Troubleshoot: Water Well Pump Does Not Start

Now we will talk about what to do in the event that the motor does not start:
1. Check for blown fuses and tripped breakers, depending on your home power system, check for blown fuses or tripped breakers to ensure power is getting to the system.
2. Check your power source, be sure to check that power is getting to through to the system, it is recommended that you check voltage at the pressure switch and also the control box, basically you want to check that power is getting all the way through the system and any components that power is running through. I usually will start by checking voltage at the pump control panel and work my way from there. Your voltage needs to be +/- 10% of motor rating. If you find that your voltage is too high/low at the breaker panel you may need contact the power company.
3. Pressure Switch, check your settings on the pressure switch and examine for defects and wear. You may need to readjust the settings, or replace the switch. If you are in a situation where you have hard water, or sediment in the water system the pressure tube can also become clogged so check this as well. Checking the voltage on both sides of the switch is advised, if the contacts are weak the voltage drop may not allow the pump to run. If you encounter this problem and the contacts appear black it may be possible to clean with a wire brush. Make sure the power is off if you attempt this. Otherwise replace the switch.
How to Adjust a Pressure Switch Video: • How To Adjust a Pressu...
Buy new Pressure Switches: www.rcworst.co...
4. The control box may have malfunctioned, your previous voltage checks may have already led you to this conclusion, but if you would like detailed instructions on troubleshooting your control box we are adding those videos later in this series. But generally speaking, a visual inspection of the components is recommended as often times parts that fail will appear burnt. It is possible to replace individual components inside the panel but the components are expensive so if the box is over 10 years old replacement is recommended.
Buy new Control Box here: www.rcworst.co...
5. Another area where problems are common is defective wiring, the most likely spots for this to be a problem is the splice from the motor to submersible cable, the splice at the top of the well that transitions to UF or THHN, then as the wire is spliced once again as it enters the home. If these connections were not sealed properly originally or if improper methods were used corrosion and loose connections can cause severe voltage drop which would cause the motor not to operate. Improperly sealed connections can also cause the motor to trip the breaker if the line shorts.
6. Finally, if everything else seems good, it may be time to replace the pump. Fortunately there are a number of checks that you can perform to determine if the pump or wiring down the well is bad and needs to be pulled from the well. We will go over these troubleshooting methods in part 4 of this troubleshooting series. It is possible for poor connections down the well to cause the motor to appear bad so if you do end up pulling the well check the motor again to be sure it is the pump and motor, not the wiring connection. Replacement of the pump and motor or wire may be necessary, I advise you strongly consider replacing the pump end along with the motor if the pump is older than 5 years and the motor has failed.
If you need more information or assistance with products, call 855.329.4519 or email [e-mail] to speak with an industry expert. Thanks for watching!
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We are a distributor of pumps, packaged pumping systems, on-site wastewater treatment equipment, on-site wastewater treatment systems, and custom electrical control panels for water and wastewater applications, water well supplies, drilling supplies, and water treatment equipment.

[@tanincat]

Hey man thank you. I have a million things to do today and the water randomly not working was a huge wedge in my day.

[@RCworstwater]

Happy to help, thanks for watching! :)

[@r0ckworthy]

Incredibly helpful video, thank you. I woke up this morning to a "pump not turning on at all" scenario and this video is the perfect starting point for troubleshooting. Thanks R.C. Worst & Co!

[@danpeterson2940]

I just fixed my well for $8 thanks to your videos. The capacitor in the QB box was shot, so I replaced that. The points in the pressure switch were shot too, but the points have 2 pairs of connector points. So I switched the power lines over to the other unused ones. Pump started right up! Thanks for these, this was just what I needed! Tomorrow, I'm checking the pressure tank to make sure that's all good.

[@RCworstwater]

Way to go!

[@akvicky50]

25 year Alaskan fighting our well again today.

[@fatcapital88]

These are the best videos on this topic on KZbin... thank you.

[@tysonbravo3559]

You're trying to provide useful information and it is much appreciated. Just need to put yourself in the head space of the viewer and break things down a bit more... thanks for the vids!

[@RCworstwater]

Thanks Tyson, will do!

[@Jedward108]

Very informative, and the guy is very well spoken.

[@RCworstwater]

Thanks John!

[@73Tracker73]

Awesome vid. Easy to follow, even though I just started learning about wells yesterday when my water went out. I'm hoping that it's not the well pump. I have a guy coming tomorrow morning, in case swapping the pressure switch doesn't fix it. My setup is a bit different, the pressure tank is in my house, while the pump is at the bottom of a concrete pit in the yard.

