Well Pumps and Pressure Tanks

If your home runs on a private well, the pump and pressure tank are what keep water flowing to every faucet. When either one has a problem, you notice fast. Understanding how they work together helps you spot trouble early and talk confidently with a well technician.

How a well water system works

A typical private well system has a few main parts:

• The well pump. Pulls water from the well and pushes it toward the house.
• The pressure tank. Stores water under pressure so the pump doesn't have to start every time you open a tap.
• The pressure switch. Turns the pump on when pressure drops to a set point and off when it reaches a higher set point.
• Controls and wiring. Some pumps use a separate control box. Others have controls built in.
• The pressure gauge. Shows the system pressure, usually near the tank.

When you use water, pressure in the tank drops. At the low setting, the switch starts the pump. The pump refills the tank until pressure reaches the high setting, then shuts off.

Types of well pumps

• Submersible pumps sit down in the well, often deep below ground. They're common in deeper wells.
• Jet pumps sit above ground, in a basement or well house, and pull water up by suction. They're more common with shallow wells.

The type matters for repairs. Replacing a submersible pump usually means pulling the pump and pipe out of the well, which takes special equipment.

How the pressure tank works

Most modern pressure tanks have an air chamber separated from the water by a bladder or diaphragm. The compressed air pushes water out to your faucets. The tank's air charge needs to be set correctly relative to the pressure switch, and a technician can check this.

If the bladder fails, the tank can become waterlogged. That leads to one of the most common well problems: short cycling.

Warning signs to watch for

• Short cycling. The pump turns on and off rapidly, often every few seconds while water runs. This is hard on the pump and is often linked to a tank problem.
• Fluctuating water pressure. Strong, then weak, then strong again.
• No water. Could be a tripped breaker, a failed pressure switch, a control box issue, a failed pump, or a low water level in the well.
• Pump runs constantly. May indicate a leak, a failing pump, or a low well.
• Spitting faucets or air in lines. Could signal a dropping water level or a leak in the drop pipe.
• Higher electric bills. A pump running more than usual uses more power.
• Cloudy or sandy water. May point to well or pump problems worth checking.

Simple checks you can do

1. Check the breaker for the well pump.
2. Look at the pressure gauge and note the readings when the pump starts and stops.
3. Listen for rapid clicking from the pressure switch.
4. Look for leaks around the tank, fittings and visible pipes.

Leave electrical testing and pump work to a licensed well professional. Well systems combine water and high voltage.

Maintenance tips

• Have the system inspected periodically by a well professional.
• Ask them to check the tank's air charge and pressure switch settings.
• Test your water quality regularly. Your local health department can often suggest a schedule and testing labs.
• Keep the area around the wellhead clear and protect it from damage.
• In cold climates, make sure above-ground parts are protected from freezing.

How home warranties handle well pumps

Well pumps are often an optional add-on rather than part of a base home warranty plan. Our page on well pump coverage explains typical terms. Coverage often includes the pump and related controls used for domestic water. Common limits include:

• Caps on what the plan will pay for a single repair
• Exclusions for well casings, piping inside the well, or wells that run dry
• Limits on the cost of locating or accessing the pump
• Pressure tanks covered under some plans and excluded under others

Ask specifically about the pressure tank and the cost of pulling a submersible pump. If your home also has a septic system, see our septic system coverage page, since rural homes often need both.

How Warranty Wizards can help

We help homeowners compare home warranty plans from independent third-party providers and explain what each plan covers for wells and pumps before you buy. Get a free quote at get a quote.