What Should I Do If My Well Pump Fails?

Have you suddenly lost water pressure or discovered no water coming from your taps when you need it most?

What to do first when your well pump fails

When your well pump stops working, quick and calm action matters. You’ll want to assess the situation safely, avoid causing further damage, and secure a temporary water supply if necessary. This section walks you through the immediate steps so you can make smart choices before calling a professional.

• Check other water points in your home — determine whether the problem affects a single tap or the entire house.
• Turn off any appliances that use water (dishwasher, washing machine, etc.) to prevent damage when pressure drops or returns.
• Conserve any stored water and switch to bottled water for drinking and cooking if you suspect contamination.

How well systems work — a quick primer

Understanding basic well components helps you troubleshoot and communicate clearly with a technician. You don’t need to be an expert, but knowing the parts will speed diagnosis.

• Well pump: Either submersible (inside the well) or jet pump (above ground, for shallow wells). It moves water from the aquifer to your home.
• Pressure tank: Stores pressurized water so the pump doesn’t run every time you open a faucet.
• Pressure switch: Turns the pump on and off based on tank pressure.
• Check valve/non-return valve: Prevents water from flowing back down the well.
• Well cap and casing: Protect the top of the well from contamination and physical damage.

Quick safety checks you can do immediately

Before touching anything, use these basic checks to rule out simple causes. You’ll avoid unnecessary service calls and be ready to give accurate information to a technician.

Electrical checks

Always prioritize safety when dealing with electrical systems.

• Check your circuit breaker or fuse box for a tripped breaker or blown fuse controlling the well pump.
• If your pump has a separate disconnect switch near the pressure tank or pump, make sure it’s in the ON position.
• Smell for burning or scorched wiring — if present, don’t touch anything and call a pro.

Visible equipment checks

You can visually inspect accessible items without opening equipment.

• Look at the pressure gauge on the tank. If it reads zero or fluctuates, that gives a clue.
• Listen near the pressure tank for the pump running (a steady hum) or for frequent short cycling (rapid on-off).
• Check for leaks around pipes, joints, and the pressure tank. Visible leaks reduce pressure and can indicate a failure elsewhere.

Troubleshooting symptoms and likely causes

This table helps you match common symptoms to likely causes and what to do next. It’s a practical checklist you can use when communicating with a technician.

When to call a professional

You should call a licensed well contractor or pump technician in these situations:

• You’ve checked breakers and basic controls and the pump still won’t run.
• The pump runs but produces no water, or pumps water intermittently.
• You smell burning, see damaged wiring, or detect unusual noises.
• There’s an unexpected loss of prime in a jet system and you’re unsure how to re-prime safely.

If electrical or mechanical work is needed, a trained technician will protect you and the system. If you suspect contamination, also contact local public health or environmental agencies for guidance.

What to tell the technician

Giving clear information speeds diagnosis and reduces trip time. Have these points ready when you call:

• When did the problem start and what symptoms did you notice?
• Does the problem affect only certain taps or the whole house?
• Did you check breakers and the pressure gauge? What readings did you get?
• Age of pump, model (if known), and any recent maintenance or events (storm, lightning strike, well lid removal).
• Any visible signs such as leaks, noises, or water quality changes.

Temporary water solutions while waiting for repair

You’ll want a safe water source while the well is out of service. Options vary by duration of outage and available resources.

• Bottled water for drinking and cooking is best for short-term outages.
• Use a neighbor’s water or a community source if available and safe.
• For non-potable needs like flushing, you can fill toilets slowly from stored water or use graywater sparingly.
• If you have an auxiliary system (cistern, rainwater, or stored tank), ensure it’s been maintained and is safe for use.

Diagnosing pump types — what it means for repair

The type of pump affects common failure modes and repair complexity.

Submersible pumps

• Located inside the well, generally more efficient and quieter.
• Common failures: motor burnout, seal failure, intake blockage.
• Repairs often involve pulling the pump from the well, which requires a professional.

