motor runs hot (above-ground pumps only)
- ✓ Pump is 10-15+ years old
- ✓ Breaker trips occasionally
The fix: Have amperage tested. If significantly above nameplate rating, the motor is inefficient and replacement makes economic sense. See our pump replacement cost guide.
6. Excessive Water Usage
Sometimes the pump is fine—you're just using a lot of water:
- Irrigation: Landscape watering can dwarf household use
- Pool filling: Thousands of gallons
- More occupants: Visitors, returning adult children
- New water-using appliance: Hot tub, additional bathroom
- Livestock or garden: Agricultural water use
The fix: If usage is legitimately high, consider water conservation measures, efficient fixtures, or upgrading to a variable speed pump system that's more efficient under varying loads.
The Ultimate Efficiency Upgrade: Variable Speed Pumps
For maximum efficiency, consider upgrading to a variable speed (constant pressure) pump system:
Standard Pump
- • Runs at full speed or not at all
- • High startup current every cycle
- • Cycles on and off repeatedly
- • Uses same power whether running faucet or filling tub
Variable Speed Pump
- • Adjusts speed to match demand
- • Soft start—no high surge current
- • Runs continuously at low speed
- • Uses only the power needed
Typical savings: 30-50% reduction in pump electricity costs. A system costing $2,500-$4,000 more than standard can pay for itself in 3-7 years through energy savings alone—plus you get rock-steady water pressure.
Quick Efficiency Checklist
✓ Check Pressure Tank
Tap on it—should sound hollow at top, solid at bottom. Solid throughout = waterlogged.
✓ Listen for Cycling
Pump shouldn't cycle more than 4-6 times per hour during normal use.
✓ Check for Leaks
Turn off all water, watch pressure gauge. Should stay stable.
✓ Verify Pump Stops
Pump should turn off when pressure reaches cut-out (usually 50-60 PSI).
✓ Fix Running Toilets
Single biggest hidden water waster. Check all toilets for running.
✓ Review Irrigation
Check schedule, fix broken heads, consider reducing frequency.
Cost & Savings Summary
| Problem | Fix Cost | Monthly Savings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recharge pressure tank | $75-$150 | $20-$40 | 2-4 months |
| Replace pressure tank | $400-$1,500 | $20-$50 | 8-30 months |
| Fix running toilet | $10-$150 | $30-$100 | 1-2 months |
| Replace check valve | $200-$500 | $20-$50 | 4-10 months |
| Fix irrigation leak | $100-$500 | $20-$80 | 2-6 months |
| Variable speed upgrade | $2,500-$5,000 | $15-$40 | 5-10+ years |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much electricity should a well pump use?
A typical 1 HP residential well pump uses about 1,000-1,500 watts while running. With normal usage (2-4 hours of actual run time per day), this equals roughly 60-180 kWh per month, or $10-$30 at average electricity rates. If your pump is using significantly more, there's likely a problem.
Why is my well pump running up my electric bill?
Common causes of high well pump electricity use include: short cycling (frequent starts use 3-5x more power), pump running continuously (never reaching shutoff pressure), water leaks (pump runs to replace lost water), oversized pump (more power than needed), failing motor (drawing excessive amps), and continuous irrigation or other high usage.
Does a well pump use electricity when not running?
A well pump itself uses no electricity when off. However, some control boxes and pressure switches draw a tiny standby current (a few watts). If your pump is using significant power when you're not using water, it's actually running—likely due to short cycling, a leak, or failure to reach shutoff pressure.
Can a bad pressure tank increase electric bills?
Yes, significantly. A waterlogged pressure tank causes short cycling—the pump turns on for every small water draw instead of running longer, less frequently. Starting a pump motor uses 3-5 times more electricity than running it. Short cycling can double or triple your pump's electricity usage.
Will a variable speed pump lower my electric bill?
Yes, typically 30-50% savings. Variable speed (constant pressure) pumps run continuously at lower speeds rather than cycling on and off at full power. They eliminate the high-energy startup surges that waste electricity. They also extend pump life and provide better water pressure.
How do I know if my well pump is running too much?
Signs of excessive pump operation: you hear the pump kick on frequently throughout the day, pressure gauge needle bounces often, pressure switch clicks repeatedly, electric meter spins fast when no obvious water use, and your electricity bill has increased without other explanation. A normal pump should run 2-4 hours total per day for average household use.
Can a water leak make my well pump run constantly?
Yes. Any leak—running toilets, dripping faucets, underground pipe leaks, irrigation system leaks, or failed check valves—causes water loss that drops system pressure, triggering the pump to run. A single running toilet can cause continuous pump operation and add $50-$100+ to monthly electric bills.
How much can I save by fixing well pump efficiency problems?
Savings depend on the problem: fixing short cycling (bad pressure tank) can save 40-60% on pump electricity, fixing leaks saves whatever the leak was costing (often $20-$100+/month), upgrading to a variable speed pump saves 30-50%, and proper pump sizing can save 20-40%. Many homeowners see $20-$50+ monthly savings after repairs.
Ready to Stop Wasting Money?
Let us diagnose why your well pump is using excessive electricity. Our technicians can identify the problem, calculate your potential savings, and recommend the most cost-effective solutions. Many repairs pay for themselves within months.
