What to Do When Your Well Runs Dry

Experiencing this problem right now? Call us for immediate assistance.

A well running dry is one of a homeowner's biggest fears—and in Southern California's drought-prone climate, it happens more often than you'd think. But dry doesn't always mean empty. Understanding what's happening underground helps you make the right decision about recovery, deepening, or drilling new.

Common Causes

Drought Conditions: Extended drought lowers the water table across the region. Wells that worked for years can suddenly come up short.
Seasonal Fluctuation: Many wells naturally produce less in late summer and early fall when water tables are lowest.
Increased Demand: Adding irrigation, livestock, or new fixtures can exceed what your well can sustainably produce.
Neighbor's Well: A new or deepened well nearby can draw from the same aquifer, reducing your available water.
Pump Set Too Shallow: If the pump was installed above the current water level, it won't reach the available water.
Well Deterioration: Older wells can lose capacity due to clogged screens, collapsed casing, or sediment buildup.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Pump runs but no water comes out
Water production decreases over time
Air sputters from faucets
Pump runs longer to fill pressure tank
Sediment increases in water
Water disappears during high-use periods

How to Fix This Problem

1. Stop the Pump

Running a pump dry damages it quickly. If you're getting air instead of water, turn off the pump immediately.

2. Wait and Recover

Many wells will recover given time. Turn off the pump for 4-24 hours, then try again. Limit use to essentials.

3. Install Low Water Cutoff

This device protects the pump by shutting it off if water drops below a safe level.

4. Evaluate Options

If your well consistently runs dry, you have three main options: lower the pump if possible, deepen the existing well, or drill a new well.

5. Water Conservation

While evaluating options, implement strict conservation. Fix leaks, reduce irrigation, and consider water storage.

When to Call a Professional

While some minor issues can be addressed by homeowners, well system problems often require professional diagnosis. Call Southern California Well Service if:

You're not comfortable working with electrical systems
The problem persists after basic troubleshooting
You notice multiple symptoms at once
Your well is over 10 years old and hasn't been serviced

We offer same-day emergency service throughout San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a dry well recover?

Often yes. Many wells recover after heavy rains or reduced use. The aquifer refills over time. However, if the water table has permanently dropped, recovery may be partial or temporary.

How much does it cost to deepen a well?

Deepening typically costs $3,000-10,000 depending on how much deeper you need to go and whether the casing needs extending. It's often cheaper than drilling new.

Should I drill a new well or deepen?

This depends on the cause. If your aquifer has dried up, deepening may not help. A hydrogeologist can evaluate your options based on local geology.

How can I prevent my well from running dry?

Install a low-water cutoff to protect the pump, implement water conservation measures, and consider adding storage capacity for peak demand periods.

Need Help Now?

Southern California Well Service provides expert well pump repair and diagnostics. We've been solving well problems across Southern California since 2006.

Call (760) 463-0493 for Service