Symptoms
Why your well pump keeps running
A pump that never shuts off is working without a break. The usual causes are a leak, a pressure switch that will not open, a pump that cannot reach its cut-off pressure, or a well that is drawing down.
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Rule out a running fixture
Walk the house and the yard. A running toilet, a hose left on, an irrigation zone stuck open or a broken line all keep the pump going. Wet ground along the buried line between the well and the house is a clue.
Watch the gauge
If the gauge climbs slowly and never reaches its usual cut-off, the pump may be worn or the well may be low. If it reaches the cut-off and the pump keeps running, the switch is a likely suspect. Note which one you see.
Why not to wait
A pump that runs nonstop uses a lot of electricity and can overheat, especially if it is pulling air because the water level dropped. If you cannot find a leak, turn the well breaker off between uses and call.
Local context
Many local wells have modest yields. Median tested yields run 10 to 18 gallons per minute across the ZIPs on this site.[source] On a lower-yield well, long irrigation runs can pull the water level down, and the pump may run longer as a result.
Questions
Can a bad pressure switch keep the pump running?
Yes, if its contacts stick closed. Leave the switch cover on and let the company check it.
Will a running pump raise my power bill?
A pump that runs far more than usual uses more power. A sudden jump in the bill is worth mentioning.
Is it safe to turn the breaker off?
Turning off the well breaker stops the pump. You will have no water until it is back on.
Related help
Want to talk it through?
Call and get connected with a local well pump company.
Call about your well(928) 655-8940