When a well pump runs but no water comes out, the water level may have dropped below the pump, a pipe in the well may be broken or split, a jet pump may have lost its prime, or the pump may be worn out. Turn the pump breaker off to protect the motor, then have a licensed installer find the cause.
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.
Why shut it off
Pumps use the water moving past them to stay cool. A pump that runs with no water can overheat and fail, turning a smaller repair into a full replacement.
Flip the pump breaker off and leave it off until you know more. That is the safest step you can take.
Why is my well pump running but not building pressure?
| Likely cause | What you can safely check | Needs a licensed pro? |
|---|---|---|
| Water level below the pump | Did it start after heavy use, like filling a pool? Does water return after a few hours off? | Yes, to check well yield |
| Broken or split pipe in the well | Gauge barely moves while the pump runs | Yes |
| Jet pump lost its prime | Is the pump in the basement or pump house? Was there an outage? | Yes in Wisconsin |
| Worn pump | Has pressure been slipping for months? | Yes |
| Frozen line | Recent deep cold; exposed pipe | Often; see the frozen well guide |
| Stuck pressure switch | Pump won’t stop even with taps closed | Yes |
Notes to give the installer
- The pressure gauge reading and whether it moves at all.
- When it started and what water use came right before.
- Any outage, lightning or freeze.
- Your well depth, if you know it. You can look it up on your well construction report.
Depth matters here. River-valley wells, like those around Spring Green, are often shallow, while ridge-top wells can run near 300 feet (medians from DNR well records).
Common questions
My well pump keeps running but there’s no water. Will it fix itself?
If the well was simply drawn down, water may come back after a rest. If it happens again, or the pump never stops, something needs repair.
Can I prime or pull the pump myself?
Wisconsin’s licensing rule has no homeowner exemption for pump work on a drinking-water well. Leave priming, pulling and part swaps to a licensed installer.
When you need a licensed professional
- The pump runs but the gauge doesn’t rise.
- Water stops again after a rest.
- The pump needs priming, pulling or replacing.
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.
Related
- No water from your well
- Short cycling or won’t shut off
- Is your well running dry?
- How long well pumps last
