The process of how to restart well pump after it shuts down often depends on understanding the root cause of the issue. A tripped circuit breaker, which is a common occurrence related to pump operation, can often be the primary suspect requiring immediate attention. The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) provides guidelines for diagnosing well problems, including tips on how to restart your pump safely. Many homeowners find that a simple adjustment to the pressure switch can resolve the issue. This guide covers these key areas, providing practical steps to restart well pump successfully, empowering you to troubleshoot the most frequent problems without necessarily calling a licensed plumber.
Image taken from the YouTube channel H2o Mechanic , from the video titled Most Common Reason for No Water!! Reset Pump Pressure Switch. Water Well Repair Vlog Ep.18 .
Optimizing Your Article Layout: Restarting Your Well Pump
This guide outlines an ideal article layout for helping readers understand and "restart well pump" problems. We’ll focus on structuring the content to be easily digestible, action-oriented, and helpful in troubleshooting common well pump issues.
Introduction: Setting the Stage
The introduction is crucial. It needs to immediately grab the reader’s attention and clearly state the purpose of the article. Aim to include these elements:
- A Hook: Begin with a relatable scenario. Example: "Is your water suddenly gone? A well pump failure can disrupt your entire household."
- Problem Statement: Clearly define the problem. "This guide helps you understand common issues that prevent your well pump from restarting and provides actionable solutions."
- Keyword Integration: Naturally incorporate "restart well pump" within the first few sentences.
- Benefit Statement: Explain what the reader will gain. "By following these steps, you can potentially diagnose and resolve the issue yourself, saving time and money."
- Brief Overview: Briefly mention the main sections that will be covered. This creates a mental roadmap for the reader.
Understanding Your Well Pump System
This section provides essential background information.
Types of Well Pumps
- Submersible Pumps: Describe submersible pumps, including where they are located, advantages, and disadvantages.
- Jet Pumps: Describe jet pumps, highlighting the difference between shallow well and deep well jet pumps, their location, advantages, and disadvantages.
A simple table can illustrate the differences:
| Feature | Submersible Pump | Jet Pump |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Inside the well | Above ground |
| Efficiency | Generally more efficient | Generally less efficient |
| Noise | Quieter | Can be noisy |
| Well Depth | Suitable for deeper wells | Limited to shallower wells |
Key Components
- Pressure Tank: Explain its function in maintaining water pressure and preventing rapid cycling of the pump.
- Pressure Switch: Describe how it senses water pressure and controls the pump’s on/off cycles.
- Check Valve: Explain its role in preventing backflow of water into the well.
- Wiring and Electrical Connections: Briefly mention the importance of proper wiring and electrical connections for safe operation.
Common Reasons Why Your Well Pump Won’t Restart
This is the core troubleshooting section.
Power Issues
- Tripped Breaker: Explain how to check the breaker and reset it.
- Blown Fuse: Explain how to check the fuse and replace it.
- Loose Wiring: Explain how to inspect wiring connections for corrosion or looseness (emphasize turning off power first).
- No Power to Outlet: Describe how to test the outlet with a multimeter or other device.
Pressure Switch Problems
- Clogged Port: Explain how a clogged pressure switch port can prevent it from sensing pressure correctly. Describe how to clean it.
- Malfunctioning Switch: Explain how to test the switch with a multimeter.
Well Problems
- Low Water Level in Well: Explain that if the water level in the well drops below the pump intake, the pump will not be able to prime. Suggest checking the well depth and water level.
- Well Casing Collapse: Explain that in rare cases, the well casing may collapse, damaging the pump and preventing it from working.
Pump Issues
- Overheated Pump: Explain that the pump has an overload protector that trips. Describe how to let the pump cool down and reset the overload protector (if applicable).
- Damaged Impeller: Explain that a damaged impeller can prevent the pump from building pressure.
- Worn Pump: Explain that the pump will eventually wear out and need replacing.
Troubleshooting Steps: A Practical Guide
This section provides a step-by-step approach to diagnosing the problem. Use a numbered list for clear instructions.
- Check the Power: Confirm the breaker hasn’t tripped and the fuse hasn’t blown. Reset the breaker or replace the fuse if necessary.
- Inspect the Pressure Switch: Check for clogs and test the switch for continuity.
- Listen to the Pump: Can you hear the pump running but not pumping water? This may indicate a low water level or other issue.
- Check the Wiring: Carefully inspect all wiring connections for corrosion or damage.
- Call a Professional: If you’ve tried these steps and your well pump still won’t restart, it’s time to call a qualified well pump technician.
When to Call a Professional
- You’re Not Comfortable Working with Electricity: Emphasize the dangers of working with electricity and the importance of safety.
- You Can’t Identify the Problem: If you’re unsure what’s causing the problem, it’s best to call a professional.
- You’ve Tried Everything and It Still Doesn’t Work: A professional has the tools and experience to diagnose and repair more complex problems.
- The Pump is Old or Severely Damaged: It may be more cost-effective to replace an old or severely damaged pump than to repair it.
Restart Well Pump: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about restarting a well pump, and quick solutions to help you get your water flowing again.
Why won’t my well pump restart after running dry?
Often, a well pump won’t restart if it’s lost its prime after running dry. This means there’s air in the system preventing the pump from creating suction. You’ll need to re-prime the pump according to the manufacturer’s instructions to get it working again. This usually involves adding water to the pump housing.
How do I know if my pressure switch is faulty?
A faulty pressure switch can prevent your well pump from restarting. You can test it with a multimeter to see if it’s sending power to the pump when the pressure is low. If the switch isn’t working correctly, it likely needs replacement. This is a common reason a well pump fails to restart.
What if I’ve re-primed the pump, but it still won’t start?
If re-priming doesn’t work, check the electrical supply to the pump. Make sure the breaker hasn’t tripped and that the wiring is secure. A blown fuse or a loose connection could be preventing the well pump from getting power.
What are some signs that my well pump is damaged beyond repair?
If the pump is making unusual noises, frequently loses prime even after re-priming, or is very old, it might be damaged beyond repair. In this case, it’s best to call a qualified well technician to assess the situation and possibly replace the entire well pump system. Attempting to force a damaged well pump to restart could cause further damage.
Alright, hopefully, you’ve got a better handle on how to restart well pump now. It might seem a little daunting at first, but with a bit of know-how, you can tackle most common issues yourself. Good luck with getting your water flowing again!