Well Pump Running But No Water? Causes & Solutions

First Steps (Emergency)

1. Turn Off the Pump

• Flip the breaker to the pump
• Don't let it run dry—damages pump quickly
• A few minutes dry can ruin seals

2. Check the Obvious

• Is a valve closed somewhere?
• Is it freezing? Check for frozen pipes
• Did you just use a lot of water (ran well dry)?
• Any recent work on plumbing or well?

3. Check Pressure Gauge

• Briefly turn pump on (30 seconds max)
• Watch gauge near pressure tank
• No pressure buildup: Pump not moving water
• Some pressure: Blockage or closed valve

Common Causes

Low Water Level (Well Ran Dry)

Common Causes

• Heavy water use (irrigation, filling pool)
• Multiple fixtures running
• Drought conditions
• Low-yield well during peak demand

What to Do

1. Turn off pump
2. Wait 30-60 minutes for well to recover
3. Try again briefly
4. If no recovery, wait longer or call professional

Signs It's the Water Level

• Water was sputtering before stopping
• You were using a lot of water
• Pump got louder before water stopped
• This has happened before during heavy use

Long-term Solutions

• Install low-water cutoff switch
• Add storage tank for buffer
• Deepen well or lower pump
• Drill new well in better location

Pump Problems

Jet Pump Lost Prime

• Jet pumps must be primed (filled with water)
• Air leak in suction line loses prime
• Foot valve not holding

How to Re-Prime

1. Turn off pump
2. Remove priming plug
3. Fill pump housing with water
4. Replace plug, turn on pump
5. May take several attempts

Submersible Pump Failure

• Worn impellers (no longer moves water)
• Motor running but shaft disconnected
• Pump pulling air (water level dropped)

Signs of Pump Failure

• Pump hums but produces nothing
• No pressure buildup at all
• Pump is old (10+ years)
• Performance was declining gradually

Pipe Issues

Frozen Pipes

• Common in unheated spaces
• Check exposed pipes in pump house
• Thaw carefully with heat tape or hair dryer
• Never use open flame

Broken Drop Pipe

• Pipe from pump to surface has cracked/broken
• Water pumps out but falls back into well
• Requires pulling pump to repair
• Professional service needed

Clogged Pipe or Screen

• Sediment blocking intake
• Scale buildup in pipes
• May need flushing or replacement

When to Call a Professional

Call Immediately If

• You smell burning or electrical odor
• Pump makes grinding or unusual sounds
• Water didn't recover after waiting
• You're not comfortable troubleshooting

Call Soon If

• Problem keeps recurring
• Pump is old and declining
• You need to diagnose submersible pump
• Drop pipe suspected

What to Tell the Technician

• When problem started
• What you were doing when it happened
• Any sounds or smells noticed
• What you've already checked
• Age of pump if known

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I damage my pump by running it dry?

Yes—running dry quickly damages motor windings and seals. Turn off immediately if no water is coming out.

How long should I wait if my well ran dry?

Start with 30-60 minutes. Some wells need several hours. Low-yield wells may need overnight recovery.

Why would a submersible pump suddenly stop producing water?

Common causes: water level dropped below pump, drop pipe broke, pump failed, or check valve stuck closed.

Can a well run dry permanently?

Rarely permanent. Usually recovers with time. If it doesn't recover, you may need to deepen well, lower pump, or drill new well.

How do I know if my pump is bad?

If pump runs, draws proper amps, but produces no water or pressure even with adequate water level—pump has likely failed.