Index
All Guides and Tools
Everything we've published, grouped by what you're trying to do. Each entry shows when it was last updated.
Not sure where to start? If something is wrong right now, use the symptom troubleshooter or the no-water triage. If a word on a quote has you stuck, try the glossary.
Diagnose a problem
- Well pump troubleshootingMatch your symptom to its likely causes and the safe first checks.
- Air in well water linesSputtering, spitting faucets — what the timing tells you and when to test for gas.
- Check valve failure symptomsPump restarting on its own, a bang at start-up, air bursts — and a gauge test to confirm.
- Jet pump keeps losing primeAir leaks, foot valves and falling water levels — and how to re-prime safely.
- Low water pressure from a wellWeak flow everywhere or at one fixture — find where pressure is lost.
- No water from your wellA 10-minute, safety-first triage for when the taps go dry.
- Pump runs but no waterPump sounds normal, gauge sits near zero — why, and why to cut power fast.
- Well pump breaker keeps trippingWhat instant, delayed and after-running trips point to — and when to stop resetting.
- Well pump keeps runningWon't shut off or won't build pressure — read the gauge to narrow it down.
- Well pump short cyclingPump turns on and off every few seconds — tank, check valve, leak or switch.
- Well pump won't turn onSilent pump, no water, or a breaker that trips — work from power to motor.
Well pumps
- Private well pump guideHow the whole system works, the specs that matter, and pump lifespan.
- 2-wire vs. 3-wire well pumpsWhere the starting parts live, how to tell which you have, and what it means for repairs.
- Constant-pressure well systemsSteady pressure from a variable-speed pump — costs, rules and trade-offs.
- Generator size for a well pumpMinimum generator by pump horsepower, 2-wire vs. 3-wire, and safe connection.
- Signs your well pump is failingThe real signs, what mimics each one, typical lifespan, and a repair-or-replace checklist.
- Submersible vs. jet pumpsDepth limits, noise, priming, service access and installed cost.
- Well pump electricity costWatts by horsepower, monthly cost, and a running-cost calculator.
- Well pump maintenance checklistWhat to look at monthly, each spring and each year — and what to leave to a pro.
Pressure tanks
- Well pressure tanksHow the air cushion works, real drawdown by size, and failure signs.
- How to tell if a pressure tank is badWaterlogged, losing air or corroded — five checks and when to replace.
- Pressure tank prechargeWhat PSI the tank should be, how to check it, and when not to add air.
- Replacing a pressure tankWhen to replace, how to choose the new tank, the steps and how to check the work.
- What size pressure tank do I need?Size by pump GPM, run time and switch setting — with worked examples.
Pressure switches & controls
- Pressure switches & controlsHow the switch, gauge and control box turn pressure into on and off.
- 30/50 vs. 40/60 pressure switchMore pressure vs. more water per cycle — which setting fits your house.
- How to adjust a pressure switchWhich nut, how many turns, the limits — and the precharge change that goes with it.
- Pressure switch troubleshootingWon't start, won't stop, chattering or wrong pressures — read it from the outside.
- Well pump control boxWhat's inside, signs of failure, where to mount it, and repair costs.
Costs
- All cost guidesReplacement, repair, tank and running costs, each with its source and date.
- Pressure tank replacement costInstalled prices by tank size, real drawdown, labor and a quote checklist.
- Well pump repair costPrices by part and by symptom, which jobs mean pulling the pump, and when to replace.
- Well pump replacement costPublished ranges by pump type, add-on parts and a quote checklist.
Buying
- Choosing well equipmentThe specs that must match your well before you buy a pump, tank or switch.
Tools
- All toolsTroubleshooter, precharge and tank calculators, cost estimator.
- Cost estimatorPublished installed-cost ranges for your pump type and parts.
- Precharge calculatorTarget tank air pressure from your switch or setpoint.
- Symptom troubleshooterA few questions → likely causes, safe checks and urgency.
- Tank size calculatorMinimum tank volume from pump flow and switch setting.
Reference
- Glossary65 well pump, tank and switch terms in plain English.
How these guides are made
Each guide is built from manufacturer manuals, public agencies and dated cost publications, cited on the page. We separate what a homeowner can safely observe from work for a licensed professional, and we don't claim hands-on product testing we haven't done. Read how we research, our editorial policy and who we are.