No Water From Well: Emergency Troubleshooting Guide

It's 6 AM. You stumble to the bathroom, turn the handle—and nothing. Not a drip, not a trickle, just silence. Your heart sinks as reality hits: your well has stopped working. Before panic sets in, take a breath. You're not alone—this happens to thousands of well owners every year, and in many cases, the fix is simpler than you'd think. In fact, about 30% of "no water" emergencies we respond to are solved in under 10 minutes. This guide will walk you through exactly what to check, help you pinpoint the problem, and tell you when it's time to call in the cavalry.

Immediate Steps When Your Well Has No Water

Before you do anything else, follow these steps in order. About 30% of "no water" calls we receive turn out to be simple electrical issues that homeowners can fix themselves in minutes.

Step 1: Check Your Electrical Panel

This is the #1 cause of sudden water loss from wells. Go to your main electrical panel and look for the breaker labeled "well pump," "pump," or "well."

• If the breaker is tripped (in the middle position or off): Reset it by flipping it fully off, then back on.
• If the breaker trips again immediately: STOP. Do not reset it again. This indicates an electrical fault—possibly in the pump, wiring, or control box. Repeated resetting can cause a fire. Call a professional.
• If the breaker looks fine: Check for a blown fuse if your pump circuit uses them. Also check the disconnect switch near your pressure tank if you have one.

Step 2: Check the Pressure Switch and Gauge

Locate your pressure tank (usually a blue or gray tank near where the well pipe enters your home or in a pump house). Look at the pressure gauge:

• Gauge reads 0 PSI: Either the tank is empty and the pump isn't running, or the gauge has failed.
• Gauge reads normal (30-50 PSI) but no water: There may be a blockage or closed valve between the tank and your house.
• Gauge reads very low (under 20 PSI): The pump may be running but not building pressure—this suggests pump failure, a major leak, or low water in the well.

Step 3: Listen for the Pump

Have someone run a faucet while you listen near the pressure tank or wellhead:

• You hear the pump running: The pump is getting power. If there's still no water, the pump may be failing, the well may be low, or there's a leak.
• You hear clicking but no pump: The pressure switch is trying to activate the pump, but the pump isn't responding. This usually means pump failure or a bad capacitor in the control box.
• Complete silence: No power is reaching the pump. Check electrical connections, the pressure switch contacts, and wiring.

Step 4: Check for Obvious Leaks

Walk your property and look for:

• Wet spots or pooling water near the wellhead
• Water spraying from pipes in the pump house
• Soggy areas in your yard along the water line route
• Running water sounds when all fixtures are off

A significant leak can drain your pressure tank as fast as the pump fills it, resulting in little to no water at your fixtures.

Common Causes When Your Well Stopped Working

Once you've done the basic checks above, here are the most likely causes of no water from your well, from most to least common:

1. Power and Electrical Issues

Likelihood: Very Common (30-40% of cases)

Electrical problems are the leading cause of sudden well water loss. Beyond tripped breakers, issues include:

• Failed pressure switch: The pressure switch tells the pump when to turn on and off. Contacts can burn out or corrode, preventing the pump from receiving power. Cost to replace: $150-$300 installed.
• Bad capacitor: Submersible pumps use a capacitor to start. A failed capacitor means the pump can't start even with power. Cost: $100-$200 installed.
• Control box failure: Deep well pumps have a control box that can fail. Cost: $200-$400 installed.
• Damaged wiring: Wires can be damaged by rodents, age, or ground movement. Diagnosis required.

2. Well Pump Failure

Likelihood: Common (25-30% of cases)

Well pumps don't last forever. Most submersible pumps last 8-15 years, depending on water quality and usage. Signs of pump failure include:

• Pump runs but produces no water or very little water
• Pump runs continuously without shutting off
• Pump makes unusual noises (grinding, humming)
• Pump trips the breaker when trying to start
• Gradually declining water pressure over weeks/months before total failure

Learn more about our well pump repair and replacement services.

