How to Troubleshoot Water Well Pumps & Systems

When your water pressure drops to a trickle, check your well pump.

The only thing you need to know about operating your well system is basically how to open and close a faucet--unless something goes wrong. When your water pressure drops to a trickle or your toilet won't flush, your first reaction may be to call a professional. You may be able to save time and money by doing some simple troubleshooting before you make that call.

Things You'll Need

• Voltage meter

Instructions

1. Check the breaker that supplies power to your pump. If the breaker is tripped, push it to the on position. If the breaker trips again immediately, there is either a short in the wiring or the pump is worn out. If the breaker stays on for a few minutes or hours before tripping again, the pump is going bad and should be replaced.

2. Remove the cover on the water pressure switch. Inspect the contact mechanism on the pressure switch for obstructions. Check the voltage on the leads labeled T1 and T2 on the terminal bar. If the voltage is below 220, check your wiring and breaker for defects.

3. Inspect the water pressure gauge in front of the pressure tank. If the power is on and your pressure gauge reading is below 20 psi, turn off the power to the well pump.
   Inspect the switch's contact points. If they are open (not closing the power circuit to the pump) with low or no pressure in the tank, the pressure switch is faulty and should be replaced.

4. Close and reopen the main supply valve attached to the bottom of the pressure tank. A valve that is hard to operate can indicate a mineral buildup in the bottom of the pressure tank or supply line. This is rare, but can happen in wells with highly mineralized or hard water. If the lines are plugged with mineral buildup, replace the valves, tank and plumbing for the pressure tank.

5. Open the tank's drain valve and observe the water flow. A low volume with a properly operating pump indicates a plugged screen on the well's intake or a damaged impeller on the pump.

Tips & Warnings

• Corrosion on electrical contact points can create enough resistance to affect your pump's performance. Clean the terminal posts on your pressure switch while you have the cover off if you notice any oxidation.

• Water that has a whitish color indicates dissolved gases and could indicate a low water level in the well.

• Turn the power off before performing any maintenance on your well.

References

• PlumbingPro.org: Troubleshooting Well Pumps
• PumpsOnline.com: Trouble With Your Submersible Pump for Dummies
• LaPlata.co.us: Troubleshooting Guide

Resources

• PopularMechanics.com: How It Works: Water Well Pump