7 Signs Your Well Pump Is Failing

Your well pump is like a heart beating deep underground—you never think about it until something goes wrong. Hidden 200, 300, maybe 500 feet below your property, it's been quietly delivering water to your family day and night. But right now, it might be sending you distress signals that you're missing. The sputtering faucet. The spike in your electric bill. That weird clicking sound from the garage. These aren't random annoyances—they're your pump telling you it needs help before it fails completely. Here's how to decode the warning signs.

The 7 Warning Signs of Well Pump Failure

1. Air Sputtering from Faucets

When you turn on a faucet and get bursts of air mixed with water—sputtering and spitting before water flows normally—it's a sign something is wrong with your well system. This air-in-the-lines problem can indicate several issues:

• Failing pump: A pump that's losing prime or has damaged impellers will draw air
• Drop pipe leak: A crack or loose connection in the pipe leading to the pump
• Dropping water table: If the water level has fallen below the pump intake
• Cracked casing: Damaged well casing allowing air into the system

Occasional sputtering right after pump installation or system work is normal as air clears. But persistent air in your water is a problem that needs professional diagnosis.

2. Fluctuating Water Pressure

Your well system should deliver consistent pressure. If you notice the shower weakening mid-use, or pressure varying throughout the day, your pump may be struggling. Common causes include:

• Worn pump impellers: Over time, impellers wear and can't maintain pressure
• Failing pressure tank: A waterlogged tank can't buffer pressure properly
• Pressure switch problems: Faulty switches cause erratic pump operation
• Partially clogged screens: Sediment blocking the pump intake

Normal pressure should stay between 40-60 PSI (or your system's set range). Wide swings or gradual decline indicate trouble.

3. Pump Runs Constantly or Cycles Rapidly

Listen for your pump. You should hear it kick on when water is used and shut off shortly after. Two abnormal patterns signal problems:

Pump Runs Continuously

If your pump never shuts off, it could mean:

• Leak somewhere in the system (underground pipe, toilet, irrigation)
• Pump can't build enough pressure (worn impellers, too deep)
• Pressure switch stuck or failed in "on" position
• Well recovery rate is too low for demand

Rapid Cycling (Short Cycling)

If the pump kicks on and off every few seconds or minutes even when water isn't being used:

• Waterlogged pressure tank: Most common cause—the bladder has failed
• Check valve not holding—water drains back after pump stops
• Pressure switch needs adjustment or replacement
• Small leak in the plumbing system

Rapid cycling is hard on your pump motor and should be addressed quickly to prevent premature pump failure.

4. Unusually High Electric Bills

Well pumps are efficient when working properly. A sudden spike in electricity use can indicate your pump is working overtime due to:

• Failing motor: Drawing more current as windings deteriorate
• Constant running: Never shutting off due to leaks or pressure problems
• Pump fighting restrictions: Clogged screens or pipes making it work harder
• Worn bearings: Creating friction and heat

If your electric bill jumps without other explanation, check your well system. A pump near failure often gives this warning before it stops completely.

5. Dirty, Sandy, or Discolored Water

Sediment in your water is never a good sign. While some wells naturally produce small amounts of fine sand, sudden changes in water clarity indicate problems:

• Failing pump: Damaged impellers can allow sediment through
• Pump set too low: Drawing from the bottom of the well
• Damaged well screen: Allowing sand and sediment to enter
• Collapsing well: Serious structural problem
• Dropping water table: Pump now drawing from sediment zone

Sediment damages your pump, clogs fixtures, and can indicate serious well problems. Have it evaluated promptly.

6. Strange Noises from the Pressure Tank Area

While you can't hear a submersible pump 300 feet underground, you can hear problems at the surface. Listen near your pressure tank for:

• Clicking: Rapid clicking from the pressure switch indicates short cycling
• Groaning or humming: Could indicate pump motor issues (sound traveling up pipe)
• Banging (water hammer): Check valve problems or rapid pressure changes
• Constant running water sound: Possible leak in the system

7. No Water at All

Complete loss of water is the final sign—and unfortunately means your pump has likely failed. Before calling for emergency service, check these items:

• Electrical breaker: Check if the pump breaker has tripped
• Pressure switch: Check for visible damage or burnt contacts
• Pressure gauge: Does it show zero? Normal range? Abnormally high?