3. Pressure Tank Problems

Likelihood: Moderate (15-20% of cases)

The pressure tank stores water under pressure so the pump doesn't have to run every time you turn on a faucet. When it fails:

• Waterlogged tank: The air bladder has failed, and the tank fills completely with water. The pump cycles rapidly (short cycling), which can burn it out. You may still have water, but the pump runs almost constantly.
• Ruptured bladder: No pressure can be maintained. Water flow becomes erratic.
• Complete tank failure: Rare, but a corroded tank can develop leaks.

You can test your tank by pressing the air valve at the top (like a tire valve). If water comes out, the bladder has failed. Tank replacement: $400-$1,000 installed.

4. Well Ran Dry (Low Water Level)

Likelihood: Moderate, especially during drought (10-15% of cases)

Wells can temporarily or permanently run low on water. This is more common in San Diego County during drought years or in areas with declining water tables. Signs include:

• Water becomes muddy or sandy before stopping
• Air sputters from faucets
• Water stops after heavy use (irrigation, filling a pool) but returns after several hours of rest
• Gradually decreasing water production over months

"If your well runs dry after heavy use but recovers after a few hours of rest, that's a warning sign. Address it before it becomes a complete failure."

What to do: If you suspect a low well, stop using water and let the well rest for 4-8 hours. Often the water table will recover enough for limited use. However, if this becomes a recurring problem, you may need to deepen your well or drill a new one. Read our guide on protecting your well during drought.

5. Frozen Pipes (Rare in Southern California)

Likelihood: Rare in SoCal, but possible in mountain areas

While uncommon in most of San Diego County, homeowners in Julian, Palomar Mountain, and other high-elevation areas can experience frozen well pipes during winter cold snaps. Signs include:

• No water after a night with temperatures below 32°F
• Visible frost on exposed pipes
• Water worked fine before the cold weather

What to do: Never use an open flame to thaw pipes. Use a hair dryer or heat lamp on exposed pipes. Wrap pipes with heating tape for future prevention. If pipes are underground or inaccessible, call for help.

6. Broken or Leaking Pipes

Likelihood: Less common but can happen (5-10% of cases)

Underground pipes can break due to ground shifting, tree roots, corrosion, or accidental damage from digging. A major leak can prevent water from reaching your house even though the pump is working.

• Look for unexplained wet areas in your yard
• Check if your pump runs constantly
• Monitor your pressure gauge—it may build pressure very slowly or not at all

Step-by-Step Diagnostic Checklist

Use this checklist to systematically diagnose why your well pump has no water:

When Is No Water From Your Well an Emergency?

While any loss of water is urgent, some situations require immediate professional help:

Southern California Well Service provides true 24/7 emergency well repair. We don't just take a message—we dispatch technicians nights, weekends, and holidays. When your family is without water, waiting isn't an option.

What a Professional Will Do

When you call us for a no-water emergency, here's what to expect:

1. Phone diagnosis: We'll ask questions to understand the situation and give initial guidance.
2. Rapid dispatch: For emergencies, we aim for same-day service, even on weekends.
3. Complete system check: We test electrical components, pressure tank, pressure switch, and controls.
4. Pump assessment: Using specialized equipment, we can determine if your pump is working without pulling it.
5. Water level check: We measure the static water level in your well to check for low water conditions.
6. Clear explanation: We'll explain exactly what's wrong, what it takes to fix it, and your options.
7. Fast repairs: We stock common parts and can complete most repairs the same visit.

For low water pressure issues that haven't yet resulted in complete water loss, we recommend scheduling service before it becomes an emergency.

Preventing Future Well Emergencies

The best emergency is one that never happens. Here's how to prevent your well from leaving you without water:

• Annual inspections: Have your well system inspected yearly. We catch small problems before they become emergencies.
• Know your system: Learn where your pressure tank, electrical disconnect, and wellhead are located.
• Monitor water quality: Changes in water taste, color, or smell can indicate developing problems.
• Watch for warning signs: Declining pressure, sputtering faucets, or a pump that runs too often are early warnings.
• Keep records: Know how old your pump is. Plan for replacement around the 10-12 year mark.
• Protect during drought: Conserve water and avoid overworking your pump during dry periods.

Regular well maintenance extends equipment life and prevents most emergency situations.

Frequently Asked Questions