Jet pumps

• Located above ground; used on shallow wells or with shallow pumps.
• Common failures: loss of prime, worn impellers, broken suction pipe.
• Sometimes re-priming or replacing parts is possible by an experienced homeowner, but many repairs still require a pro.

Costs — what to expect

Repair and replacement costs vary by region, well depth, pump type, and parts. The table below provides rough ranges to help you budget.

Note: Local labor rates, well depth, and complexity can significantly change prices. Get written estimates.

Preventive maintenance to reduce failure risk

Routine care extends the life of your pump and reduces emergency repairs. You can do several tasks yourself and schedule professional checks annually.

Homeowner tasks (monthly to quarterly)

• Inspect the area around the wellhead for pooling water, damage, or vents blocked by debris.
• Monitor water pressure and note any changes.
• Keep detailed notes on any unusual sounds or behavior of the system.

Annual tasks (recommended professional service)

• Inspect pressure tank condition and air charge.
• Service pump controls, pressure switch, and wiring.
• Check well casing, cap, and visible plumbing for integrity.
• Annual water testing for bacteria and nitrates (or more often if you see changes).

How water wells can be contaminated by septic systems

Yes — under certain conditions, septic systems can contaminate nearby wells. Understanding how contamination happens helps you prevent risk and respond appropriately if you suspect a problem.

How contamination occurs

• Septic systems treat household wastewater on site. If components fail, overflow, or are poorly sited, untreated sewage can reach groundwater.
• Pathogens (bacteria, viruses, protozoa), nutrients (nitrate, phosphorus), and chemicals can travel through groundwater to a well.
• Soil type and groundwater flow are critical: coarse, sandy soils transmit contaminants more rapidly than dense clay soils.

Factors that increase contamination risk

• Inadequate setback distance between septic system and well.
• Failing or overloaded septic systems (e.g., too many occupants, blocked drainfield).
• High groundwater table or shallow well construction.
• Improperly sealed or damaged well caps and casings.
• Surface water pooling around system or direct pathways like fractures or drainage ditches.

Typical contaminants from septic systems

• Bacteria such as E. coli and other coliforms
• Viruses and protozoan parasites (e.g., Giardia, Cryptosporidium)
• Nitrate and nitrite (can cause health issues for infants)
• Organic chemicals from cleaners, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products

How far should a well be from a septic system?

Setback guidelines vary by state and local authority. Typical minimum recommendations include:

• 50 to 100 feet between a well and septic tank.
• 100 to 200 feet between a well and drainfield/leach field.

These distances are general. Local regulations can be stricter, and site conditions (slope, soil permeability, groundwater flow) can require greater separation. Always check local health department or environmental agency rules when siting or repairing systems.

Signs your well may be contaminated

Be alert to sudden changes in water quality or household health that could indicate contamination.

• Cloudy, discolored, or foul-smelling water.
• Sudden bitter or metallic taste.
• Illness among household members, especially gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Algae growth, increased plumbing corrosion, or unusual stains.
• Turbidity or particles appearing after heavy rain.

If you notice any of these, stop using the water for drinking and cooking until testing confirms safety.

Testing your well water

Testing is the only way to know if your well is contaminated. You should test:

• Annually for coliform bacteria and nitrates at minimum.
• After repair, after flooding, or if any household member becomes ill.
• If you suspect septic contamination, test for coliform bacteria, E. coli, and nitrate/nitrite. Additional tests for viruses or specific chemicals may be recommended by public health authorities.

Use certified labs and follow sampling instructions carefully to get reliable results.

What to do if test results show contamination

If tests confirm contamination, take immediate actions to protect health and remediate the well.

