A submersible pump lives down in the well, so you can't see it fail. You notice it as weak pressure, air in the lines, or no water. Around West Melbourne, submersibles are most common on properties that rely on a well for the house, such as acreage near Lake Washington and older large lots south of the city.
Call (321) 220-9883Common faults
- Control box or capacitor failure on three-wire pumps, often after lightning.
- Worn impellers from sand, so the pump runs but delivers less.
- Damaged wire or splices in the well, which trip the breaker.
- A failed check valve, so pressure drops back after the pump shuts off.
How it's diagnosed
Most of the testing happens at the surface: voltage, amp draw and wire resistance tell a contractor a lot before the pump comes out. Pulling the pump is the last step, not the first, because it's the biggest part of the bill.
Common questions
How do I know if I have a submersible pump?
If there's no pump motor above ground, just a well cap, a pressure tank and a switch, the pump is down in the well.
Can a submersible pump be repaired?
The pump itself is usually replaced if the motor fails, but many faults are in the control box, wire or check valve, which can be fixed without a new pump.
Why does my breaker trip when the pump starts?
Often a shorted wire or splice in the well, or a failing motor. Testing at the surface narrows it down.