Well Pump Repair: Tips and Solutions

I have been working as a plumber for many years, and I can say one thing—problems with water supply always require a quick solution. Especially when it comes to well pumps. If the water suddenly stops running in a house, it immediately becomes a serious issue: you can’t drink, wash, or even water the garden. Over the years, I’ve encountered various breakdowns and learned how to quickly identify the causes of malfunctions and find ways to fix them.

Well pump repair is not the easiest task, but if you understand how the pump works and its structure, you can handle even serious breakdowns. The key is to spot the problem in time before it gets worse. Sometimes the issue is just a clogged filter, other times it’s a burned-out motor. There are also cases where the pump gets stuck in the well, requiring manual extraction with special tools. It is worth paying attention to the expert opinion of specialists from Superior Plumbing & Heating who recommend that in such labor-intensive processes you contact technicians with extensive experience and positive feedback on the work performed.

Common Well Pump Problems

Breakdowns can vary, but some issues occur more frequently than others:

The pump is not drawing water. This is one of the most common problems. If the pump is running but no water is coming out, possible reasons include:
- A clogged filter or check valve.
- A broken impeller or worn-out pump wheel.
- Motor overheating and automatic shutdown.
Low water pressure. If water is coming through but the pressure is weak, the issue might be clogged pipes or worn-out pump components.
The pump won’t turn on. In this case, the issue is often electrical: faulty wiring, a broken start capacitor, or a burned-out motor winding.
The pump turns on and off too frequently. This could indicate issues with the pressure tank, a system leak, or a malfunctioning pressure switch.
The pump is stuck in the well. Sometimes, the pump is installed incorrectly or becomes covered with sediment, making it difficult to remove. In such cases, careful extraction using a winch or special tools is required.

How to Fix Common Issues

Each problem needs to be addressed based on its specific cause. Here are some of the main repair methods.

Cleaning the Filter and Valve

If the pump has stopped drawing water or the pressure has dropped, the first thing I check is the filter. It can become clogged with sand, silt, or other debris. The pump needs to be lifted, disassembled, and the filter and check valve thoroughly cleaned. If the filter is too dirty, replacing it may be necessary.

Checking the Electrical System

If the pump won’t turn on, I use a multimeter to check the voltage at the terminals. Sometimes, the issue is a broken wire, and other times it’s a faulty start capacitor. If the motor winding is burned out, replacing the pump is usually the best option since rewinding the motor can be expensive.

Replacing Worn-Out Parts

When repairing well pumps, I often have to replace the impeller, pump wheel, or sealing rings. These parts wear out over time, especially if the water is hard or contains sand. If the pump is serviceable, these repairs can be done without replacing the entire unit.

Extracting a Stuck Pump

One of the toughest situations is when a pump gets stuck in the well. If it’s simply caught against the walls, I try to rock it by moving it up and down. If it’s completely jammed, I use special tools such as gripping loops or a cable with a hook. In complex cases, calling a professional team is necessary to extract the pump without damaging the well.

Preventing Pump Failures

To avoid frequent repairs, I recommend following these simple rules:

Regularly clean the filter – check and wash it at least once a year.
Monitor the electrical system – inspect the voltage and wiring condition.
Avoid running the pump dry – always ensure there’s enough water in the well.
Invest in high-quality equipment – a cheap pump will fail much faster.

Well pump repair is a task that can often be handled independently if you understand how the system works. The key is to recognize early signs of failure and address issues before they escalate. Sometimes, a simple filter cleaning is enough, while other times, a complete pump replacement is necessary. However, with proper maintenance and regular inspections, a well pump can serve reliably for many years without major breakdowns.