Warning Signs of Well Pump Failure
1. Declining Water Pressure
A gradual reduction in water pressure at fixtures is one of the earliest signs of pump wear. If pressure has noticeably declined over 6–12 months—shower pressure is lower, dishwasher cycles longer, garden hose flow is reduced—the pump may be losing capacity due to worn impellers.
First rule out simpler causes: check the sediment filter (a clogged filter causes low pressure downstream), verify the pressure switch setting hasn’t changed, and confirm the pressure tank is functioning correctly. If these are all normal, declining pressure points to pump wear.
2. Pump Short Cycling
If the pump is turning on and off every few seconds while water is running, this is “short cycling.” Short cycling is extremely hard on pump motors and dramatically shortens pump life. It is almost always caused by a failing pressure tank (waterlogged tank), not the pump itself—but if ignored, it will cause pump failure.
This requires immediate attention. A new pressure tank is a $300–$600 repair. A new pump driven by a waterlogged tank is $1,500–$5,000+.
3. Pump Runs Continuously
If the pump runs without shutting off, either it’s not able to build enough pressure to reach the cut-off setting, or there’s a broken pipe or open valve downstream that’s releasing pressure as fast as the pump builds it. A pump that runs continuously without cycling off is being worked beyond its rated capacity and will fail.
Shut off the pump manually and check all fixtures are closed. If pressure builds normally when all fixtures are closed, you have a leak somewhere. If the pump still can’t build pressure with all fixtures closed, the pump itself or the check valve may have failed.
4. Sputtering, Air in the Water
Intermittent air spurting at taps—water that comes out in bursts rather than a steady stream—often indicates a failing pump or, more commonly, a cracked drop pipe that is drawing air. In older wells, the drop pipe (galvanized steel or early plastic) can corrode and crack, allowing air to enter the column of water.
Air in the water can also indicate that the water table is dropping and the pump is periodically drawing above the water level. This is more common in late summer during drought conditions.
5. Discolored Water (Brown or Gritty)
Sudden brown or gritty water from a well that previously ran clear suggests the pump is pulling fine sediment into the water column—either because the pump’s screen has failed, the pump is sitting closer to the bottom of the casing due to corrosion of the drop pipe, or the water table has dropped and the pump is drawing sand into the intake.
Sand and grit in the water column accelerate wear on all pump components. This should be addressed immediately.
6. Pump Doesn’t Turn On
Complete pump failure to start can be caused by:
- Tripped circuit breaker (check first)
- Failed pressure switch
- Failed pump motor (thermal overload protector tripped, or motor burnout)
- Broken electrical connection at the pump
- Pump seized (from running dry or sand-locked)
Check the breaker first. If the breaker is not tripped, do not repeatedly attempt to start the pump—you may cause additional damage if the pump is seized. Call a pump contractor.
7. High Electricity Bills
A pump that is working harder than normal due to worn impellers, failing motor windings, or restricted intake draws more current. If your electricity bill has increased without an obvious explanation, monitoring your pump circuit’s current draw can reveal whether the pump is operating normally.
Pump Life Expectancy
| Pump Type | Typical Lifespan | Key Variables |
|---|---|---|
| Submersible pump (modern) | 10–15 years typical; 20+ possible | Water quality, run frequency, sand content, short cycling history |
| Jet pump (shallow well) | 8–12 years | More maintenance-intensive than submersible; above-ground components subject to temperature extremes |
| Pressure tank | 10–15 years | Water quality (hard water is hard on tanks); pre-charge air pressure maintenance |
When to Call vs. When to Wait
- Call immediately: No water at all; pump runs continuously without building pressure; pump trips breaker; sputtering or intermittent water with no obvious cause
- Schedule soon (within 1 week): Short cycling; declining pressure; gritty water; unusual sounds from pump or pressure tank
- Monitor and test further: Slightly lower pressure than last year; occasional air spurts; minor discoloration