How to Troubleshoot a Shallow Well Jet Pump That Does Not Kick

Check the fuse or breaker connected to the jet pump circuit. If the fuse of breaker has blown or tripped, replace or reset it, and turn the pump on.

Call a technician to replace the motor if the fuse blows or the breaker trips as soon as the pump tries to start.

Make sure all connections are tight and that no wires are worn or crossed, which may cause your jet pump to short circuit.

Check the pressure switch on your jet pump, and make sure the contacts are clean and not worn or corroded.

Clean the pressure switch contacts with emery cloth if there is any buildup or corrosion visible, and replace them so that connections are tight.

Adjust the pressure switch to a lower setting. If the system pressure hasn’t dropped to the switch’s cut-in setting, it may not kick on.

Open the faucet nearest to the pump to drop the pressure in the pump to the cut-in setting. Remove the tubing running from the body of the pump to the pump’s pressure switch and blow through it to remove air clogs.

Warm up the tubing if it is frozen to thaw the ice blocking it, and re-install it when the blockage is cleared. Replace tubing that is cracked or worn.

Turn off the power to your jet pump if checking and cleaning your wire connections don’t get it to kick on.

Use a screwdriver to turn the impeller or motor and test the resistance across the capacitor using an ohm meter. If the needle doesn’t jump when contact is made with the ohm meter, the capacitor is shorted and you should contact a technician for service.

Remove the turn housing if the impeller won’t turn. Remove any debris or blockage that may prevent the impeller from turning.

Contact a technician for service if troubleshooting steps have not repaired the problem and your jet pump still does not kick.