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Fix a well pump that will not start

We'll help you check the pressure switch, circuit breaker, and capacitor, then fix or replace the faulty part—or tell you when to call a pro.

Troubleshooting · Home plumbing
15–30 min
What you'll need
  • Multimeter (for continuity and capacitance tests)
  • Screwdriver and wrench set
  • Replacement pressure switch or capacitor (if tests show a fault)
Step 1 of 7

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Steps

Goal: Confirm the symptom, check power and the pressure switch, then the capacitor if needed.

  • Turn on a faucet and listen at the pressure tank or well equipment. No water and no pump sound means the pump is not starting.
  • Good: No water and no pump sound. Proceed to Check power and breaker.
  • Bad: The pump runs but no water—different problem (low water, leak). See When to get help.

Check power and breaker

Goal: Rule out a tripped circuit breaker.

  • Locate the circuit breaker for the well pump. Check that it has not tripped. Reset if tripped and test.
  • Good: Breaker stays on. Proceed to Check pressure switch.
  • Bad: Breaker trips immediately—do not keep resetting. Call a pro.

Check pressure switch

Goal: Confirm the pressure switch closes when pressure drops.

  • Check the pressure switch on the pipe near the pressure tank. Confirm tank pressure is below cut-in (often 30–40 psi). Add air to the tank if pressure is too high. Test switch continuity when pressure is low. Replace if the switch does not respond.
  • Good: Switch closes when pressure drops, pump starts.
  • Bad: Switch tests good but pump still does not start—check the capacitor (submersible) or call a pro.

Submersible — check capacitor

Goal: Test or replace the capacitor if the pump hums but does not start.

  • Turn off power. Locate the capacitor (control box or wellhead). Test with a multimeter or replace if bulging or leaking.
  • Good: Pump starts with a good or new capacitor.
  • Bad: Still does not start—call a pro.

When to get help

Call a well or pump professional if:

  • The circuit breaker trips immediately.
  • The pump is in the well and you cannot access it.
  • The pressure switch and capacitor test good but the pump still does not start.
  • You are not comfortable with electrical or well work.

Verification

  • The pump starts when you use water and pressure drops below cut-in.
  • The pump runs until pressure reaches cut-out, then shuts off.
  • No tripped breakers or repeated failures.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Confirm symptom Verify no water and no pump sound when you use a faucet.
  2. Check breaker Reset the circuit breaker if tripped; do not keep resetting if it trips again.
  3. Check pressure switch Test cut-in pressure and switch continuity; replace if faulty.
  4. Check capacitor (submersible) Test or replace the capacitor if the pump hums but does not start.
  5. Call a pro Breaker trips immediately, pump in well, or components test good but pump still does not start—call a well professional.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Whether the pump makes any sound (hum, click, nothing)
  • Circuit breaker status
  • Pressure switch cut-in and cut-out settings
  • Pressure tank pressure (psi)
  • Steps already tried

Is there no water and no pump sound when you turn on a faucet?

Turn on a faucet and listen at the pressure tank or well equipment. No water and no pump sound means the pump is not starting.

Turn on a faucet. Listen for pump sound. Good: no water and no pump sound—pump not starting. Bad: pump runs but no water—different problem (low water, leak); call a pro.

Yes No (pump runs)

You can change your answer later.

Is the circuit breaker on and not tripping?

The well pump has a dedicated circuit. A tripped breaker prevents the pump from starting.

Check the circuit breaker for the well pump. Reset if tripped. Test. Good: breaker stays on, pump may start. Bad: breaker trips immediately—do not keep resetting; call a pro.

Yes No (trips)

You can change your answer later.

Does the pressure switch close when pressure drops?

The pressure switch turns the pump on when pressure drops below cut-in. If tank pressure is above cut-in, the switch will not close.

Check the pressure switch. Confirm tank pressure is below cut-in (often 30–40 psi). Add air to the tank if needed. Test switch continuity when pressure is low. Replace if faulty. Good: switch closes, pump starts. Bad: switch tests good but pump still does not start—check capacitor (submersible) or call a pro.

Yes (switch good) No (replace switch)

You can change your answer later.

Replace pressure switch and test

Replace the pressure switch with a matching part. Restore power and test. The pump should start when pressure drops.

Done

Does the pump hum but not start? (submersible)

A failed capacitor often causes humming without starting. Test or replace the capacitor.

If the pump hums but does not start, check the capacitor. Turn off power. Test with a multimeter or replace if bulging or leaking. Good: pump starts with new capacitor. Bad: still does not start—call a pro.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Replace capacitor and test

Replace the capacitor with an exact match. Restore power and test. The pump should start.

Done

Call a well professional

Call a well or pump professional if the breaker trips immediately, the pump is in the well and you cannot access it, the pressure switch and capacitor test good but the pump still does not start, or you are not comfortable with electrical or well work.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would a well pump not start?
Common causes: tripped circuit breaker, faulty pressure switch, or failed capacitor (submersible pumps). Low well water level or a stuck pump can also prevent starting. Check power and the pressure switch first.
Can I fix a well pump that will not start myself?
Yes, for power and pressure switch issues. You can reset the breaker and test or replace the pressure switch. Capacitor replacement requires electrical knowledge. Well or pump work often needs a professional.
When should I call a pro for a well pump that will not start?
Call a well or pump professional if the breaker trips immediately, the pump is in the well and you cannot access it, the pressure switch tests good but the pump still does not start, or you are not comfortable with electrical work.

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