My Well Pump Stopped Working — What Do I Check First?

No water from the well is a crisis — we get it. Before you panic, run through these three checks that take less than five minutes. About 30% of emergency calls are solved by one of these:

• Check the circuit breaker. If it's tripped, flip it off, wait 10 seconds, flip it back on. If it trips again immediately, stop — there's an electrical fault.
• Check the pressure switch. With the breaker OFF, tap the side of the switch firmly. Flip the breaker back on. If the pump starts, the contacts were stuck — you need a new switch.
• Check the pressure tank gauge. If it reads zero, the system has lost all pressure and the switch may not be engaging.

If none of these work, you need a professional. Call for emergency well service — we respond same-day across Fort Worth.

What If the Breaker Keeps Tripping?

A breaker that trips repeatedly is telling you something is wrong. Do not keep resetting it. Common causes:

• Burned out pump motor — Drawing excessive current (locked rotor)
• Damaged wiring — Can deteriorate, short circuit, or get water damage
• Bad pump capacitor — A cheap fix if caught early
• Seized pump — Sand or mineral deposits lock up the impellers

All require professional diagnosis. Don't keep resetting — you risk fire or total motor damage.

Beyond the Pump: Other Causes of No Water

Pressure Switch Failure

The switch tells the pump when to run. A failed switch means the pump never gets the signal. Replacement is a quick, low-cost job.

Control Box Failure

Submersible pumps over ¾ HP use a control box with a starting capacitor and relay. If either fails, the pump won't start. Repair is usually a same-visit fix.

Broken Drop Pipe

If the pipe connecting pump to surface breaks, water never makes it up. Requires pulling the pump to diagnose.

Dry Well / Low Water Table

During extended drought in North Texas, the water table can drop below the pump intake. Solutions range from lowering the pump to drilling deeper.

Frozen Components (Winter)

North Texas gets enough freezing weather to cause problems. Frozen switches, supply lines, and well heads can stop water flow.

Contact Legacy Water Well for a fast diagnosis.

What to Expect From an Emergency Service Call

1. Phone Diagnosis

We'll walk you through checks over the phone. About 1 in 5 calls gets resolved this way — no charge.

2. Same-Day Dispatch

Emergency service available across Fort Worth metro, typically within a few hours.

3. On-Site Testing

The technician tests electrical system, inspects pressure tank, checks control box, and evaluates pressure switch.

4. Diagnosis and Options

If it's a repair, we usually fix it on the spot. If it's a replacement, we provide a written quote before work begins.

How to Prevent Well Pump Failures

• Annual well inspection — Catches problems early. Quoted per system.
• Pump protection device — Protects from dry running and voltage issues. Protects from dry running and voltage issues.
• Replace pressure tank proactively — Before it fails and damages your pump.
• Surge protection — Lightning is the #1 cause of sudden pump failure in Texas. Lightning is the #1 cause of sudden pump failure in Texas.
• Watch for warning signs — Sputtering water, fluctuating pressure, sand in water, unusual noises.

Request a quote or call us anytime — including emergencies.