[@RCworstwater]

Let us know how it goes!

[@79mikeotto]

Great video. Helped me fix my pressure switch and prevented a costly maintenance bill. Thanks!

[@RCworstwater]

Nice job!!

[@pondacres]

Thanks for the vid. I ran through your procedure, unfortunately looks to be wires all have power to the pump, so no water for us this Sunday night.

[@pondacres]

Hi again, real fast, I was able to reach the well guy tonight who suggested I try leaving the breaker off for a few minutes which might reset it. Few minutes didn't work, but 20 minutes did! I'm still getting the pump evaluated tomorrow, but at least we have water now! Maybe this will help someone else.

[@narrowistheway77]

@@pondacres I’m gonna try your solution now! I’m also without water on a Sunday and saw my tank was empty and pump wasn’t running. No dead fuse that I found, hoping the reset that worked for you works for me too!

[@MikeCoon-yi4gz]

Would have like to see the test on the relay and comparators in the control unit.

[@cfbarnett]

The video was shot quite a ways away from the action. I could not see what points you were putting the meter leads on to on the pressure switch. Maybe I am not representative of the average viewer...

[@stevemolumby4685]

I am in Georgia and pump stopped running without warning. I found that small ants had got in the points and fried. They shorted out the connection of the points. Simple problem. I used sand paper to lightly clean the points and that was fixed

[@iculkn006]

Thank you. Pressure switch fixed it.

[@RCworstwater]

Nice work!

[@IknowGodIs]

We replaced the pump switch. The problem we’re having is that we have to keep manually resetting the switch. The breaker is not tripping. It happens at various times-even in the middle of the night when no water has been used for hours.

[@RCworstwater]

Sounds like you have a leak.

[@letitride54]

Very good video, thankyou

[@RCworstwater]

Glad you liked it!

[@MilesCamp]

Wouldn't everything shut off if the tank pressure was low i.e. 31 psi? I have power getting to the motor (hear it humming).

[@Lee_B_Futures]

Awesome video ty. Pretty sure my pressure switch is going bad or the points are corroded. I haven't opened it up yet, but tapping the PS made it work again (temporarily). It's now off again, but this is probably my PS going bad and needs replacing correct? Many thanks

[@shivaheeraman1312]

Thank you for your very educational videos. Question...based on the head pressure of the pressure tank and the cut in/out set pressures can i determine if the pressure tank is working?

[@RCworstwater]

We have a video on how to check pressure tanks here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWOUopRol7KInpo

[@yubielescalona8884]

Question,i have a 30/50 presure switch,and a half (1/2,0.5 hp )water pump with a 26 galons well tank,do you think is going to work ok the pump with that presure switch,if the pump have the power enought to keep the well Rull? Thanks

[@IAMSEAN1983]

Question we have had water all this time and woke Friday morning and started running the water and doing laundry and the water cut out and now nothing but a hum. When we plug the pump in it sounds like it wants to kick on and then shuts off? So we are basically getting the hum sound and then the motor wanting to kick on and turns off. Everything for the wires looks great and has voltage. Even tried spinning the fan. For the capacitor, there are two areas with no wires in the middle and one empty in the lower right close to you while the 2 in the back have wires and the one in the bottom left close to you has a wire. Can the wires be moved to the empty spaces to get the pump working again? Or will we need to replace this or get a new pump all together?

[@mariacollins5560]

I can hear the pump humming when I plug it in but have no psi in my tank do I need to add air

[@RCworstwater]

It sounds like your capacitor may be bad and needs replaced. Give us a call if that doesn't fix the problem: 855.329.4519

[@robertbrown6487]

Nice video! I was using water earlier today and now I have no pressure. I reset the main breaker and also the pressure switch. When I had the pressure switch set to on absolutely nothing happened. Any suggestions?

[@deniseseifried3403]

Yes, but when you touch the volt prongs, where exactly are you touching them????

[@rickwamser3014]

pressure switch kicks in at 20 psi on my 30/50 PS ? bladder tank problem or can i adjust the pressure ?

[@BigRigRich]

What if the pump starts and runs for about 15 seconds and shuts off.

[@ashishbhajan8520]

Good day. Pressure switch activated but pump not coming on. Have to tap pressure switch for it to actually come on sometimes. Any solutions or suggestions

[@BT-cg8md]

You ever have a control box buzz and click on repeat after a power outage?

