What should I do first when the pump stops?
Work out whether the pump has power. Check whether lights and other circuits work, whether the pump's breaker has tripped and whether a switch is off. Do not touch wiring or open the pressure switch or control box, which carry electricity.
Listen. A pump that hums but does not run, clicks repeatedly or runs without moving water each suggests a different cause, so write down what you hear.
Make a quick note of anything that happened just before the failure: a storm, a power flicker, heavy water use, work on the plumbing or a change in water level. A short history often points straight to a tripped breaker, a lost prime or a damaged line, and your contractor will want to hear it.
- Check power and breakers
- Listen for humming, clicking or running
- Turn it off if it runs with no water
Why does the pump turn on and off quickly?
Rapid on and off is called short cycling, and it wears the pump and switch quickly. Common causes include a pressure tank that has lost its air charge, a faulty pressure switch, a leak in the system or a clogged line.
Tank and switch checks involve stored pressure and electricity. Ask a licensed well or pump professional to look at it, and shut the pump off at the breaker if it keeps cycling until help arrives.
Short cycling also raises your electric use and shortens motor life, so it is worth fixing promptly even if water still comes out. A contractor may check the tank air charge, the switch settings and the pipes for leaks. Ask for an explanation of what was found so you can recognize the symptoms next time.
- Watch the pressure gauge
- Check for dripping taps and leaks
- Call a licensed pro for tank and switch work
Why does the pump run but deliver no water?
Possible causes include a lost prime on a surface pump, a broken line or coupling, a clogged intake screen, a worn pump or a well that has gone low. Running a pump dry can ruin it, so turn it off if you hear no water moving.
Priming a surface pump follows the maker's instructions, which differ by model. If you are unsure, do not repeat attempts, and call a pro.
Look at the intake and the suction line on a surface pump. A cracked fitting or a loose clamp lets in air, and the pump may never rebuild pressure. Check that the water source still has enough depth to cover the intake, since ponds, cisterns and shallow wells can drop with the season.
- Do not run a pump dry
- Check for air leaks on the suction side of surface pumps
- Follow the manual for priming
Could the well be low or the pump worn out?
Wells can drop during drought or from heavy use, and pumps wear out with age. Extension well guides explain that when a well is low, spreading out water use can help while you get it checked.
A well contractor can measure water level, flow and pump performance and tell you whether the pump or the well is the problem. Well work may require licensed contractors and permits in your state, so ask your health or environmental office.
Water quality changes may follow a failing pump or screen. Sand or silt in the water can scour a pump and wear it down quickly. If you see sediment, ask the contractor about the well screen, the pump setting depth and whether a sediment filter is suitable for your system.
- Spread out laundry and irrigation
- Ask for a flow and level test
- Keep records of pump age and service
What about livestock and irrigation pumps?
Transfer, trough and irrigation pumps have their own quirks, such as clogged intakes, worn seals, air leaks and freezing damage. Drain and protect pumps and lines from freezing as the manual directs, and keep intakes clear of debris.
Never work on a pump while it is plugged in or running, and keep hands, clothing and hair away from shafts and belts. Use outlets and cords rated for wet locations.
- Drain pumps before hard freezes
- Check and clean intake screens
- Unplug before any hands-on check
How do I prevent pump problems?
Keep a log of dates, symptoms, repairs and pressure readings. Check the pressure tank gauge, listen to the pump at the same time each season and replace filters on schedule.
Know where your shutoff switch is and keep a licensed contractor's number handy. A little attention keeps a failure from happening at the worst time, such as during a storm or a freeze.
Key takeaways
- Do not run a pump dry, and shut it off if it will not move water.
- Short cycling needs a licensed pro to check the tank and switch.
- Work only on unplugged equipment, and leave wiring to licensed electricians.
- Keep a log and know your shutoff and contractor contacts.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Homestead & Small Farm Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.