How to Fix a Well Pump

One day, you turn the faucet on and nothing happens. The well has run dry. Often the problem is the submersible pump itself, a pipe or the pressure switch. By testing the three parts of a well water system, you can determine what has to be replaced or what needs a tune-up.

Things You'll Need

• Screw drivers, Phillips and slotted
• Volt ohmmeter
• Pipe wrenches
• Socket set
• End wrench set
• Teflon tape
• Emory cloth

Instructions

1. Test the electrical operation to the motor. If the motor does not operate you should check the following using an ohm meter. Measure the voltage powering the pump motor so there is proper power. 120-volt motors should be receiving 120 volts and 220-volt motors should be receiving that power. Check fuses and circuit breakers.

2. Operate the pressure switch manually by opening and closing the switch, be sure the power is disconnected when performing this test. Visually inspect the round contacts to see if they are pitted. This is a common cause of none operation. Tear a small piece of Emory cloth and polish the contact surface. If they are too badly worn you will have to replace the switch. Follow manufactures installation instructions when setting pressure adjustments for your system.

3. Check for air leaks on the intake side of the pump. Air can cause cavitations to the pump and create a loss of suction. You may have to pull the suction pipe from the well. Visually inspect the pipe and any joints that are in the sections of pipe. Small hairline cracks have been known to grow into complete breaks in a short period of time. You may have to re-thread the pipe using the pipe wrenches. Make sure to seal the threads with a couple of rounds of Teflon tape.

4. Inspect the suction line check valve for proper operation while the line out of the well. If this check valve is defective it will cause the suction line to loose its prime. Replace this check valve, if there is any suspicion of this part is faulty as you don't want to pull the line twice.

5. Remove the pump housing itself and inspect the impeller. Remove all electrical power from the motor first before any disassembly. Use either the appropriate end wrenches or socket set for this housing removal. While the pump housing case is removed, inspect the large o-ring gasket. This can also cause an air leak in the pump. Replace all pump parts that are suspicious. Be sure to lubricate the o-ring before reinstalling the pump housing as it can tear or break upon reassembly

Tips & Warnings

• Depending on the depth of your well, you may need several other people to help you pull the pipe and motor.

• Follow all pump manufacturers reassembly instructions as failure to do so can void the warranty.