Approaching a well pump repair situation requires knowledge of electricity. Adequate electrical testing equipment is essential for correctly diagnosing voltage, amperage and continuity of components or systems. Motors that are malfunctioning due to excessive resistance draw more amperage than its normal operating cycle. Typical amperage reading on a malfunctioning motor will be three to six times higher than its normal operating amperage reading.

Problem Possible Cause Repair Procedure Possible Solution Motor will not start Circuit breaker isstripped or faulty fuse Check circuit breakerCheck fuse Reset circuit breakerReplace fuse Motor will not start Incorrect Voltage Check Voltage Call service provider Motor will not start Damaged wiring Inspect all wire insulation and terminal connections Replace wiring and / orterminal connections Motor will not start Faulty motor Check for high Amperage Replace motor Motor will not start Poor alignment between motor and impeller Check for high Amperage Align motor with impeller Motor will not start Faulty pressure switch Clean points Clean points Motor will not start Faulty pressure switch Check for voltage transfer between terminals Replace if required Motor will not start Plugged pressureswitch nipple Remove, inspect, clean or replace nipple Release or reinstall nipple Motor will not start Faulty control box Check for voltage transfer between terminals Replace control box if required Motor will not start Obstruction inimpeller housing Inspect for sand or debrisCheck for high Amperage Clear obstruction Motor will not start Overload is tripped See trouble shooting chart for overload is tripped See trouble shooting chart for overload is tripped Motor starts often Leak in piping system Inspect visible piping firstTest buried or well piping Repair leak Motor starts often Foot valve or check valve not closing properly Inspect for obstruction,worn seat or disc Clean or replace Motor starts often Pressure switch setting is incorrect Check pressures at the pump "On" and "Off" modes Adjust to have 20 pounds between modes Motor starts often Faulty pressure switch Check pressure modes and attempt adjustment (above) Replace pressure switch Motor starts oftenBladder type tank Tank is water logged Depress air inlet valve, inspect for water in tank Replace tank if bladder is defective or recharge Motor starts oftenBladder type tank Tank is water logged Drain tank Change aspirator device (air / volume control) Overload is tripped Control box is defective Check voltage transfer between terminals Replace box Overload is tripped Voltage is incorrect Check voltage supply Contact electrical supply provider Overload is tripped Control box has overheated Notice the location of the control box Install in a shaded or partial sunny area Overload is tripped Control box has overheated Notice the location of the control box Install in an area away from heated area Overload is tripped Motor is defective Check amperage Replace motor if required Overload is tripped Defective wiring Inspect all wiring and terminal connections Replace or repair wiring and connectors Overload is tripped Pump is wired incorrectly Review wiring diagram Wire per manufacturers wiring diagram Overload is tripped Motor is in an area not properly ventilated Notice location and possible air obstructions Provide adequate ventilation to motor Motor always runs No water flow due to sand or obstruction Inspect check valve to verify if is opening Clean piping of sand or obstruction or replace Motor always runs No or low water flow due to loose shaft connection Check impellerconnection to shaft Tighten impeller connection to shaft Motor always runs No water flow due to broken shaft Inspect shaft Replace motor Motor always runs Leak in piping system Inspect visible piping and test all hidden piping Repair leaks Motor always runs Malfunctioningcontrol box Test voltage transfer between terminals Replace box if required Motor always runs Pressure switch is defective Inspect points to see if they are "welded" together Replace pressure switch Motor always runsSubmersible Pump Intake screen is plugged Pull pump and inspect screen Clean and determine cause Motor always runsAboveground Pump Foot valve screenis plugged Pull drop pipe and inspect screen Clean and determine cause Motor always runs Low well water level Pull pump and / or piping Check water level and depth