How Do I Know If My Shallow Well Pump Is Bad?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  1. Fluctuations in water pressure throughout the home.
  2. Strange noises or rapid clicking sounds coming from the tank.
  3. Spitting faucets.
  4. Scalding shower water.
  5. High electric bills.

How do you take apart a shallow well pump?

Why won’t my shallow well pump build pressure?


The water pump may have suffered internal damage to a seal, bearing, or impeller

. The motor will keep running but the pump is unable to develop normal pressures. “Damage” may include a broken impeller blade, scale or debris clogging the impeller or other pump components, or a failing pump seal or bearing.

What would cause a shallow well pump?

First – Check the Electrical System

The most common cause of well pump failure is due to

electrical problems

. Whether it’s an exposed electrical wire underground or if a fuse or circuit board has tripped, several problems can be traced to the well pump not receiving electrical power.

Why is my water pump not pumping?


A leak in your system will cause both of these issues

. Replace any leaking or damaged pipes and check the water level to make sure that your pump hasn’t exceeded the well capacity. A faulty pressure switch will also cause the motor stay on or cycle too fast. Double-check the settings, and clean the contacts.

How do you troubleshoot a well pump?

Can you hear a well pump running?


When a well pump turns on, you’ll hear the clicking of the pressure switch opening and closing

. If you hear frequent clicking when no water is flowing, you have problems outside the house and you’ll need to hire a pro.

How much is a shallow well pump?

Shallow pumps cost

around $1,000 to install

, while deep-well projects cost roughly $2,000. Most well pump units retail for between $100 and $1,200. The costs of replacing a well pump are based on the type of pump, its depth, its location and the size of your well.

How do you prime a Goulds shallow well pump?

Can you rebuild a deep well pump?


The submersible pump must be removed from the well before it can be repaired

. Remove the pump and associated piping from the well to repair a deep-well submersible pump. The pump is made up of a motor and an impeller. It may also have a check valve to prevent back-flow and a tail pipe attached below the pump.

How do you disassemble a pump?

  1. Disconnect the electrical wires entering the electric motor cover.
  2. Disconnect the circuit pump.
  3. Remove the screws (1)
  4. Uncouple the pump unit (2) and o-ring (13)
  5. Unscrew the caps (3), making sure you secure the impeller using a soft belt, so as not to damage the paddles.

Why is my well pump not kicking on?

Your well pump may have stopped working due to

lack of power

. Sometimes resetting a breaker or replacing a fuse affected by a power surge or brownout can fix this. If the well pump circuit breaker has tripped, the well pump itself may be failing.

How do you reset the pressure switch on a well pump?

How do you prime a well pump with a pressure tank?

What can damage a well pump?

  • Loss of Power. Your water well pump relies on electricity and if your power is out, it will not be able to pump water. …
  • Drought. …
  • Pump Size. …
  • Overworked Pump. …
  • Sediment.

How do I get my water pump to work again?

  1. Make sure the power is turned off. Never leave a pump plugged in while you’re working on it. …
  2. Gain access to the pump system. …
  3. Check for damage. …
  4. Test a hose. …
  5. Open the relief valves. …
  6. Attach the hose. …
  7. Turn on the water and wait for it to enter the tank. …
  8. Turn the power on.

How do I reset my well pump?


Hold the reset lever in the start position until the pressure builds up and the gauge reads over 40 PSI; then let it return to the AUTO position

. The pump should now run on its own and continue until the pressure reaches the cut out setting, (usually between 50 – 60 PSI), and then shut off.

How do you test a well pump motor?

What does it mean when your well pump is humming?

The humming sound means

the pump is working but there’s no water to move, so your pump is running dry

. If your pump has lost prime, or is running dry, this is due to a loss of water.

How long do well pumps last?

Depending on the equipment type and model, well pumps typically last anywhere from

8 to 15 years

. However, several factors can contribute to the premature expiration of a well pump.

How do you test a well pump check valve?

Shut off the water supply to the check valve. Follow the water line backwards (the flow of water is indicated by an arrow on the check valve) and switch off the next valve. Wait 15 to 20 minutes for the water pressure to subside. Check the valve for debris by tapping its side with the handle of a screwdriver.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.