Broken Water Well Pump

Symptoms

• According to the National Pump Company, when a well pump motor is broken, it often blows the fuse it is wired to when it attempts to start up. Wiring problems also lead to shorting or failure to start. Check for wiring problems with a multimeter and compare how the pump is wired to the wiring diagram on the motor. Problems in the well pump are also indicated by a unit that overheats and shuts off or stops and starts constantly.

Causes

• While the motor in the well pump can burn out completely, loose or damaged wiring is far more common. Dirt and corrosion on the pressure switch also cause the pump to fail to start up when needed, says FloTec Water Management. Plugs of sediment from the water well catch in the valves, filters and ejectors inside the pump and stop water flow, causing the pump to turn on and off rapidly. This rapid cycling also shortens the life of the motor.

Repairs

• Cleaning clogs out of the pump may sound easy, but the offending debris could be logged at any point in the well system. Replacing the motor of the pump only solves the problem if the pressure switch and wiring is intact and functioning properly. If your pump is sending some amount of water into the home but isn't producing the water pressure you need, the impeller inside may be worn out, according to the Government of Alberta Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Replacement

• Replacing your entire well pump may save you money over repairs when the pump is old and has a number of parts that aren't performing properly. Removing a submersible pump that is installed at the bottom of the well may require boring the well. A jet pump, used for shallow wells, is installed at the surface of the well and takes less effort to replace. Both require proper wiring and sealed connections with your home's water lines. Replacement is best left to a professional.