TL;DR
When a Utah well stops producing, check the breaker and pressure switch first, then the pressure tank's air charge, then the well cap and wiring. If those check out, stop and call a licensed driller — pulling a pump yourself can damage the well.
Summary
No water at the tap? A calm, step-by-step troubleshooting guide for Utah well owners — what you can safely check yourself, and when to call a licensed driller.
How to Troubleshoot a Well That Stopped Working
- Check the breaker and disconnect. Confirm the breaker for the well pump has not tripped and the disconnect switch is on.
- Inspect the pressure switch. Open the pressure switch cover and check for burned contacts, ants, or corrosion that prevents the pump from starting.
- Test the pressure tank. Tap the side of the pressure tank — a waterlogged tank sounds solid all the way up. Check the air pre-charge with a tire gauge.
- Check the wellhead. Make sure the well cap is secure, the vent is unobstructed, and there is no visible damage to the wiring.
- Listen for the pump. With a helper at the breaker, listen at the wellhead. A click but no run usually means a failed start capacitor or seized motor.
- Call a licensed driller. If none of the above restores water, stop. Pulling a submersible pump without proper equipment can drop it down the well and turn a $1,500 job into a $15,000 job.