By SCWS Team
February 1, 2026 · 12 min read
The power goes out—and suddenly you have no water. No flushing toilets. No showers. No cooking. If you've lived on well water during a storm, wildfire shutoff, or grid failure, you know that sinking feeling. Unlike city water that flows by gravity from municipal tanks, your well water stops completely because your pump can't run.
For San Diego and Riverside County homeowners, this isn't a hypothetical concern. Between increasing PSPS (Public Safety Power Shutoff) events during fire season and the occasional storm-related outage, being prepared for no water power outage scenarios isn't optional—it's essential. This guide covers everything you need to know about keeping your water flowing when the grid goes down.
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We install transfer switches, help with generator sizing, and can assess your well system's backup power needs. Professional installation ensures safe, reliable operation.
📞 Call (760) 440-8520Why Wells Don't Work Without Power
Understanding why your well needs electricity helps you choose the right backup solution. Modern residential wells use submersible pumps—powerful motors located deep underground, typically 100-400 feet down—that push water up to your pressure tank and home.
These pumps require significant electricity to operate:
- Running power: 750-2,000+ watts depending on pump size (1/2 HP to 1.5 HP typical)
- Starting surge: 2-3x the running wattage for 1-2 seconds when the pump kicks on
- Voltage requirements: Most residential well pumps use 240V power (same as your dryer or stove)
When power fails, the pump stops instantly. Your pressure tank provides a brief buffer—usually just enough water for one toilet flush and a few minutes of careful faucet use—then you're completely dry until power returns.
⚡ Key Difference from City Water: Municipal water systems maintain pressure through elevated storage tanks and pump stations with backup generators. Your well has none of these—it's entirely dependent on household electrical power.
Backup Power Options: Complete Comparison
You have several options for well pump backup power, each with different costs, benefits, and trade-offs. Let's examine each one:
Option 1: Portable Generator
The most common and affordable backup power solution. A properly sized portable generator can power your well pump and essential circuits during outages.
Generator Sizing for Well Pumps
| Pump Size | Running Watts | Starting Watts | Minimum Generator |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 HP | 1,000W | 2,100W | 4,000W |
| 3/4 HP | 1,500W | 3,000W | 5,000-6,000W |
| 1 HP | 2,000W | 4,000W | 6,000-7,500W |
| 1.5 HP | 2,500W | 5,000W | 7,500-10,000W |
Don't know your pump size? Check your well pump specifications or call us for help identifying your system.
Portable Generator Pros:
- Lowest upfront cost ($500-$2,000 for quality units)
- Can power multiple circuits beyond just the well
- Portable—useful for other applications
- Fuel is widely available
Portable Generator Cons:
- Requires manual startup and connection
- Must store and manage fuel (gasoline goes stale)
- Noisy operation
- Requires proper transfer switch for safe connection
- Won't help if you're away from home during outage
Typical Cost: $500-$2,000 for generator + $500-$1,500 for transfer switch installation = $1,000-$3,500 total
Option 2: Standby Generator (Whole-House)
A permanently installed generator that starts automatically when power fails. These units run on natural gas or propane and require no manual intervention.
Standby Generator Pros:
- Fully automatic—works even when you're away
- Powers entire home, not just well
- No fuel storage concerns (connected to gas line)
- Runs quieter than portable units
- Weekly self-test ensures readiness
Standby Generator Cons:
- High upfront cost ($5,000-$15,000+ installed)
- Requires professional installation and permits
- Annual maintenance required
- Natural gas may be unavailable in rural areas
Typical Cost: $5,000-$15,000 installed (includes automatic transfer switch)
Option 3: Battery Backup Systems
Home battery systems like the Tesla Powerwall, Generac PWRcell, or Enphase batteries can power your well pump—with some important considerations.
Battery Backup Pros:
- Silent operation
- No fuel storage or maintenance
- Can integrate with solar for extended/indefinite backup
- Automatic switchover
- Powers home during peak rates (utility savings)
Battery Backup Cons:
- Highest upfront cost ($10,000-$20,000+)
- Limited capacity—may struggle with pump's starting surge
- Finite runtime without solar recharging
- May require multiple batteries for 240V well pump
- Battery degradation over time (10-15 year lifespan)
Typical Cost: $10,000-$20,000+ for sufficient capacity (often paired with solar)
Option 4: Solar-Powered Well Pump
A dedicated solar well pump system operates independently from the grid, providing water as long as the sun shines.
Solar Well Pump Pros:
- True energy independence
- No ongoing fuel costs
- Minimal maintenance
- Can pump to storage tank for 24/7 availability
- 20-25+ year panel lifespan
Solar Well Pump Cons:
- Higher upfront cost than portable generator
- Reduced output on cloudy days (without battery)
- May require replacing existing pump with DC model
- Requires adequate sun exposure
Typical Cost: $3,000-$15,000 depending on well depth and battery inclusion
Option 5: Hand Pump (Emergency Backup)
A manual hand pump installed alongside your electric pump provides last-resort water access with zero power requirements. These are most practical for shallow wells under 200 feet.
