Introduction
Water well pumps are the core of a water supply system. When a well pump is damaged or malfunctions, it can lead to decreased water pressure, unstable flow, abnormal noise, and even system failure. Understanding how to identify water pump damage can help you take timely action to prevent further damage to the equipment and extend the life of your well pump.
Major Symptoms of a Failing Well Pump
When a water well pump malfunctions, there will be obvious signs. You can determine whether the water well pump is damaged by observing the situation and comparing it with the following symptoms.
Fluctuating Water Pressure
Typical symptoms：
- Water flow is noticeably weak and unstable
- The water pressure fluctuates greatly
- Insufficient water supply when multiple water points are used simultaneously
This is one of the most common and obvious symptoms of the malfunction. After confirming the water source and inlet are normal， the most likely cause is wear or damage to the well pump impeller. This leads to decreased well pump efficiency and insufficient water output, resulting in a decline in pump performance.
The Pump Runs Constantly
Typical symptoms：
- The well pump continues to run after water usage is stopped
- Continues to run for an extended period after starting
- In variable frequency or constant pressure systems, the water pump operates continuously at low load
There may be a leak in the pipes or valves, internal wear on the water pump, or air in the pipes. Water well pumps run for extended periods, which can cause them to overheat and accelerate the wear and tear on components, thus shortening their lifespan.
Short Cycling
Typical symptoms：
- Water usage is low, but the well pump keeps starting and stopping.
- The well pump responds immediately to every tap being turned on and off.
- Even at night when no one is using the water, the well pump continues to start and stop repeatedly.
There is a leak in the pipeline or at the water supply point, causing a rapid drop in pressure; the check valve is not sealing properly; or the pressure tank has insufficient pressure or is damaged. Frequent start-stop cycles can cause large current surges, which can easily burn out the water pump and shorten the lifespan of electrical components.
Abnormal energy consumption
Typical symptoms：
- Water supply remains unchanged, but electricity costs have increased significantly.
- Current flow is high or fluctuates abnormally.
Impeller and pump casing wear, or motor aging and damage, can cause air to be drawn into the well pump, leading to decreased pump efficiency, increased operating costs, and, in severe cases, motor overload or burnout.
Strange Noises
A properly functioning well pump will produce normal vibration sounds, while a malfunctioning well pump will produce obvious abnormal noises, such as violent vibrations.
Unusual noises may indicate a damaged or severely worn bearing, a stuck impeller, or loose or misaligned internal parts.
Discolored or “Dirty” Water
Common symptom：
- Abnormal water color, such as yellow, brown, or gray.
- Suspension particles are clearly visible in the water.
The water well pump filter may be damaged, or there may be rust in the pipes or pump body, which can cause impurities or sand to enter the water and make it cloudy.
Smells
If a well pump emits a pungent, burnt, or putrid odor during operation, it is usually a clear sign of equipment malfunction， and you need to inspect it.
Motor overload and poor heat dissipation can both cause the motor to overheat, further shortening its service life. In severe cases, it may even burn out the motor and endanger safety.
Tripped Circuit Breakers
Typical symptoms：
- The well pump trips immediately upon startup.
- It trips automatically after running for a period of time.
- It trips repeatedly during startup or high-load operation.
Electrical shorts within the pump motor or overheating issues.
Unstable power supply voltage or phase loss, motor overload, damage to internal parts, and pump running dry can all cause the water pump to start and stop frequently.
No Water
- No water is coming out of the outlet.
- The water flow is extremely low, unable to supply water normally.
- It starts normally, but quickly begins to run dry.
Air leaks in the inlet pipe or foot valve, insufficient water filling, impeller wear, or blockage in the inlet pipe can all cause no water.
A large number of bubbles
A continuous stream of bubbles from the tap or milky-white water usually indicates that air has been introduced into the water supply system.
The mechanical seal of the water pump is damaged, and air can enter the pump body from the pump shaft. If the check valve is not sealing properly, air can be drawn in during the return water flow. It is also best to check that all pipe connections are intact and leak-free.
Troubleshooting: Is it the Pump or Something Else?
In practice, many well pump failures are not caused by damage to the pump itself, but by external factors. Ignoring these factors often leads you to incorrect judgments.
The Pressure Tank
Pressure tanks can absorb system pressure fluctuations, reduce the impact on pipelines and pumps, and extend the service life of motors and electrical components.
