When you turn on the faucet and nothing comes out, it’s not just an inconvenience — it’s a sudden loss of one of the most basic things in your home. We hear it almost daily on the phone: “Water is not coming from my sink — when can you come out?” Before you assume the worst (and before you start replacing parts), it helps to know what’s actually causing the problem.

Here are the six most common reasons we find on private wells in Connecticut, in roughly the order we check them on a diagnostic call.

1. The Well Pump Has Failed (Mechanically or Electrically)

A submersible or jet pump that has burned out, lost prime, or developed an internal mechanical fault will stop pushing water — and you’ll lose pressure at every fixture in the house. On every diagnostic, we monitor pump amperage, check for electrical shorts or breaks, and confirm the pump is mechanically sound before recommending a replacement. We don’t replace pumps that don’t need to be replaced. Learn more about our well pump installation, replacement, and repair services.

2. The Pressure Switch Is Bad or Out of Adjustment

The pressure switch is the small part that turns your pump on and off — usually set to a 30/50 or 40/60 range. Worn contacts, a stuck diaphragm, or a switch knocked out of adjustment can leave you with no water even when the pump itself is fine. Replacing or recalibrating the switch is one of the simplest and least expensive fixes when it turns out to be the cause.

3. The Pressure Tank Is Waterlogged or Has Lost Its Air Pre-Charge

Look at the gauge on the bottom of your pressure tank. If it’s reading below 30 psi, sitting at zero, or short-cycling on and off, the tank may have lost its air pre-charge or be waterlogged. A failing tank can mimic a failing pump, which is why we test the tank’s air charge before condemning anything else. If you’ve never had your pressure tank or storage tank inspected, it’s worth checking.

4. A Clogged Line, Foot Valve, or Pump Intake

Sediment, scale buildup, and screen blockages can choke off the supply line between the well and the house. We’ve had calls where another company cleaned the line and got the water flowing again — only for the pressure to drop a few days later because the underlying issue (often a clogged pump intake or a failing foot valve) was never addressed. A real diagnostic looks at the whole flow path, not just the easiest fix.

5. A Hidden Leak Between the Well and the House

A cracked underground pipe can quietly leak hundreds of gallons before you ever notice a wet spot — especially on a sloped property, where the water just sheds away. We pressure test the system at the tank to confirm whether you’re losing water somewhere between the well and the basement. It’s one of the most under-checked causes of low pressure or sudden water loss, and it’s why we offer dedicated low water pressure troubleshooting.

6. The Water Table Has Dropped or the Well Isn’t Recovering

Sometimes the pump is fine, the tank is fine, the lines are fine — and the well itself just doesn’t have enough water in it. Heavy household usage, a dry season, or a well that simply doesn’t recover fast enough can leave the pump running dry. When that’s the case, we’ll confirm the static and recovery levels with you and refer you to a trusted local driller if the well needs to be deepened or replaced. We don’t drill, but we’ll point you to someone who does. A well inspection or recovery test is often the right next step.

What To Do Right Now If You Have No Water

First, don’t keep cycling the pump on and off — running it dry can damage it. Turn the breaker off if you’re sure the well has no water, and call for a diagnostic. Our flat-rate diagnostic visit is $169 plus tax for the first hour on-site, with transparent pricing before any repair work begins. We offer same-day emergency service across Watertown, Litchfield County, and the surrounding Connecticut towns we cover. If you need help right now, contact Mad River Well Services and we’ll get a technician out to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a well diagnostic cost?

Our diagnostic visit is $169 plus tax for the first hour on-site. That includes a full mechanical and electrical pump check, water-table verification, pressure switch and tank assessment, and pressure testing when needed.

Can someone come out today?

Yes. We offer same-day service for total loss of water across our Connecticut service area whenever our schedule allows. Call as early in the day as possible for the best chance of a same-day appointment.

Why am I getting different diagnoses from different companies?

We hear this a lot. The fix is a methodical, step-by-step process that eliminates variables one at a time — pump, switch, tank, line, leak, water table — rather than guessing at the most expensive part. If you’ve already had another company out and you’re not satisfied, we’re happy to give you an honest second opinion.

Do you do well drilling?

We service and repair pumps, tanks, switches, and well systems. If your well needs to be deepened or re-drilled, we’ll refer you to a trusted local driller — that side of the work is a different trade.

What towns do you service?

We serve Watertown, Litchfield County, and many surrounding Connecticut towns including Farmington, Naugatuck, Rockville, Hartford, Waterbury, Southington, and Wallingford. See our full service areas.

Should I keep using water until you arrive?

If the pump is short-cycling, sputtering, or there’s no water, shut it off at the breaker. Continuing to run a dry pump can cause damage that turns a small repair into a full replacement.