[@30snowbunny]

We've replaced everything in our well. New pump won't stay on. Breaker is fine and has brand new foot valve. Whole thing is brand new. We can't figure out why it cuts off. Switch is fine

[@nhsledfreak]

I awoke to no water this AM 01-08-2017, The line from the Franklin Controller to the pressure switch has 0 volts. The other leg has 118 volts. I did the capacitor and relay test per your other video, it tested fine. All breakers are powered and on. Any ideas? Could a bad controller even if it test good cause a no power out issue from Controller to pressure switch? TY for any help it is very cold here in NH. Water is NOT frozen it is a power issue.

[@RCworstwater]

Cliff: Thank you for the question. It sounds like you may need to do some more troubleshooting at the control panel. I would recommend calling Franklin Electric Technical Service Hotline at 800-348-2420 or call us at 855-329-4519.

[@rajenojar3206]

hello can a pump work without pressure tank ,without contact pressure switch ..only want to use a on off switch

[@kawaiikate5145]

Thank you for the video. I live in Florida. I have well for my sprinklers. When I set it on auto my pump doesn't come on at all and it will trigger the braker but when I set it on manual the water will come on. my sprinkler guy replace the controller but still do the same thing so he said I need a new pump. Do you agree? I'm just wonder if it is pump then why it still work when it's on manual mode?

[@RCworstwater]

Sounds like you may want to hire a pump company for a 2nd opinion.

[@nicolekiewra3032]

It's o.k. kool but I think those directions should be in the actual water pump directions yeah or just replace the whole pump thanks

[@nelsonsantos770]

How would I know if the aboveground water pump is defective? On my system, I have to hold the pressure switch lever to start the pump. Then it tries to suck water, it gets to 30-40 psi, but when I open any faucets , the pressure drops and pump stops.

[@alanlevine3984]

Just sat on basement floor for an hour watching pressure gauge. Was at 55psi and dropped to 38psl which did start pump. Gauge went up to 55psi and pump stopped. No water was being used for the time I was watching gauge. Ideas????

[@broderp]

Wouldnt the pressure switch having open contacts tell you anything? My pressure switch is corroded and the water works intermittently. But the fact the contacts are not closed tells me that the pump is not getting voltage, so its circular. The pump should have some pressure I'm assuming and this is what controls the pressure switch contacts.

[@RCworstwater]

Open contacts tell you that the pressure switch is seeing a pressure that is higher than it's cut-off pressure limit.

[@brucelatronica2046]

My water pressure stops then goes back on after 1 or 2 minutes when I run the water for more then 5 minutes?

[@SusanLBritt]

What do i touch the voltage meter end to ??

[@paulfowler1391]

I’ve been following your advice. I have a Myers jet pump that ran dry . Now when I turn it on I get a hum only , but the motor nor the impeller is turning. I now wish I had a low pressure switch vs the std pressure switch. Did I burn out the electric motor or the impeller/ bearings or both? Are these rebuildable and worth it or just replace ?

[@RCworstwater]

It sounds like your capacitor may be bad and needs replaced. Give us a call if that doesn't fix the problem: 855.329.4519

[@jimjoslyn7222]

If the impeller is not turning are the pump itself the shaft gear if you fried it it'll just that's the harm of death if your impeller still turns that your shaft don't then your bearings are froze up I just buy another one for a hundred bucks or so and forget it that's what I do I replace half a dozen of them lasted luckily 40-something years but I ran mine dry same deal and it'll run dry quite a few times but eventually it'll catch up to it there's a there's like a fuse link in there that was usually Chef cut off after that burns out bad luck

[@jeffdiggs3750]

After replacing our switch,the pump cuts on/off way more than it did before. By that I mean run time between the on/off cycles. Before it would run 20 +/- seconds. With water on. Now it runs maybe 3-5 seconds. Or is that normal?

[@RCworstwater]

That is not normal. It sounds like your pressure tank might be set too high. Here's a video on how to check it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWOUopRol7KInpo

[@geodomain]

Im dumb. How do I make my Drummond water pump work

[@naynayshu1277]

Did i miss something because i swear all you did was show how to test a pressure switch but what about showing how to check everything else ??