Hand Pump Pros:
- Works without any power source
- No fuel or batteries needed
- Very low maintenance
- Relatively affordable ($500-$2,000 installed)
Hand Pump Cons:
- Physically demanding to operate
- Low water output (5-10 gallons per minute max)
- Not practical for wells deeper than 200 feet
- Won't support normal household water use
Typical Cost: $500-$2,000 installed
Cost Comparison: Backup Power Options
| Option | Upfront Cost | Annual Cost | Automatic? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portable Generator | $1,000-$3,500 | $50-$200 (fuel) | No | Budget-conscious, occasional outages |
| Standby Generator | $5,000-$15,000 | $200-$500 (maintenance + fuel) | Yes | Frequent outages, whole-home backup |
| Battery Backup | $10,000-$20,000+ | Minimal | Yes | Solar integration, quiet operation |
| Solar Well Pump | $3,000-$15,000 | Minimal | Yes | Off-grid, long-term independence |
| Hand Pump | $500-$2,000 | $0 | Manual | Emergency-only backup, shallow wells |
Automatic Transfer Switches: Essential for Safety
Regardless of which backup power option you choose, an automatic transfer switch (ATS) or manual transfer switch is critical for safe operation.
Why You Need a Transfer Switch
- Safety: Prevents backfeeding electricity into utility lines, which can electrocute lineworkers
- Equipment protection: Isolates your system from utility power fluctuations during restoration
- Code compliance: Required by electrical code for any generator connection
- Convenience: Automatic versions switch power instantly when outage occurs
⚠️ Critical Warning: Never connect a generator directly to your home's wiring without a transfer switch. This practice, called "backfeeding," is illegal, dangerous, and can kill utility workers attempting to restore power. It can also damage your equipment when power is restored.
Transfer Switch Types:
- Manual Transfer Switch: $300-$800 installed. You flip the switch manually when starting the generator.
- Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS): $500-$1,500 installed. Automatically switches to generator power when it detects an outage.
- Load Center/Subpanel: $500-$1,200. A separate panel for critical circuits (well, refrigerator, etc.) connected to generator.
Water Storage: Your First Line of Defense
Backup power is important, but water storage provides immediate access without any equipment—and serves as redundancy if backup systems fail.
Storage Recommendations
- Minimum: 1 gallon per person per day for drinking/cooking (3-day supply minimum)
- Recommended: 50-100 gallons for a family of 4 covers basic needs for several days
- Ideal: 500+ gallon storage tank provides security for extended outages
For comprehensive planning, see our complete water storage tank guide.
💡 Pro Tip: Gravity-Fed Storage
An elevated storage tank (on a hill or tower) can provide water pressure without any electricity. Your solar or generator-powered pump fills the tank during the day; gravity feeds water to your home 24/7. This is the most reliable backup system for rural properties.
San Diego Fire Season Preparedness
San Diego and Riverside County residents face a unique challenge: Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). During high fire-risk conditions, SDG&E preemptively shuts off power to prevent wildfires—sometimes for 24-72+ hours.
Fire Season Well Preparedness Checklist
- ☐ Before Fire Season: Test backup power system, service generator, check fuel supply
- ☐ Sign Up for Alerts: Register at SDG&E for PSPS notifications
- ☐ When Shutoff Announced: Fill bathtubs, containers, and storage tanks
- ☐ Keep on Hand: Fresh fuel (use stabilizer), charged batteries, 72+ hours stored water
- ☐ Document System: Know your pump's horsepower and voltage requirements
- ☐ Livestock/Medical: Consider automatic backup (standby generator or battery)
Properties in Julian, Ramona, Alpine, and other backcountry areas experience more frequent PSPS events. If you're in a high-risk zone, automatic backup power is strongly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size generator do I need to run my well pump?
Most residential well pumps require a generator between 4,000 and 7,500 watts. A 1/2 HP pump typically needs a minimum 4,000-watt generator, a 3/4 HP pump needs 5,000-6,000 watts, and a 1 HP pump requires 6,000-7,500 watts. Always account for the starting surge, which can be 2-3 times the running wattage. When in doubt, size up—an oversized generator runs more efficiently than one constantly at maximum capacity.
Can I use a battery backup system for my well pump?
Yes, battery backup systems can power well pumps, though they require proper sizing. A typical system needs 5-10 kWh of battery capacity to run a well pump for basic daily needs. Products like the Tesla Powerwall (13.5 kWh), Enphase IQ Battery, or Generac PWRcell can work well. However, battery systems have higher upfront costs ($10,000-$20,000+) compared to generators. They work best as part of a whole-home backup or solar integration.
How long will my pressure tank provide water without power?
A standard residential pressure tank holds 20-50 gallons of water, though only about half is usable before pressure drops too low. This provides roughly 5-10 minutes of normal household use—enough for one toilet flush and brief faucet use. After that, you'll have no water until power returns or you activate backup power. Larger storage tanks (500+ gallons) can provide water for hours or days without the pump running.
Will a portable generator damage my well pump?
A properly sized portable generator won't damage your well pump if connected correctly. However, cheap or undersized generators can produce "dirty" power with voltage fluctuations that may harm the pump motor over time. Use an inverter generator for cleaner power, ensure proper grounding, and never backfeed through your electrical panel without a transfer switch. Professional installation of a transfer switch is strongly recommended for safety and equipment protection.
How do I prepare my well for San Diego fire season power shutoffs?
With SDG&E's Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) becoming common during fire season, well owners should: 1) Fill water storage containers before announced shutoffs, 2) Have a tested backup power solution ready (generator with fresh fuel or charged battery system), 3) Consider installing a dedicated well pump backup system, 4) Keep at least 72 hours of stored water on hand, and 5) Know your well pump's power requirements. Properties with livestock or medical needs should prioritize automatic backup systems.
Get Your Well Ready for Power Outages
Southern California Well Service helps homeowners throughout San Diego and Riverside counties prepare for power outages. We can assess your well system, recommend the right backup solution, and professionally install transfer switches for safe generator operation.
Don't wait for the next PSPS event to leave you without water. A little preparation now means peace of mind during fire season—and every unexpected outage.
Serving San Diego, Riverside, and surrounding counties. Licensed and insured well professionals.