Why does my well pump motor sound dry?

For jet pumps, a dry or grinding sound usually indicates bearing failure—the sealed bearings have worn out. For submersible pumps, you can't hear the motor directly, but grinding sounds at the surface may indicate pump problems or pipe/wire issues. A failing capacitor can also cause unusual motor sounds on jet pumps. If your pump sounds different than normal, have it inspected before complete failure occurs.

Well Pump Lubrication Guide: What You Need to Know

Q: Do submersible well pumps need oil?

Most residential submersible well pumps are water-lubricated and require no oil or lubrication maintenance. The motor is filled with water (or special motor winding fluid) that lubricates the bearings. Some larger commercial/industrial submersibles use oil-filled motors. You cannot add oil to a water-lubricated submersible pump. If a submersible pump fails due to bearing wear, the entire pump must be replaced—there's no field lubrication service.

Q: Do jet pumps need oil or lubrication?

Jet pump motors typically use sealed bearings that are pre-lubricated and maintenance-free for the life of the pump. You don't need to oil them. However, some older or industrial jet pumps may have grease fittings on the motor bearings. Check your owner's manual—if it mentions lubrication, follow the manufacturer's schedule. Most residential jet pumps made in the last 20+ years have sealed, lubrication-free motors.

Q: What maintenance do submersible pumps need?

Since submersibles can't be serviced in place, maintenance focuses on the surrounding system and conditions: ensure proper pressure tank operation to minimize cycling, maintain good water quality (filter sand/sediment if present), verify proper electrical supply and grounding, and protect against lightning/surge damage. The pump itself has no user-serviceable parts. Professional inspection every few years can verify amp draw and performance are within specifications.

Here's something that surprises many well owners: most modern well pumps don't need any lubrication at all. The question "how do I oil my well pump?" comes up frequently, but for the majority of residential installations, the answer is: you don't.

Submersible Pumps: No Lubrication Needed

If you have a submersible pump (the most common type for residential wells), it operates 100+ feet underground, submerged in water. These pumps are completely sealed and use one of two lubrication systems:

Water-Lubricated Motors (Most Common)

Motor is filled with water that lubricates the bearings
Water also cools the motor during operation
Completely sealed—no access for maintenance
Designed to run for years without service
When bearings wear out, the entire pump is replaced

Oil-Filled Motors (Less Common)

Some commercial and industrial submersibles use oil-filled motors
Motor housing is filled with dielectric oil
Still sealed—no user-serviceable lubrication
If oil leaks, it can contaminate your water supply
Modern residential pumps mostly use water-lubricated designs

Bottom Line: You cannot and should not try to add oil or lubricant to a submersible pump. There's no access point, and attempting to open the motor seal would destroy the pump.

Jet Pumps: Also Maintenance-Free

Jet pumps (both shallow well and deep well types) sit above ground in your basement or pump house. While they're accessible, modern jet pump motors also don't require lubrication:

Sealed bearings: Most motors made in the last 20+ years use sealed ball bearings pre-packed with grease
No grease fittings: Unlike older motors, there's no place to add lubricant
Design life: Bearings are designed to last the motor's expected lifespan
When they fail: Motor is replaced rather than re-lubricated

Older Jet Pumps

Some older jet pumps (typically 25+ years old) may have:

Grease fittings (zerks) on the motor bearings
Oil cups for sleeve bearings

If your pump has these, check your owner's manual for lubrication schedule. Typically a few drops of non-detergent motor oil or shots of bearing grease annually. But most pumps manufactured since the 1990s don't have these features.

What Maintenance CAN You Do?

While lubrication isn't part of pump maintenance, there's plenty you can do to extend pump life:

Pump System Maintenance

Maintain pressure tank: Proper air charge prevents rapid cycling that wears pump motors
Address water quality: Sand screens and sediment filters protect pump components
Protect electrical system: Surge protectors prevent lightning/power surge damage
Monitor performance: Note pressure, flow rate, and cycling patterns
Annual inspection: Professional check of amp draw and system performance

Signs of Bearing/Lubrication Problems

Even though you can't service them, knowing the signs of bearing failure helps catch problems early:

Jet pump: Grinding, squealing, or growling sounds from motor
Jet pump: Motor running hotter than usual
Either type: Increased amp draw (motor working harder)
Either type: Declining performance over time
Submersible: Grinding sounds transmitted through pipes (less common)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do submersible well pumps need oil?

Most residential submersible pumps are water-lubricated and require no oil or lubrication. The motor is sealed and uses water to lubricate bearings. You cannot add oil to these pumps—when bearings wear, the pump must be replaced.

Do jet pumps need oil or lubrication?

Modern jet pump motors use sealed bearings that are pre-lubricated for life. Most pumps made in the last 20+ years have no lubrication points. Some older pumps may have grease fittings—check your manual.

What maintenance do submersible pumps need?

Focus on the surrounding system: proper pressure tank operation, good water quality (filter sand/sediment), proper electrical supply, and surge protection. The pump itself has no user-serviceable parts.

Questions About Your Pump System?

Southern California Well Service provides professional pump maintenance and repair throughout San Diego and Riverside Counties.

Call (760) 440-8520

Pressure Tank Maintenance

The maintenance that actually matters for pump longevity.

When to Replace Your Pump

Signs your pump is nearing end of life.

Well Pump Lubrication Guide