[@RCworstwater]

Thanks for the comment - Check the description for more info on all of the tests that might need to be performed

[@NothembaPoswa]

My sometimes it works when I loosen the pump controler

[@tbug8166]

I'm watching this on September 21 2019 my pump isn't even cutting on. i replaced the switch..I think there is not enough pressure in my tank ??? Help !!! I hate this...Thank You

[@jamesstephenemery2681]

My well is down today on Oahu. I need to check my switch and box.Good video's Aloha

[@RCworstwater]

It sounds like there are other issues that need addressed besides the tank, please give us a call: 855.329.4519

[@deanosborne6854]

I replaced the switch it is a different style the new one has a little pin in the front the old one don't did i get the wrong one

[@spartazzora4196]

Hi Man, my switch couldn't start the pump sometimes. Specifically, it doesn't turn on, when pressue drops below 40 psi sometimes, but it does working at other times. What could be the issue ?

[@RCworstwater]

You likely have sediment buildup in the tube that connects to the pressure switch, which blinds it from seeing the real pressure. I would replace the tube and switch and see if that fixes it.

[@soloz5053]

My water heater works but the on off switch does not work

[@Theoszombie]

My dad wants to know what to do if the points don't open. I have no idea what that means, but Google has not been helpful.

[@bigsteppa503]

Can I use the volt meter for the car on this too

[@RCworstwater]

If it reads AC voltage you can. You probably only use DC voltage on the car

[@irishbostick2722]

Red wire has not current on the switch box.

[@Brenthill1]

Hello, i have installed a water spigot on my well water supply line (there is 75' between the well pump and the well house)...was told i could install one anywhere in the system, so i installed one at the well pump and tied it into the supply line ..problem is no water will come out because pump wont turn on because the switch is at full pressure..do i need to remove/re-locate the one way check valve so the pressure will drop when i open the spigot? Thank you in advance for any advice!

[@RCworstwater]

Yes, you will need to make sure there are no check valves between the spigot and the pressure switch.

[@Brenthill1]

@@RCworstwater Thank you sir! Love your vids, very informative!

[@rickrod8022]

What if I'm getting 280 volts is that normal?

[@RCworstwater]

No, that is too high.

[@valeriedavis2206]

What is the multi meter you are using

[@RCworstwater]

We were using a Cen-Tech 95683 Clamp-Style Multimeter.

[@honkymonkey9568]

can't see where you're putting the red and black leads. Don't assume your average homeowner knows anything about checking voltage.

[@stephenj.p.ingley4033]

Understood everything you said and yet have NO IDEA how you set up your Multi Meter, Exactly what contacts on the Pressure Switch you touched, exactly everything else... In the future you might want to SHOW the viewer exactly what you are doing...Assumption is the mother of all screw ups....

[@RCworstwater]

Got it, we need to get closer to the action! Give us a call if you need help troubleshooting: 855.329.4519

[@blitzburghletsgo9359]

My breaker switch gets tripping. Can't figure it out.

[@RCworstwater]

Give us a call: 855.329.4519

[@blitzburghletsgo9359]

@@RCworstwater Can I call you on the weekend?

[@blitzburghletsgo9359]

@@RCworstwater thank you for your help. Called y'all and y'all help me alot. Problem solved.

[@nascarstinks]

Check to see if you have any ants blocking the contacts...one black ant caused my issue.

[@RCworstwater]

Darn critters! Good tip

[@daviddarnell7017]

I've got a question... My water well submersible pump quit working and instead of pulling it, can I just add an above ground pump and will the submersible allow water to be pulled past it? Or do I HAVE to pull it? I know i should...but I've got an above ground pump already!

[@tbug8166]

I'm still waiting on an answer. I've replaced the switch and recharged the tank...but still the pumps not cutting on...I have a 30/50 switch I put 30.5 psi in the tank is that the reason why it's not coming on ? Does the psi need to be 2 less for it to come on ? I need help please

[@RCworstwater]

Please give us a call: 855.329.4519

[@ISEEORBS]

Hello Sir, question... my switch has power coming into the switch on both legs. . but no power going out of the switch to the supply box that runs to the pump on either of those 2 legs. Does that mean my switch is bad ? Thank-you.

[@ISEEORBS]

Ha! Never mind, my contact points were stuck wide open. Haven't ran across a video saying that happens yet.... probably because I should have noticed that right off the bat! No contact at the points = no power out to the power box! 👍

[@RCworstwater]

Sometimes the problem is right in front of you, hope you got it taken care of :)

[@arkie74]

I turned off the breaker because of a storm coming in, and this morning I turned in the breaker and nithing. my moms house is the same story. can anybody give me an idea what is wrong? please help.

