How To Restart A Well Pump

Ever turned on the tap and been met with nothing but a sputtering cough of air? If you rely on well water, a silent faucet is a homeowner's nightmare. A non-functioning well pump can disrupt everything from showering and laundry to cooking and sanitation, bringing daily life to a standstill. Troubleshooting and restarting your well pump yourself can save you time, money, and the inconvenience of waiting for a professional, especially if the problem is a simple one.

Understanding the basic steps involved in restarting your well pump empowers you to take control of your water supply. While some issues require expert attention, often a quick reset or a simple adjustment is all that's needed to get the water flowing again. By learning to diagnose and address common causes of pump failure, you can regain access to your water and avoid unnecessary service calls.

What are the common reasons my well pump might fail, and how can I get it running again?

What could cause my well pump to need restarting in the first place?

A well pump typically needs restarting due to a loss of prime, a power interruption, a tripped breaker, a faulty pressure switch, or a mechanical issue within the pump itself. These problems can cause the pump to stop functioning, leading to a loss of water pressure in your home.

Loss of prime is a common culprit, particularly in shallow well pumps. The pump relies on suction to draw water from the well, and if air enters the system, it loses its ability to create that suction. This can happen due to a leak in the suction pipe, a low water level in the well, or a check valve that isn't functioning properly. Power interruptions, whether due to a storm or a tripped circuit breaker, will obviously halt the pump's operation. A faulty pressure switch, which controls when the pump turns on and off based on water pressure, can also prevent the pump from restarting if it malfunctions. Finally, internal mechanical problems within the pump, such as a worn impeller or a clogged intake screen, can cause it to seize or fail to restart after being shut off. Diagnosing the exact cause is crucial before attempting to restart the pump. Ignoring the underlying issue and repeatedly restarting the pump can lead to further damage. Check for obvious problems like a tripped breaker or visible leaks. If the problem persists, consider consulting with a qualified well pump technician who can properly diagnose and repair the system. They have the specialized knowledge and tools to identify complex issues and ensure the pump is running efficiently and reliably.

Where is the reset button typically located on a well pump system?

The reset button on a well pump system is most commonly found on the pressure switch, which is usually situated near the pressure tank. Look for a small, often red or yellow, button on the side or underneath the pressure switch housing.

Restarting a well pump often involves more than just pressing the reset button. The pressure switch monitors the water pressure in the system, and if the pressure drops too low, it shuts off the pump to prevent damage. This can happen due to various reasons like a loss of prime, a well running dry, or a leak in the system. Simply pressing the reset button might temporarily restart the pump, but if the underlying problem isn't addressed, it will likely trip again. Before pressing the reset button, it's crucial to investigate the potential cause of the shutdown. Check for any obvious leaks in the pipes or fittings around the pump, pressure tank, and wellhead. If the well has recently been running dry, it might need time to recover before you can successfully restart the pump. Consider waiting an hour or two to allow the water table to replenish. If the problem persists after resetting and checking for leaks, you should consult a qualified well pump technician to diagnose and repair the issue. Trying to repeatedly reset a pump that has a serious problem can cause further damage to the pump motor.

How long should I wait before trying to restart the pump again if it fails the first time?

If your well pump fails to start the first time, wait at least 30 minutes to an hour before attempting another restart. This cool-down period allows the motor to dissipate any accumulated heat, potentially caused by overheating or an electrical issue, and can prevent further damage to the pump.

Waiting before restarting is crucial for several reasons. Overheating is a common cause of pump failure, especially in submersible pumps located deep within the well. Restarting immediately after a failed attempt could exacerbate the problem, potentially leading to a burned-out motor and a costly replacement. The cool-down period allows the thermal overload protection switch, designed to shut off the pump when it gets too hot, to reset itself. This switch prevents permanent damage by interrupting the power supply. Furthermore, repeated, rapid attempts to restart a failing pump can put undue stress on the electrical components and the pump itself. This can lead to premature wear and tear, shortening the lifespan of your well pump system. It's always best to approach the situation with patience and allow the pump ample time to cool down and potentially recover. If the pump consistently fails to restart even after cooling down, it's a sign of a more significant issue requiring professional diagnosis and repair.

What safety precautions should I take before attempting to restart my well pump?

Before attempting to restart your well pump, the most crucial safety precaution is to disconnect the power supply at the breaker box. This prevents accidental electrocution during the troubleshooting and restart process. It is also important to ensure the area around the well pump and pressure tank is dry and free from standing water to minimize the risk of electric shock. Finally, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as rubber gloves for added safety.

