Our water pump continually runs. Over time (about 5 yrs.) it is louder and we lose water more frequently. For instance I just turned the washer on a medium load right now and went to flush the toilet minutes after and we have no water for the toilet to flush or to wash my hands. My husband taught me to run into the basement, turn off the main valve leading into the pump and watch the pressure gauge until it returns to normal and then turn the pump back on. I have mentioned we need to get our problem fixed and he said it's just because the pump is old. Can you please let me know if you feel differently? We have a pretty deep well so we are not running out of water. Thank you - hopeful wife :)

There is a variety of problems that could be causing this. One is the foot valve is old and leaking allowing the prime to run out of the supply pipe from the water to the pump. You don't say if it is a sumergible or jet pump so it is hard to diagnose with out this info. Pumps last 20- 30 years if maintained so it may be a pressure switch, foot valve or supply pipe not reaching the water level until the well recovers. Need more info about what kind of system you have. Not a big fix if we have the right info

We have a jet pump. I am not sure if you need any further info. We believe the pump to be less than 20 yrs. Old. Thank you!!

Had a similar issue, which I discussed here and it turned out to be a clogged sediment filter. It could also be a raptured pressure tank bladder. Of course, like the previous poster stated, they issue could be many. Knowing the type of water system would help to find the problem.

"My husband taught me to run into the basement, turn off the main valve leading into the pump and watch the pressure gauge until it returns to normal"

It would seem that the pump is not able to keep up with demand, which would explain why the pressure drops to a very low level, then recovers when you turn off the main valve to the house and allow it to pump with no demand, thus restoring working pressure.

20 years old is old for a pump. You really need to be able to get 5 gallons a minute from your pump. To test this, use water from a faucet until the pressure falls enough to turn the pump back on. Once that happens, begin to run water into a five gallon bucket. Fill the bucket up three or four times, timing it each time. I'm going to guess that it's going to be a slow go by the time you fill the bucket the second or third time.

Check the foot valve, if that is OK see if the tank is air bound.If it is a bladder tank there may be too much water in it and not allowing the bladder to pressurize the system. Shut off pump,drain all the water. Recharge the tank, start the pump up