[@joe28027]

Same for me this morning. 😢

[@rapunzeleh546]

well... i THINK i may be up SH*T creek. temp dropped to -40C for a few days, still holding at -22C. nothing new, happens every year, no freezeups. well is about 200ft deep and 100 feet from the house, comes up under the pad through the concrete into the heated basement. first noticed the toilet wouldn't refill... it's coming almost directly from the water in, so it doesn't go through the softener. hoping it was the pressure switch, i replaced it... nope. 240 in so power is good. so... options. i have a faucet right at water in, with a shutoff directly after so i could directly wire the pump, hose to the faucet hose to a bucket and turn it on. OR i could fill a bucket with warm water, and use a sump to put warm water BACK into the line. is either going to do damage, assuming there isn't already damage? at this point, with 3 feet of snow, it will have to wait until spring if it's not something i can figure out. already got the bucket and pail of sawdust in the bathroom. any suggestions? pretty please? is there a 'electrical' testing way i can check if the pump is bad? seems coincidental it happened during a cold snap, so assuming it's frozen pipes.

[@RCworstwater]

We can help you find the best solution - please give our techs a call:855.329.4519

[@mistym9218]

My fuse keeps blowing . It will work for 6 hours or so then blow another fuse now its blowing them immediately.

[@RCworstwater]

Give us a call and we can help you troubleshoot: 855.329.4519

[@joshwhite4869]

I get water but my pump just keeps running.

[@RCworstwater]

Give us a call for help troubleshooting: 855.329.4519

[@abdulhamidy8920]

Whay should i do while i pump water but the water pump does not pupm up, what the reason cause this

[@j.olin-harris9126]

So basically buy a voltmeter. Got it.

[@Scritley]

Grundfos

[@mariovaldez5428]

Narration of story

[@Try2-Imagine]

useless video - how do we check a state of operation that requires the pump to start when this video is specifically for a pump that does NOT start!!!

[@LifeSavingDefense]

After 27 yrs living in a house with a well here’s where I start (modified slightly for lawer safety check…. namely #1 #1 turn off the power #2 which would be #1 without lawyers is I take the top off the pressure switch and look for ants in between the contacts . #3 If there are ants Say an expletive or 2 , recheck that power is off, blow the ants out with compressed air and flip the contacts open and closed with a insulated tool like a screw driver while looking at contacts to make sure they’re still good and clean #4 if contacts are durty etc is replace the pressure switch #5 which doesn’t count if there were no ants or obvious problem found is turn power back on and put the cap back on or visa versa. This is also a good place for a few more expletive’s and visualizing an electrical world without ants…. #3 if there were no ants is check the wiring IF you have 220/240 there are 2 black and 2 red so check each red and black with contacts closed and open to check power … This must be done with power on so don’t do this if your neighbor is by the pool in a bikini… Fortunately I don’t have any pools next to me… If the pressure switch electric is good now is a good time to check the air pressure in an empty tank. That number should be on the tank and correlates to your switch pressure. The pump will run too much if the empty tank air pressure is too low etc. My pressure switch is 40-60 so my empty tank pressure is 38… Today is was at 20 If your breaker is blown or the overload reset switch under your well pump electric box is popped you can reset them but you still need to find what popped them. My electric box has a run capacitor and a start capacitor. The start capacitor was rusty and worn on the top… or bottom depending on which way you face it so I just replaced it AFTER tripple checking power was off and g rounding the terminals with an insulated screw driver. Capacitors hold energy… that’s their job… 220 v (the amps in the volts) can kill you or even possibly give you an afro so be smart and fight power… I mean turn off the power… The run capacitor looked good. If they look bulged on top or sides they are bad,, also if rusty.. better safe than sorry. Retested and thank God it worked cuz I don’t fit down the well shaft to get down the 250’ to the motor… FYI my pressure switch has an external lever on it which has to be held just just right ti keep the contacts together till the water pressure is high enough to keep it on by itself. This is a pain in the butt BUT it stops the pump from running continuously without water so it’s sorta like insurance…. PS fyi… If you’re new to wells they usually are disrupted by ants in the middle of cold dark 30 degree F nights after you’re already in the shower…

[@mykelgreene911]

Making a video is a great idea but ingnoreing peoples questions concerning problems related to youre video is pointless and ruines youre credibility!

[@RCworstwater]

We get 100's of comments a day so some do tend to slip through the cracks. If you have an issue that needs immediate attention please give us a call: 855.329.4519

[@jeanmeacheletienne2394]

Less talking