No water from your well

Nothing coming out of the faucet is one of the most stressful things that can happen in a house on a well. The good news is that the cause is often simple. Here is what to check safely tonight, what usually goes wrong, and when to call for help.

Call (678) 535-2432

What you can check safely right now

Start at the electrical panel. Find the breaker marked well, pump or something similar. If it has tripped, switch it fully off and back on once. If it trips again right away, leave it off; that points to a short in the pump, wire or control box and needs a pro.

Next, look at the pressure gauge near your pressure tank. If it reads zero or close to it, the pump is not delivering water. If it shows normal pressure but the faucets are dry, the problem may be a closed valve, a clogged filter, or a frozen line.

If you have a whole-house filter, a clogged cartridge can choke the flow to almost nothing. Bypass it or swap the cartridge and see whether water returns.

Do not open the well cap, touch wiring at the well head, or tap on the pressure switch with the power on. Those parts carry line voltage.

The usual causes

In our area the common culprits are a failed pressure switch, a tripped breaker after a storm, lightning damage to the pump or control box, a pump that has worn out, a broken pipe down the well, and in dry summers, a water level that has dropped below the pump. Each one has a different fix, which is why a quick diagnosis matters before anyone starts pulling parts.

Power outages and lightning are a big one in Bartow County. A surge can take out the control box or the pump motor even when the rest of the house seems fine.

What a well pro does when they get there

They check voltage at the pressure switch and control box, measure what the pump motor is drawing, and look at the pressure tank. That usually narrows it down within the first visit. Small parts like a switch or capacitor can often be swapped on the spot. If the pump itself has failed, the next step is a pump replacement.

Repair calls that turn out to be a switch or control box are often a few hundred dollars. A full pump replacement is a bigger job; a well pro can give you the price once they know what failed.

Getting help fast

When you call, say how long the water has been out, what the pressure gauge reads, and whether the breaker trips. A local well pump pro serving Cartersville and the rest of Bartow County will call you back. If it is after hours, leave a voicemail with your address and the best number, and keep drinking water on hand until the well is running again.

Common questions

My water came back after I reset the breaker. Am I fine?

Maybe. A breaker that trips once after a storm can be a one-off. If it trips again, something is drawing too much current and should be checked before it damages the pump.

Could my well have run dry?

It happens, mostly in long dry spells or with shallow wells. Water that sputters, comes back after resting a few hours, or turns muddy are signs the level is low. A well pro can measure it.

Is it safe to drink the water once it comes back?

Run the cold tap until it clears. If the water is cloudy, smells odd, or the well was opened up for repairs, it is a good idea to have it tested or shock-chlorinated.

Rather not call? Send the details

A local well pump pro will call you back.