Why Has My Well Suddenly Stopped Working? Five Common Causes
If your well water suddenly stopped working, the most common causes are a tripped circuit breaker, a faulty pressure switch, a waterlogged pressure tank, or a low-yielding well. Sometimes homeowners can resolve water issues by checking the electrical panel or resetting the pressure switch, but "sputtering" faucets may indicate a more serious problem, such as a low-producing well or a broken pump.
After servicing well systems throughout Central and South New Jersey since 1910, we've diagnosed thousands of well problems. While issues may require professional repair, some can be resolved with basic troubleshooting.
This guide walks you through the five most common causes of well failure and what you can do about each one.
🎯 Quick Troubleshooting Checklist
- Power Loss: Check for tripped breaker in electrical panel
- Pressure Switch: Look for burnt contacts or debris
- Pressure Tank: Listen for rapid clicking (short-cycling)
- Low Water Level: Watch for sputtering faucets
- Pump Failure: Power works but no pressure buildup
In This Guide
1. Tripped Breaker or Power Loss
Well pumps require a significant amount of electricity. If your pump works too hard or there is a power surge, the circuit breaker will "trip" to prevent a fire.
The Fix:
Check your main electrical panel. A tripped breaker often sits in the middle position or feels "mushy" to the touch.
- Find the breaker labeled "Well" or "Pump."
- Push the switch firmly all the way to the OFF position until you hear a click.
- Flip it back to the ON position.
If it trips again immediately, you likely have an electrical short or a failing pump motor and need to call a professional.
Video Tutorial: How to Properly Reset a Breaker
2. Faulty Pressure Switch
The pressure switch is the "brain" of your well. It tells the pump when to turn on and off based on the water pressure in your tank.
The Issue: Over time, the electrical contacts inside the switch can burn out or become blocked by debris and insects.
The Sign: If you have 0 PSI on your gauge but the breaker is on, the switch may be failing to send power to the pump.
WARNING: Pressure switches contain high-voltage currents. Contact a professional to remediate the situation or continue at your own RISK.
The Fix: File down the contacts until all corrosion is removed.
Note: If the pressure switch is still not making contact, then replace the unit. At Robbins Water Service, we carry replacement switches and can diagnose switch problems quickly.
Check if all four contacts are touching and do NOT have excessive buildup
3. Pressure Tank Failure
Your tank stores water under pressure, so your pump doesn't have to run every time you turn on a tap.
The Issue: If the internal air bladder ruptures, the tank becomes "waterlogged."
The Sign: You will hear your pump clicking on and off rapidly every time you use water. This "short-cycling" will eventually burn out the pump motor if not fixed.
The Fix: Call a professional to replace the pressure tank. This is not a DIY repair as it requires proper sizing, installation, and pressure adjustment.
Failed pressure tank showing waterlog symptoms
4. Low-Producing Well (Dry Well)
Sometimes the equipment is fine, but the well has lost capacity. During droughts or periods of heavy use in Burlington County and surrounding areas, the water level can drop below the pump's intake.
The Signs:
- Your faucets will "sputter" or spit out air before the water stops completely
- Low pressure and sputtering when using large amounts of water
- Water returns after waiting several hours
The Fix: Turn off your pump and wait 1-2 hours for the well to "recover" or refill.
Note: If the problem persists you will need to contact a professional to rehabilitate the well or drill a new well. Our team at Robbins has specialized equipment for well rehabilitation that can often restore capacity without drilling a new well.
5. Broken Well Pump or Leaking Pipes
The pump itself is located deep underground. Like any motor, it can eventually wear out or become clogged with sediment.
The Issues:
- A hole in the "drop pipe" can cause a total loss of pressure
- Pump motor failure after years of service
- Sediment clogging the pump intake
The Sign: The power and switch are working, but the pressure gauge refuses to rise or won't buildup completely.
The Fix: Call a professional to remedy the issues. Pump replacement requires specialized equipment to pull the pump from the well, diagnose the problem, and reinstall or replace components.
When to Call a Professional
Contact Robbins Water Service immediately if:
- The breaker trips repeatedly after resetting
- You hear grinding or unusual noises from the pump
- Water pressure doesn't return after several hours
- You see rust-colored or cloudy water
- The pressure switch shows signs of burning or melting
- You're uncomfortable working with electrical components
With 114 years of experience serving Medford, Shamong, and surrounding communities, we've seen every well problem imaginable. Our emergency service is available 7 days a week because we know you can't wait days for water.
Need Help with Your Well System?
Phone: 609-268-2040
Location: 146 Stokes Road, Shamong, NJ 08088
Robbins Water Service has been serving Central and South New Jersey since 1910. We provide emergency well repair, pump replacement, and complete system diagnostics.
About Robbins Water Service
Family-owned and operated since 1910, Robbins Water Service holds New Jersey's highest well drilling license category (Master Well Driller). We specialize in residential and commercial well drilling, geothermal systems, well and pump repair, and water treatment throughout all of south and central New Jersey.
