Knowing how to test a water well pump begins with being able to recognize that you have an issue and calling in a professional for help.
The first signs of trouble, among others, may be low pressure or repeated tripping of your breakers.
Well pumps are made up of both electrical and mechanical components.
What would you do if tomorrow morning you turned on the faucet and no water came out of it?
For homeowners in Arizona who rely on private wells, a pump problem can cause disruption to every aspect of your household.
Getting the system inspected early by a professional will help prevent small issues from developing into more serious failures.
How to Test a Water Well Pump Without Pulling It Out?
You should limit yourself to observing some visible signs and leave the testing to a professional.
Note how much the house-wide water pressure differs from its normal level.
Are there unusual noises coming from around your pressure tank or other controls?
If your system is turning “on” repeatedly in a short time frame, this is referred to as excessive cycling.
Conversely, if your pump is running continuously, this indicates a problem exists.
Check Power Without Opening Electrical Components
If there is a tripped breaker, it may be causing a sudden loss of water to your home.
You should contact a professional because of the high-voltage pump risks involved, and not troubleshoot yourself.
Homeowners should never open a control box or touch an exposed electrical connection.
Well pumps use high voltage that can seriously harm you.
Any electrical testing should be done by qualified personnel.
Watch for Locked Rotor Symptoms
A pump motor may receive electrical power and not operate correctly when it begins to run.
Common locked rotor symptoms include:
- Humming
- Repeated breaker trips
- Failure to start
Avoid repeatedly attempting to restart your system, as this can cause excessive heat on critical parts and make an already bad problem worse.
A qualified service technician should test all motors and their associated control systems for proper function before restarting.
What Can Be Mistaken for a Bad Water Pump?
A faulty pressure tank can easily be mistaken for a bad water pump.
The issue could be coming from the failing or malfunctioning of a component called the “pressure tank.”
When this occurs, it is possible to have short cycling (the pump will cycle on and off rapidly) as well as inconsistent water pressure.
If your pump is turning on extremely fast and then shutting off immediately thereafter, there’s probably an issue with either your tank or the tank-switch-pump assembly as a whole.
A professional can test these components together to determine which part is actually causing the problem.
When a Severe Well System Failure Is Possible
Several warning signs are common indicators that your well requires repair due to possible failures of the whole well system.
Watch for signs such as:
- Complete water loss
- Repeated breaker trips
- Unusual mechanical noises from the pump
Also, burning odors or other visible electrical issues should be taken seriously.
If you experience any of these symptoms with your well system, do not use it until repairs have been made.
A professional inspection is the safest method to determine if it’s the pump that has caused a problem in your system or if it’s one of its components.
Deep Pumps May Require Heavy Equipment
Submersible pumps can be installed far below the surface.
Reaching them may require heavy-duty pump extraction equipment.
Removing a very deep pump is not safe or practical for homeowners.
The parts will often be too heavy for you to move without professional equipment.
A professional crane service equipped for pump extraction may be needed for very deep installations.
What About Goulds Water Well Pumps?
Goulds water well pumps should be inspected with the same professional safety approach as most other systems.
Before calling a professional, homeowners may have to keep track of:
- Changes in the volume of water flowing through pipes
- Variations in water pressure
- Unusual noises from the pump
- Circuit breaker trips
A trained technician should perform internal electrical and motor testing.
The same applies if the pump must be removed.
Why Should You Call a Professional for Well Pump Testing?
Homeowners should observe visible warning signs of trouble with their wells but have a qualified professional test for all other possible problems.
You can check for:
- Water pressure changes
- Unusual noises
- Circuit breaker trips
You will need to contact a licensed professional if you experience repeated loss of power in your system or if it quits pumping.
At Pump It Up Pump, we provide service to residential well and well pump customers throughout Arizona.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know if My Well Pump Is Failing?
Typical signs include changes in how your water system operates that you notice as different from what you normally experience.
Since there are many possible reasons for these symptoms, you should have your pump inspected by a professional to determine if it has failed.
Can I Test a Well Pump With a Multimeter?
You shouldn’t test live electrical components of a well pump system; a professional should do that for you.
Opening a pump control box or testing live electrical connections could possibly put you in danger by getting shocked.
Why Does My Well Pump Keep Tripping the Breaker?
If the breaker continues to trip when reset, there is likely an electrical or mechanical problem.
Simply resetting the breaker repeatedly could make the situation worse.
A professional should inspect the repeated trips before you use the pump again.
Know When to Stop Testing
Identifying warning signs can be the safest place to start when learning how to test a water well pump and when you need to call a professional.
A problem with how well your water system normally performs may suggest you need to have a professional test your well system.
At Pump It Up Pump, we help Arizona homeowners diagnose and repair residential well and well pump problems.
Our professional approach provides a safe method of inspection that helps identify the source of the problem without exposing homeowners to unnecessary electrical or mechanical risks.
Ready to have your well pump inspected?
Contact us to help you out today.
Need Well Pump Services in Willcox AZ?
Trust Pump It Up Pump Services, Inc. for professional well pump services in Willcox. Our experienced team delivers reliable, efficient solutions for well pump installation, repair, maintenance, and inspections to ensure consistent water flow and long-lasting performance for your well system.
Call 623-582-5069 or request service online today!
Pump It Up Pump Service, Inc. provides professional well pump services, water system solutions, and reliable repairs for residential and commercial properties. Known for dependable service and honest pricing, their team keeps water systems running efficiently year-round. Request service now.