Disconnecting the power is non-negotiable. Tag the breaker you've switched off with a note indicating you are working on the well pump to prevent someone from accidentally turning it back on. If you are unsure which breaker controls the well pump, it's best to turn off the main power switch to the entire house. Electricity and water are a dangerous combination, so prioritize eliminating the risk of electrical shock before proceeding with any troubleshooting.

Beyond electrical safety, assess the surrounding area. Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent the build-up of any gases that may be present, especially if working in a confined well house. If the well pump has been submerged in floodwater, contact a qualified electrician or well professional to inspect the system for damage and safety before attempting any restart. Contaminated water can compromise the pump's electrical components and pose a significant health risk.

Could low water level in my well be preventing the pump from restarting?

Yes, absolutely. Low water levels are a very common reason why a well pump might fail to restart. If the water level in your well has dropped below the pump's intake, the pump will lose its prime and be unable to draw water. This often leads to the pump running dry, overheating, and eventually shutting down, and it won't restart until the water level recovers or the pump is manually reprimed.

When a well's water level is too low, the pump essentially starts sucking air instead of water. This condition, known as "running dry," is very harmful to the pump. Most well pumps are water-cooled, meaning that the water flowing through them helps to dissipate heat generated by the motor. Without a sufficient water supply, the motor overheats rapidly. Many modern pumps have thermal overload protection that automatically shuts them down to prevent permanent damage when overheating is detected. Even if your pump doesn't have this protection, running it dry for an extended period will significantly shorten its lifespan. Repriming a well pump usually involves shutting off the power to the pump, locating the priming port (usually on top of the pump housing), removing the plug, and pouring water into the pump until it's full. After that, you'll typically need to replace the plug, restore power, and allow the pump to run for a short period to rebuild pressure. However, continually needing to re-prime a pump is a sign of a more serious problem, such as a leak in the suction line or a consistently low water table. In these cases, you may need to consult with a qualified well technician to properly diagnose and resolve the underlying issue to avoid permanent pump damage and ensure a reliable water supply.

How do I prime the pump if restarting doesn't work initially?

If simply restarting your well pump doesn't work, you likely need to manually prime it, which involves forcing water into the pump and well pipe to displace any air pockets that are preventing the pump from creating suction. This is typically done by locating the priming plug on top of the pump housing, removing it, and slowly pouring water into the opening until the pump casing and well pipe are completely full.

Priming is essential because well pumps rely on suction to draw water from the well. Air in the system disrupts this suction, rendering the pump ineffective. Before you begin priming, make sure the pump is turned off to prevent damage. You'll need a clean water source and a container to pour from. Locate the priming plug, which is usually a threaded plug on the pump housing. Once removed, slowly pour water into the opening. You'll hear air escaping as the water fills the system. Continue pouring until the pump casing is full and water starts to overflow from the priming port. After priming, replace the priming plug securely. Turn the pump back on and listen carefully. It may take a few minutes for the pump to establish a prime and begin drawing water. If the pump still fails to draw water after a few minutes, turn it off again and repeat the priming process. If repeated priming attempts fail, it could indicate a more serious problem, such as a leak in the well pipe, a faulty foot valve at the bottom of the well, or a failing pump. In these cases, contacting a qualified well technician is recommended to diagnose and repair the issue.

What does the pressure gauge reading tell me about the success of the restart?

The pressure gauge reading is a primary indicator of whether your well pump restart was successful. A rising pressure reading that reaches the cut-off pressure (typically between 40-60 PSI) and then the pump shutting off indicates a successful restart, meaning the pump is drawing water and pressurizing the system. A failing restart would likely show no increase in pressure, a slow and inconsistent increase, or the pump running continuously without reaching the cut-off pressure.

If the pressure gauge remains at zero or shows only a slight increase after the restart, it suggests the pump is not drawing water. This could be due to several reasons, including a loss of prime (especially common in shallow well jet pumps), a blockage in the well or intake line, a faulty pump motor, or a leak in the suction line. If the pump runs continuously but never reaches the cut-off pressure, it could indicate a leak in the plumbing system, a well that is not producing enough water to meet demand, or a faulty pressure switch. Here's a simple guide to interpreting pressure gauge behavior after a restart:

Well, there you have it! Hopefully, you've got your water flowing again. Remember to take it slow, be safe, and if anything seems off, don't hesitate to call in a pro. Thanks for giving this a read, and we hope to see you back here for more handy home tips soon!