First steps (safe for homeowners)
- Check power to the house. If the whole neighborhood is out, the pump will be too. Wait for power to return.
- Check the well pump breaker. Reset it once if it tripped. If it trips again, turn it off and call.
- Read the pressure gauge at the tank. Zero or near zero is useful information for the contractor.
- Listen at the pressure switch and well head (don't open anything). Is there a click, a hum, or silence?
- Look for a burst pipe or major leak between the well and house, or around the tank.
- Think back: was there a lightning storm, power surge, outage, or very heavy water use (like long irrigation) just before it stopped?
Common causes of a sudden loss of water
- Tripped breaker or blown fuse on the pump circuit
- Failed pressure switch (burned or stuck contacts, clogged sensing port)
- Failed control box component (for 3-wire pumps), or a damaged wire or splice
- Failed submersible pump motor
- Broken drop pipe or failed check valve inside the well
- Water level drawn down below the pump during heavy use
- Major leak in the line from the well to the home
While you wait
- Keep the pump breaker off if it tripped again.
- Set aside bottled water for drinking and a few buckets for flushing toilets if you have a supply.
- Avoid running appliances that need water.
- Write down the gauge reading and anything you noticed so you can share it with the contractor.
What affects emergency service cost
We don't publish prices. Emergency cost depends on time of day and day of week, what failed, whether the pump must be pulled, well depth, and parts availability. Ask the contractor about any emergency or after-hours charges when you call.
No water FAQ
What should I do first when I have no water?
Check whether a breaker for the well pump has tripped and reset it once. Check whether your home has power and whether there was a recent outage or storm. Read the pressure gauge at the tank. If the breaker trips again, or nothing changes, turn the pump breaker off and call a pro.
Should I turn off my water heater if I have no water?
If the outage may last a while, many people turn off or set an electric water heater to vacation mode, or follow the manufacturer's instructions for gas units. That keeps the heater from running with low water. Check your water heater manual for the specific guidance.
Is it safe to keep resetting the pump breaker?
No. Reset once. A breaker that trips again is protecting a circuit that has a problem, such as a shorted wire, failing motor, or bad control part. Repeated resets can make damage worse and can be a safety hazard.
Will someone come out today?
Same-day availability depends on the participating contractor's schedule and conditions. When you call, describe the situation and ask about the earliest available time and any emergency or after-hours terms.