After a power outage, most well pumps restart on their own once power returns. If yours doesn’t, check the pump breaker and the pressure gauge. After lightning, the pump motor, control box or pressure switch may be damaged even if the breaker looks fine. Those repairs need a licensed installer. Home insurance may cover lightning damage; check your policy.
Updated October 2026
Safety first: well pumps run on 230/240-volt circuits. Don’t open the pressure switch, control box or well cap wiring.
Well pump not working after a power outage
- Check the pump breaker. Flip it fully off, then on, once.
- Watch the pressure gauge for a few minutes to see if it climbs.
- Some pressure switches have a low-pressure cutoff that must be reset by hand. That reset is on a live 240-volt part, so leave it to a licensed installer.
- Cloudy or brown water after a restart is often stirred-up sediment. If it doesn’t clear, or there was flooding, stop drinking it and test it.
Signs of lightning damage
| Likely cause | What you can safely check | Needs a licensed pro? |
|---|---|---|
| Breaker tripped in the outage | Reset once | Yes, if it trips again |
| Low-pressure cutoff tripped | Gauge at zero and pump silent (don’t touch the switch) | Yes |
| Lightning-damaged motor or well wire | Storm right before; breaker trips | Yes |
| Damaged control box or switch | Hum, click or burnt smell | Yes |
| Stirred-up sediment | Cloudy water after restart | Test if it lasts |
Other electronics failing in the same storm is a useful clue. Note it for your installer and your insurer.
Does home insurance cover a well pump hit by lightning?
This is general information, not insurance advice. Policies differ, so check yours.
- Home policies usually cover named perils such as lightning, fire and wind.
- Wear and tear and “mechanical or electrical breakdown” are usually excluded.
- Some insurers offer an equipment-breakdown add-on, estimated at about $25 to $50 a year, that can cover surges and breakdowns.
- Keep photos, dates, and the installer’s written notes on the cause.
When you need a licensed professional
- The pump won’t restart after power returns.
- A low-pressure cutoff needs resetting.
- You suspect lightning damage, or want to ask about surge protection.
Wisconsin rules require a DNR-licensed pump installer for pump and pressure-tank work on a drinking-water well; check with DNR if you’re unsure.
