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Private well pump and pressure tank startup checklist

A pre-use private-well pumping-system checklist for confirming pump model, depth, cable and drop-pipe records, safe electrical disconnect and control box, grounding and conduit, check valves and pitless connection, pressure tank type, size and precharge, pressure-switch settings and gauge, relief and drain provisions where required, piping support and freeze protection, treatment and softener connections, leak and cycling tests, flow and current observations by qualified professionals, emergency shutdown, generator compatibility, commissioning sheet and owner instruction before routine occupancy.

6 items to check

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Pump, motor, setting depth, drop pipe and cable match the well and design demand

Critical item

Selection should reflect head, yield and electrical supply.

Circuit, disconnect, control box, grounding, conduit and protection are complete

Critical item

Water-system electrical work should be safe and serviceable.

Pressure tank size, orientation, precharge and isolation match the system

Critical item

Incorrect precharge causes short cycling and poor storage.

Pressure switch, gauge, relief and pump protection settings are commissioned

Critical item

Controls should match tank and pump limits.

Pitless, check valves, service piping, treatment bypass and drains are leak-free and protected

Critical item

Piping should avoid contamination, freeze and water hammer problems.

Startup flow, pressure, current, cycling, shutdown and owner instructions are documented

Critical item

Commissioning should create a baseline for service.

Use after pump or pressure-system installation and before normal use. Qualified professionals should perform energized and downhole diagnostics. Do not enter septic tanks, wells, pits or excavations; lean over open tanks; breathe confined-space gases; touch exposed wiring; operate pumps dry; drink unverified water; add chemicals to mask a failing system; or drive heavy equipment over tanks and drainfields. Openings require secure barriers and qualified control. Private-well and septic rules vary substantially by jurisdiction.

Reference standards

  • Applicable state, tribal and local onsite-wastewater, private-well, plumbing, health, environmental, electrical and building requirements; local health department and water or sewer authority records; approved site evaluation, design and permits; property survey and easements; qualified inspection, drilling, laboratory and service reports; and exact tank, pump, alarm, treatment, well, pressure-system and disinfection instructions
  • Approved pump design and exact pump, motor, pressure tank, switch, treatment and electrical instructions

    • Tools

  • Property survey, septic and well permits, as-builts, pumping and service records, water results, utility maps, disclosures, manuals, receipts and photographs
  • Camera, tape, flashlight and owner-safe observation tools; qualified probing, locating, pumping, camera, hydraulic, electrical, yield, pressure and laboratory testing where permitted
  • Qualified onsite-wastewater professional, septic designer, installer, pumper, plumber, electrician, well contractor, pump professional, certified laboratory and health department as applicable

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