Well Pump Making Noise? What Different Sounds Mean

Clicking Sounds

Normal Clicking

• Pressure switch clicking when pump turns on/off
• Should happen only when using water
• One click on, one click off per cycle
• This is normal operation

Rapid Clicking (Problem)

• Clicking every few seconds
• Pump cycling on and off rapidly
• Cause: Pressure tank lost air charge
• Without air cushion, pressure swings rapidly

Fix for Rapid Clicking:

1. Turn off power to pump
2. Check pressure tank air charge
3. If bladder tank: should be 2 PSI below cut-in
4. Add air with tire pump if low
5. If tank won't hold air: replace tank

Clicking + No Water

• Switch trying to start pump
• Pump not responding
• Check power to pump
• May be electrical issue

Humming Sounds

What Humming Means

• Motor getting power
• Motor trying to start
• But shaft not turning
• Action: Turn off power immediately

Common Causes

• Bad start capacitor: Most common, cheap fix
• Seized pump: Jammed with debris
• Low voltage: Not enough power to start
• Bad motor windings: Motor failure

Why It's Urgent

• Motor draws high current when stalled
• Generates excessive heat
• Can burn out windings permanently
• Brief hum OK; sustained = damage

Surface Pump Humming

1. Power off
2. Try turning motor shaft by hand
3. If frozen: mechanical issue
4. If turns freely: electrical (capacitor)

Submersible Pump Humming

• Check control box first (3-wire systems)
• Look for burned capacitor
• If capacitor OK: may need pump pulled

Grinding Sounds

What Grinding Means

• Bearings wearing out
• Or impeller rubbing
• Metal-on-metal contact
• Pump is failing

Surface Pump Grinding

• Bearings are accessible
• Sometimes replaceable
• More often: replace pump
• Grinding = limited life left

Submersible Pump Grinding

• May hear through pipes
• Sand damage to impellers
• Pump needs replacement
• Must pull pump to address

Jet Pump Grinding

• Impeller hitting housing
• Bearing failure
• Sand in pump

Don't Ignore Grinding

Grinding won't fix itself. It will get worse until pump fails completely. Address soon to avoid emergency situation.

Banging Sounds

Water Hammer

• Loud bang when pump shuts off
• Or when valve closes quickly
• Pressure wave in pipes
• Can damage pipes over time

Causes

• Pump shutting off abruptly
• Check valve slamming
• Quick-closing valves
• High water pressure

Solutions

• Install water hammer arrestor
• Replace check valve with slow-close type
• Adjust pressure settings
• Add expansion tank

Banging in Pressure Tank

• Tank with failed bladder
• Water slamming inside tank
• Replace pressure tank

Other Sounds

Squealing

• Bearing issue (dry or worn)
• Belt slipping (jet pump)
• Air being drawn into system

Rattling

• Loose mounting hardware
• Vibration against pipes
• Debris in pump

Bubbling/Gurgling

• Air in lines
• Leak in suction line (jet pump)
• Low water level in well

Sputtering from Faucets

• Air mixing with water
• May indicate dropping water level
• Or leak in system

No Sound at All

• Pump not getting power
• Check breaker, switch, wiring
• Could be various electrical issues

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my well pump making a clicking noise?

Usually the pressure switch. If rapid clicking (every few seconds): pressure tank needs air. Normal clicking happens once per cycle.

What does it mean when a well pump hums but won't run?

Motor getting power but can't turn. Common causes: bad capacitor, seized pump, low voltage. Turn off power immediately to prevent damage.

Should I be worried about pump noise?

New or changing noise = pay attention. Humming, grinding, or rapid clicking need prompt attention. Occasional normal clicking is fine.

Why does my pump make noise even when not running?

Could be water hammer (pressure wave). Or noise coming from somewhere else (pipes contracting, water heater). Isolate the source.

How do I stop water hammer banging?

Install water hammer arrestor. Replace check valve with slow-close type. Consider expansion tank. May need professional help for persistent issue.