A failing well pump often gives warning signs before it stops working completely. Low water pressure, air sputtering from faucets, dirty water, frequent cycling, strange noises, and rising electric bills can all indicate your well pump needs professional attention.
Because well pump problems start gradually, though, the signs may be easy to overlook. However, early detection is important, as catching these warning signs can prevent costly repairs or sudden water loss.
Quick Takeaways
- Well pumps usually show warning signs before they fail.
- Low water pressure is one of the most common symptoms.
- Dirty water and air in the plumbing may indicate pump or well issues.
- Short cycling can shorten the life of your pump.
- Prompt repairs may help prevent complete system failure.
1. Your Water Pressure Keeps Dropping
When your pump runs but your pressure doesn’t rise above 40 PSI, your system has low pressure. This typically occurs when your system isn’t storing or delivering water properly. Low pressure could mean that your pump is worn out or that the spinning blades inside the pump (the impellers) are damaged.
Other possible causes for low water pressure include a faulty pressure switch, a waterlogged pressure tank, clogged sediment filters, malfunctioning check valves, or hidden leaks.
2. Air Sputters From Your Faucets
Sputtering faucets usually means air is entering the water line. You may have damaged pipes, a bad check valve, a leak in your system, or low water levels.
When air enters your water line, your pump must work harder to move both water and air through the pipes. These extra air bubbles can cause rapid cycling as the motor overheats trying to push the air out. You may also hear rattling or banging sounds, known as water hammer. This happens when air pockets disrupt the flow of water.
Schedule an inspection with our Benjamin Franklin Plumbing team if you notice higher electric bills, strange clanking noises, or sputtering faucets.
3. Your Pump Runs Constantly
A pump that runs constantly (short cycles) is a clear warning sign that your well pump has issues. In addition to wasting electricity, short cycling also strains the motor, causing it to overheat.
Short cycling could be due to pressure switch problems, such as burnt contacts, or pressure tank issues, like a ruptured bladder. You may also have a worn-out pump. A professional inspection can identify the exact cause.
4. Your Water Looks Dirty or Cloudy
Water in your well should always be clear. If it looks dirty or cloudy due to sediment or sand, something is wrong. Sediment or sand inside your pump is highly destructive. These particles behave like sandpaper, rubbing against the well pump’s components and slowly wearing them down.
Sediment also clogs the filters, forcing the pump to work harder. This extra work not only strains the system, but it can shorten the system’s lifespan.
Another reason the water may look dirty or cloudy is that your pump is positioned too low. If the pump is near the bottom, where all the sediment and dirt collects, the pump will suck in these particles, resulting in cloudy water.
Dirty water doesn’t necessarily mean your pump has issues, though. You may be having well issues instead. For example, if the groundwater level drops or the filter at the bottom of your well breaks, dirt will enter your well pump.
5. Strange Noises Are Coming From the Pump
Strange noises, such as grinding, clicking, or humming, usually mean there are parts that are damaged or failing. Remember, a submersible pump should run quietly. If it doesn’t, there’s a problem.
You may also be having motor issues, which could mean a mechanical or electrical problem. Other motor problems include a stuck switch or mechanical blocks. If your motor is humming but it isn’t starting, call a professional immediately.
6. Your Electric Bill Suddenly Increases
While a higher-than-normal electric bill doesn’t necessarily mean the issue is your well pump, it could be a contributing factor. A pump that has to work harder due to blocked pipes, worn-out parts, or broken valves will consume more electricity.
As your pump gets closer to the end of its lifespan, it will naturally become less efficient. This inefficiency forces the pump to run longer to maintain water pressure, increasing your electric bills.
Short cycling can increase your electric bill as well. Every time your well pump turns on, it uses a surge of electricity. This on-and-off again process ends up consuming a lot of electricity.
7. Your Pump Frequently Loses Prime (Jet Pumps)
When a jet pump loses prime, it means the water in the suction line is getting drained back into the well, leaving the pump with only air. The pump may run dry as a result and burn out its motor.
Lost prime can be caused by a malfunctioning foot valve at the bottom of the well, a bad check valve that gets stuck in the “open” position, leaks in the suction line, or a pump that is drawing water faster than the well can refill it.
If you’re frequently losing prime, schedule repairs immediately. Any repair delays can result in motor burnout and expensive replacements. You may also damage your system.
8. You Occasionally Lose Water Completely
If you’re losing water occasionally, your pump may be shutting down unexpectedly. Electrical problems, such as tripped breakers or a damaged control box, can also shut down your water supply. Check the control box to see if there are any melted wires.
Frequently losing water completely may mean your pump is nearing the end of its service life.
9. Your Well Pump Is More Than 10–15 Years Old
The average lifespan of a submersible well pump is 10-15 years, while jet pumps last 8-12 years.
Over time, a well pump’s components wear down. As parts become damaged or slowly degrade, the pump is forced to work harder. This strain can reduce efficiency, increase your electric bills, and shorten the system’s lifespan.
Replacing your well pump may be the better investment if your pump is past its lifespan, there are frequent repair issues, the repair costs are more than 50% of a new pump, or you’d like to upgrade to an energy-efficient model.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Well Pump?
Homeowners often have questions about whether they should repair or replace their well pumps. Here are some helpful tips.
Age: Most well pumps last 10-15 years. If yours is in that range, you’re better off replacing it.
Motor condition: If the submersible pump burns out, you’ll need to replace the entire well pump. If the jet pumps burn out, you can replace just the motor, making repairs a better option.
Repair costs: If the issues are minor, it’s worth repairing your well pump. On the other hand, if repair costs are more than 50% of a new pump, replacement is a more cost-effective choice.
Frequency of problems: If you have isolated repair issues and your well pump is relatively new, a repair is the better option. However, if you have frequent repair issues, replacing it will save you money over time.
Overall reliability: An aging well pump will show frequent signs that it’s failing. If you notice these signs, replace your system before it breaks down completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my well pump is failing?
A failing well pump will show specific signs of degradation. Some signs are strange noises, sputtering faucets, short cycling, or no water flow.
Can a failing well pump be repaired?
Yes, a failing well pump can be repaired. However, the repair depends on the specific problem. Plumbers can typically repair pressure switches, control boxes, and check valves. Worn-out motors cannot be repaired.
What is the average lifespan of a well pump?
The average lifespan of a well pump is 10-15 years. Well pumps may break down before that date if they don’t receive regular maintenance service, though.
Can a pressure tank cause the same symptoms as a bad well pump?
Yes, a bad pressure tank can cause the same symptoms as a bad well pump. A faulty pressure tank can cause short cycling, low water pressure, and inconsistent water flow.
Don’t Wait Until You Lose Water Completely
To prevent your well pump from unexpectedly failing, contact our Benjamin Franklin Plumbing team in Clearwater as soon as you notice one or more warning signs. We can inspect your well pump before any real damage sets in.
When you contact The Punctual Plumber® team, we’ll arrive on time, every time, with all the tools and parts needed for a basic repair job.
Worried that your well pump is failing? Contact our team for professional well pump repair services.