A well pump that trips its breaker or hums without pumping usually has a failing motor, a damaged wire in the well, a bad part in the control box, lightning damage, or a pump jammed by sand. Reset the breaker once. If it trips again, leave it off and get a licensed pump installer.
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 reset only once
A breaker trips to protect wiring and the motor from a fault. Resetting it again and again forces power into whatever is damaged.
- Flip the pump breaker fully off, then on, one time.
- If it holds, watch the pressure gauge to see if it rises.
- If it trips again, or you smell burning, leave it off.
Why is my well pump humming but no water?
A hum usually means the motor is getting power but can’t start turning. Common reasons are a failed start part in the control box, low voltage, or a pump stuck with sand.
A pump that hums and can’t start heats up fast. Turn the breaker off.
Likely causes
| Likely cause | What you can safely check | Needs a licensed pro? |
|---|---|---|
| Failing pump motor | Trips right when the pump starts | Yes |
| Damaged wire or splice in the well | Trips again and again, sometimes after storms | Yes |
| Control box part | Hum or click at the box with no water (don’t open it) | Yes |
| Lightning or surge damage | Recent storm or outage | Yes |
| Pump jammed by sand | Grit in the water lately | Yes |
| Worn breaker | Old breaker that trips at random | A licensed electrician |
Common questions
Why does my well pump keep tripping the GFCI?
Repeated trips can point to moisture or damaged wiring. Treat it like a breaker trip: reset once, then get help.
What does a new pump cost?
Pump replacement typically runs about $1,000 to $2,500 nationally, and more for deep wells (estimate). Many Driftless ridge-top wells are deep, which adds cost.
When you need a licensed professional
- The breaker trips a second time.
- The pump hums, buzzes or smells hot.
- The trouble started after lightning or a surge.
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
- After a power outage or lightning
- Sand or sediment in well water
- No water from your well
- How long well pumps last
