My water pump circut breaker

The water pump circuit breaker keeps going off as soon as I reset it. Is this electrical or is it an issue with the pump? Is there anything I can do or should I call electrician or plumber?

Considering the pump is probably at fault I would start with a plumber.

Turn off the power and disonnect/cap off the wiring at the pump.

Turn the breaker back on.


If it still trips, it's the wiring. If it clears, it's the pump.

Alectrician said:

Turn off the power and disonnect/cap off the wiring at the pump.

Turn the breaker back on.


If it still trips, it's the wiring. If it clears, it's the pump.

Click to expand...

But the pump is 300' down.

(Hey, you did say AT the pump. )


Seriously, I agree, go to the pressure switch and disconnect the load wires (to the pump). If it clears, call a plumber. If it still trips, call an electrician.

Disconnect the wires from the pressure switch and do the breaker test again as suggested and described above. Then, using your multimeter (homeowners should own one) measure the winding resistance of the motor and the resistance between the wires to the pump and ground. The answer will tell you if the fault is in the wiring down the well or the pump, but may not tell you which it is.

If there is a short circuit or a short to ground then you have a down-hole problem which means that you should call a well service man, unless you are an agressive DIYer.