What to Do When You Run Out of Water

Running out of water can be stressful — especially for homeowners in Anderson, Pendleton, Muncie, Noblesville, Tipton, Lapel, Elwood, and nearby counties. Sudden water loss is usually caused by pump failure, electrical issues, low groundwater levels, or pressure tank problems. 

Common causes of water loss include:

• Pump failure (burnout, wiring issues, seized motor)

• Low water table during drought or peak usage

• Pressure tank malfunction

• Frozen or damaged supply lines

• Clogged intake screens or pipe blockages

First steps you can take:

1. Check your breaker panel — pumps commonly trip breakers.
2. Listen for pump noise — silence may indicate failure.
3. Check your pressure gauge — low readings point to tank or switch issues.
4. Look for signs of freezing around the head of the well casing (winter months).

If none of these restore water, the best next step is a professional diagnosis. Do not try to pull the pump out of the well casing yourself. Many times, when homeowners attempt to pull the pump out of their well, they end up getting the pump stuck, or worse yet, cracking the PVC well casing. If that happens, then what could have been a simple pump repair can turn into the need for a new well. The best approach is to call a licensed well driller to evaluate the problem and get your water flowing again. 
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