No water from your well? Check these first

Before you call anyone, a few safe checks can save a service call — or at least help the pump tech know where to start.

1. Check the breaker. The well pump is usually on its own double-pole breaker. If it's tripped, reset it once. If it trips again, stop — that points to a wiring or motor problem.
2. Check for a power outage or storm. Lightning often takes out the control box or pressure switch. Note whether the trouble started after a storm.
3. Look at the pressure gauge by the tank. Zero with the pump supposed to be running means the pump isn't delivering water.
4. Listen at the pressure switch and control box. A click with no pump running, or a hum, is useful information for the tech.
5. Check for a leak. A broken line between the well and the house can run the pump without getting water to the faucets. Look for wet spots or soft ground along the line.
6. Check any filters or softener. A clogged sediment filter can choke flow to the house.

Don't keep resetting a breaker that trips, and don't open the control box or pressure switch cover unless the power is off and you know what you're doing.

After the water's back

If the well was opened up for repair, or if water looks cloudy or smells different, it's worth getting a bacteria test. Your county health department can usually arrange private well testing, and shock-chlorinating the well is common after pump work.