Well system work: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What well system work is

Well system work covers the parts that move water from a private well into the house, including the pressure tank, the pump, the pressure switch and the piping between the well and the home. Much of it is pump and tank work, and a good pro tests the whole system before blaming the well itself.

Signs you need it

  • Water pressure drops or cycles up and down, or the pump runs in short bursts
  • The pump runs constantly, or the pump does not turn on when water is used
  • The pressure tank loses its air charge, or the tank feels heavy and full all the time
  • The water is cloudy, sandy or has a new taste or smell after a pump or tank change
  • The pressure switch makes a clicking or chattering noise, or the pump does not start at the set pressure

What the pro does

  • Check the water pressure at the house and at the pressure tank, and confirm the readings match the switch settings
  • Check the pressure tank's air charge with the water off and drained, and set it to the correct pressure
  • Test the pressure switch for contacts and settings, and replace the switch if it chatters or sticks
  • Check the pump's amperage, the wiring and the check valve, and test the pump in operation
  • Inspect the piping between the well and the house for leaks, loose fittings and the pressure relief
  • Give the customer a written record of the readings, the parts changed and the test results

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Type of pump and whether the pump is submersible or above-ground
  • Depth of the well and the drop pipe, which affect the work needed to pull and reset the pump
  • Pressure tank size and condition, and whether it needs replacing
  • Pressure switch and control box condition, and the wiring they need
  • Piping repairs between the well and the house, and their length and access
  • Electrical work, which is commonly a licensed electrician's scope in many areas

What a written quote should spell out

  • Pressure tank size, type and the air charge set
  • Pressure switch model and setting, and whether it is replaced
  • Pump check, amperage and whether the pump is pulled or tested in place
  • Piping work between the well and the house, and the materials used
  • Water test result and any water quality test recommended

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What is causing the pressure drop, and how did you test the pump and the tank?
  • Will you check the tank's air charge before you replace anything?
  • Is the pump working at the right amperage, and what does the reading tell us?
  • Does the well need a water quality test before the system is changed?
  • Who handles the electrical work, and is it licensed?
  • Will you give me a written record of the readings and the test results?

Red flags

  • Pro who replaces the pump or the tank without first checking the pressure and the air charge
  • Pro who pulls the pump out of the well without showing the test that shows it has failed
  • Pro who does not check the water quality after changing a pump or a tank
  • Pro who connects the electrical work without a licensed electrician where one is required

What you can do yourself

A homeowner can check the pressure gauge, note the pump run times, and check the breaker. Do not pull a well pump, open the well head, or work on the wiring or the pressure tank yourself, since the well can contain electrical and water hazards and the pump is heavy and deep. Call a licensed well contractor or pro for any work below the house.

Licenses and permits

Well system work is commonly done by licensed well contractors or licensed plumbers, and pump and electrical work may need a licensed electrician. Check with your state or local licensing agency about the rules for well work in your area.

Well system work questions

How do I know if the pressure tank is bad?

A tank that has lost its air charge will cycle the pump too often and push water out in short bursts. The pro checks the air charge with the water off and drained, then decides whether the tank or the air needs to be fixed.

How often should the pump be checked?

Most pumps are checked when there is a change in pressure or flow, or on a regular schedule. Ask the pro for an interval based on the pump type and the depth of the well.

Can a pressure switch be repaired?

Some can be cleaned and adjusted, but a switch with burned or stuck contacts should be replaced. The pro should show the contact condition before the switch is changed.

Do I need a water test after a pump change?

Often yes. Pulling a pump or opening the system can introduce bacteria or stir up sediment, and a test confirms the water is safe to drink. Ask whether the pro disinfects the well after opening it.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

Edit history

How it works

  1. 1. Describe the job

    Pick the service, add your ZIP and a sentence about what is going on.

  2. 2. Pick the pros you want

    See screened pros who serve your ZIP and choose who you want to hear from.

  3. 3. They reach out

    They contact you the way you chose: phone, email or in-app messages.

More plumbing guides

Find a pro near you

Find a pro

About this guide

Request well system work