- Insufficient air pressure or air leakage
The effective buffer volume inside the pressure tank is almost zero. Frequent start-stop of the water pump causes the starting current to repeatedly impact the windings, leading to abnormal motor temperature rise.
- Pressure tank diaphragm rupture
The tank filled with water, causing the system to lose its buffer and the pressure switch to be triggered frequently.
The Pressure Switch
The pressure switch controls the start and stop of the water pump to prevent overpressure or underpressure operation.
- Contact erosion or adhesion
Unable to shut off power properly, the water pump continued to run, causing the motor to overheat and preventing it from cooling down through “natural shutdown”.
The Control Box
The control box can start the water pump, provide protection functions, and stabilize the motor’s operating status.
- Aging of starting capacitors
If the motor cannot obtain sufficient starting torque, the windings will burn out over time. A clear sign will be a humming sound from the water pump, but it will fail to start, making it difficult and requiring multiple attempts to power it on.
- Lack or failure of protection functions
Failure of protective components can cause the water pump to stop unexpectedly, affecting the water supply, or it may fail to protect the motor, leading to burnout.
Well Conditions
- Low water level for an extended period
Air intake in a well pump can cause it to run dry, easily leading to seal burnout and water ingress into the motor, ultimately rendering the entire pump unusable.
- High sediment content
New wells that have not been cleaned or whose walls have collapsed are prone to high sand content, which wears down the impeller, increases the clearance, and significantly reduces the water output.
- Corrosive water quality
The water is corrosive and can easily corrode internal parts and cause seals to age, damaging the water pump.
Technical Deep Dive: When to Repair vs. Replace
After knowing the malfunctions, you can identify the condition of the deep well and consider how to repair or directly replace the well pump.
- Age of the Pump:
The reasonable service life of a water well pump is generally 5-10 years. If the pump is nearing the service life indicated on its nameplate, it may have entered a high-failure period and poses many hidden risks. It is not recommended to invest heavily in repairs.
- Cost Analysis:
Repair costs include not only the cost of parts, but also labor, damage, and the risk of further malfunction. The lifting costs for well pumps are high, the risk of reinstallation is significant, and water outages have a severe impact. Considering all factors, replacing the pump is a better solution.
- System upgrade
Many manufacturers are constantly upgrading their products, such as with more efficient impeller designs, greater energy savings, a more stable, constant-pressure water supply, and variable frequency control, reducing pump failures and providing a more comfortable user experience.
Conclusion
Familiarity with the model numbers associated with these warnings can help you diagnose well pump malfunctions and respond more promptly and efficiently. Regular maintenance extends the lifespan of your well pump and provides a better user experience. For challenging issues, please refer to HunGerät’s professional-grade well pump product repair manual or contact our technical team for consultation.
Well Pump Troubleshooting FAQ
Q1.How to determine if a water pump is burnt out?
A1:First, check if the circuit breaker is tripping frequently. You can use a multimeter to measure the resistance to see if there are any abnormalities. Check for any burning smell or overheating during operation. Observe the control box for signs of burning.
Q2.What causes the water pump to keep starting and stopping?
A2: Insufficient pressure in the pressure tank, a ruptured internal air bladder, improper pressure switch settings, stuck contacts, or a damaged or malfunctioning check valve can all cause the water pump to keep starting and stopping. You can troubleshoot step by step to find the fault.
Q3.What causes low water pressure throughout the house?
A3:The pump’s internal impeller is worn, causing a decrease in head and flow rate; there is leakage or severe scaling in the piping system; the pump’s strainer is clogged with silt. Assuming external conditions are normal, inspect the filter, pipes, and impeller for any damage or rust.
Q4.Why am I getting air spitting out of my faucets?
A4.A drop in the well water level can cause the pump to suck in air, or insufficient pump installation depth, or cracks in the water pipes can all lead to a large amount of air in the water. It’s necessary to first check whether the well pump is completely submerged in water and whether the pipes are intact and free of cracks.
Q5.Why is my well pump making a loud humming noise but not starting?
A5.The pump may be jammed due to mud or debris entering it, causing the impeller or pump shaft to seize; there may be a capacitor malfunction, capacity decay, or damage; or the voltage may be too low; or the wiring may be loose, causing the pump to make noise but fail to start.
Q6.Can a bad well pump cause a high electric bill?
A6. A malfunctioning well pump can easily lead to high electricity bills. Because the pump cannot reach the shut-off pressure, the motor runs continuously for 24 hours. Furthermore, an aging motor with extremely low efficiency and increased power loss further increases operating costs.
Q7.How do I know if the problem is the pump or the pressure tank?
A7.You can tap the pressure tank body; a clear, crisp sound is usually normal, while a muffled sound may indicate excessive water accumulation. You can also observe the pressure gauge; rapid pressure fluctuations usually indicate a problem with the pressure tank, while consistently low pressure usually indicates a pump problem.
Q8.What’s wrong with my water pump if there’s sewage or sand in it?
A8.If the pump is installed too low, touching the mud and sand at the bottom of the well, or if the impeller or mechanical seal is severely worn or damaged, or if the pump’s power is too high and the pumping speed exceeds the well’s replenishment speed, water and mud will directly enter the submersible pump.
Q9.Why is my well pump tripping the circuit breaker?
A9.A short circuit in the motor’s internal windings, aging cables causing insulation damage and leakage, or overloading of the well pump (exceeding the circuit breaker’s rated current) will cause the circuit breaker to trip. It’s necessary to check the power supply voltage and current, and whether sand has entered the pump body or if it’s jammed.
Q10.Is it possible to repair a submersible well pump?
A10.If it’s confirmed that easily worn parts, such as the impeller or mechanical seal, are severely worn or damaged and need replacement, they can be disassembled and replaced. However, for issues like burnt-out motor windings or water ingress into the stator, specialized equipment and techniques are usually required.
Q11.How long does a well pump last?
A11.Well pumps typically have a lifespan of 10-15 years. The lifespan of a well pump depends on water quality, usage frequency, and materials used. Corrosion-resistant or wear-resistant pumps generally have a longer lifespan than ordinary pumps.
Q12.What are the signs of a failing pressure switch?
A12.For a failing pressure switch， the most typical symptoms are frequent starting and stopping, fluctuating water pressure, abnormal noise, and odor. If not addressed promptly, it may lead to motor burnout and leaks. Timely repair is essential.
Q13.Why does my water have a metallic taste suddenly?
A13.This situation may occur due to corrosion or wear of the metal in the water system or pump body, rust on the cast iron pump body or iron pipes, corrosion products dissolving into the water, or wear of internal parts causing metal particles to enter the water.
Q14.How do I prime a deep well submersible pump?
A14.Commonly, deep well submersible pumps do not require separate priming like surface pumps. After entirely submerged in water, water naturally enters the pump body and impeller chamber. If no water is pumped out, you should check the air vent or the check valve in the pipeline.
Q15.What happens if a well pump runs dry?
A15.Dry running is extremely harmful to a well pump. The mechanical seal can fail very quickly. Continued dry operation causes overheating of the shaft and impeller, increases motor load, accelerates insulation aging, and drastically shortens the pump’s service life.
Q16.Does a bad well pump affect water quality?
A16. A malfunction in a well pump can directly or indirectly affect water quality. Wear on the impeller or mechanical seal can allow water to bypass the pump and enter directly, while corrosion and rust on the pump body or pipelines can introduce corrosion products into the water.
Q17.What causes water to quickly flow back into the pipes after the water pump stops?
A17.A damaged or worn-out check valve may fail to close completely, leading to rapid backflow. Incorrect installation can also render the check valve ineffective. Cracks or poor seals in pipe connections can disrupt the vacuum, causing water backflow.
Q18.When should I replace my well pump instead of fixing it?
A18.If the motor windings are burnt out or the insulation is severely degraded, or if the pump body or motor is severely flooded, rusted, or if multiple internal parts, such as the impeller and seals, are simultaneously worn or nearing the end of their lifespan, replacement is a better solution than repair.
Q19.Does installing a water well pump horizontally or upside down easily lead to malfunctions?
A19.Yes, it’s very easy, and it’s a very common installation-related failure. Water well pumps (deep well submersible pumps) should, in principle, only be installed in the prescribed orientation; horizontal or inverted installation significantly increases the risk of failure.
Q20.Does a variable speed drive (VFD) extend pump life?
A20.Yes, and this is very evident in many applications. Provided the selection and parameter settings are correct, variable frequency drives can typically significantly extend the lifespan of water pumps.VFD can maintain constant voltage, reducing wear on the motor caused by frequent start-stop cycles.
