Signs Your Well Pump Is Failing (and What to Check First)
Common symptoms
- No water, or water that sputters with air
- Low or fluctuating pressure
- The pump cycles on and off rapidly (short-cycling)
- The pump runs constantly
- Higher electric bills than usual
- Dirty or sandy water that wasn't there before
Safe first checks
- Check the breaker or fuse for the pump circuit.
- Look at the pressure gauge. If it reads near zero and the pump isn't running, the pressure switch or pump may have failed.
- If the system has a pressure tank, rapid cycling often means a waterlogged tank or a bad air charge.
Leave electrical work and pulling the pump to a licensed contractor. Find well pump repair companies near you.
Updated November 2026. Prices are national estimates from the sources linked above, not quotes.