• Stop using the well water for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth.
• For short-term disinfection, boiling water for at least one minute will kill bacteria and viruses (three minutes at high elevations).
• Consider shock chlorination (well disinfection) if contamination is limited and source corrected. This is often done by a professional and requires retesting afterward.
• If contamination persists, investigate septic system function, wellhead integrity, and site hydrology. Repair or replace failing septic components and/or well casing as needed.
• Consult local health authorities for guidance on long-term solutions and reporting requirements.

Shock chlorination — what it does and when it’s appropriate

Shock chlorination injects a concentrated chlorine solution into the well to disinfect it. It can be effective for bacterial contamination when the source is controlled.

• Pros: Relatively inexpensive, can disinfect the well and plumbing.
• Cons: Does not remove chemical contamination like nitrates; improper application can damage well components or plumbing if done incorrectly.

Best practice: Hire a licensed well contractor or follow public health guidance precisely, then retest water after treatment and again after 7–10 days.

Long-term remediation if septic contamination is confirmed

If septic systems are the confirmed source, solutions may involve multiple steps:

• Repair or replace failing septic components: pump tank, baffles, drainfield.
• Improve system design for increased capacity or better treatment (e.g., advanced treatment units).
• Increase setback from well or relocate well if feasible.
• Upgrade well casing and seal to prevent surface infiltration.
• Install point-of-use or point-of-entry treatment systems (e.g., UV, reverse osmosis) as interim or supplemental measures.

Coordination with local public health ensures compliance and safety.

Preventing contamination — practical steps

You can lower contamination risk with a combination of good design and everyday practices.

• Maintain proper setbacks when planning new wells or septic systems.
• Pump septic tanks on a regular schedule (typically every 3–5 years) and inspect drainfields.
• Avoid discharging hazardous chemicals down drains; use appropriate disposal.
• Keep the wellhead sealed, don’t leave well caps open, and maintain a sanitary area around the well.
• Divert surface water away from the well and septic system.

Record-keeping and documentation

Keep records of all maintenance, tests, repairs, and service calls. These notes help technicians diagnose problems faster and provide valuable history when selling a property or dealing with regulatory inspections.

Include in your records:

• Dates of inspections and who performed them
• Water test results with lab reports
• Receipts and descriptions of repairs and replaced parts
• Pump make, model, and age

When to involve public health or regulatory agencies

If you find contamination that poses a public health risk (E. coli positive, very high nitrates, or known sewage input), contact your local health department. They can provide testing resources, guidance on remedial steps, and regulatory requirements.

If the contamination affects multiple households or a community, authorities will coordinate a broader response.

Frequently asked questions

How long will it take to repair or replace a pump?

Small repairs (switches, wiring) can often be completed in a day. Pulling and replacing a submersible pump, especially from deep wells, can take a day or more depending on well depth and site access. Complex jobs or scheduling delays can extend repairs.

Can you keep using the water while repairs are underway?

You should avoid using the well for drinking or cooking if contamination is suspected or if the pump is being repaired and risk of backflow exists. For simple electrical issues where the pump is simply off, non-potable uses like flushing may be possible, but always prioritize safety.

Will replacing the pump fix water quality issues?

No. Pump replacement restores mechanical function but does not address water contamination. If water quality is poor, a separate investigation and treatment are needed.

Final checklist for handling a well pump failure

• Turn off appliances that use water.
• Check breakers and visible equipment safely.
• Record symptoms, pressure gauge readings, and any recent events.
• Contact a licensed well professional for diagnosis and repairs.
• Secure a temporary safe water supply (bottled water).
• Test your water after repair and if contamination is suspected.
• If contamination is confirmed, follow public health guidance and remediate septic or site issues.

Closing thoughts

When your well pump fails, acting calmly, doing simple safety checks, and contacting a licensed professional are the most important initial steps. You’re protecting not just your plumbing and equipment but also your health. Regular maintenance, testing, and proper septic system care significantly reduce the chances of both pump failure and contamination. Keep records of work and tests, and don’t hesitate to consult local health authorities if contamination or illness is a concern.