If power is reaching the pump and it still won't run, the motor has likely failed. Don't continue trying to restart it—this can cause additional damage.

What Causes Well Pumps to Fail?

Understanding why pumps fail can help you prevent premature failure and know what to watch for:

Age and Normal Wear

Quality submersible pumps last 10-15 years on average, though some last 20+ years with ideal conditions. Moving parts eventually wear out—impellers erode, bearings fail, motor windings deteriorate. If your pump is approaching 10-12 years, start planning for replacement rather than waiting for failure.

Sediment and Water Quality

Sand, sediment, and mineral-heavy water accelerate pump wear. Each grain of sand acts like sandpaper on impellers. Hard water deposits build up on moving parts. Wells with these conditions may see pumps fail in 5-8 years instead of 10-15.

Running Dry

Submersible pumps rely on the surrounding water for cooling. If your well runs low and the pump runs dry—even briefly—it can overheat and damage the motor. This is especially common during drought conditions or with undersized wells.

Electrical Problems

Power surges, lightning strikes, and electrical issues can damage pump motors and controls. A whole-house surge protector helps, but pumps in areas with unstable power may fail prematurely.

Improper Sizing

A pump that's too small runs constantly trying to meet demand. A pump that's too large cycles on and off rapidly. Both scenarios cause premature wear. Proper sizing during installation prevents this problem.

DIY Checks Before Calling a Professional

Before scheduling a service call, try these safe troubleshooting steps that don't require going near the well itself:

Check the Electrical Panel

Look for a tripped breaker in your main electrical panel. Well pumps typically have a dedicated 240V breaker. If tripped, reset it once. If it trips again immediately, you have an electrical problem—call a professional.

Inspect the Pressure Switch

Located near your pressure tank, the pressure switch has a cover you can remove. Look for:

• Burnt or pitted contacts
• Insect nests (ants love pressure switches)
• Corrosion or water damage
• Loose wiring

Safety note: Turn off power before opening the pressure switch cover.

Check the Pressure Tank

Tap on your pressure tank from top to bottom. A properly working tank should sound hollow at the top (air) and solid at the bottom (water). If it sounds solid all the way up, the bladder has failed and the tank is waterlogged.

Look for Visible Leaks

Check all visible plumbing for leaks. A running toilet or dripping faucet can cause constant pump cycling. Walk your property looking for wet spots that could indicate underground pipe leaks.

When to Call a Professional

Contact a well service professional when:

• You've checked the basics and the problem persists
• You have no water at all
• Water quality has suddenly changed
• You hear unusual noises from the well area
• The pump breaker keeps tripping
• Your pump is over 10 years old and showing any symptoms

Learn more about our well pump repair and replacement services. We service all pump brands and types throughout San Diego County.

How Much Does Pump Replacement Cost?

"Catching a failing pump early can save you thousands. A $150 pressure switch replacement now is better than a $3,000 emergency pump replacement at midnight."

If your pump needs replacement, here's what to budget:

The cost depends primarily on well depth (deeper = more labor to pull and reinstall) and pump size required. Visit our well drilling cost guide for more detailed pricing information.

Preventing Premature Pump Failure

Extend your pump's life with these maintenance practices:

• Annual inspections: Have a professional check your system yearly
• Monitor your pressure: Note your normal pressure range and investigate changes
• Install surge protection: Protect against electrical damage
• Maintain proper pressure tank air charge: Check annually
• Address small problems quickly: Don't ignore warning signs
• Test water quality: Annual tests catch sediment issues early

Check our complete water well maintenance guide for detailed maintenance instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions