What to Do If Your Simple Pump Hand Pump Stops Pumping Water

So your Simple Pump Deep Well Hand Pump has been faithfully delivering water—but now it’s not. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. In this post, we’ll break down the four most common reasons your pump may stop producing water and how to troubleshoot them.

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1. The Pump Hasn’t Been Used in a While

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What’s going on?

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If the pump has sat unused for months (or years), minerals like iron and calcium in your well water can settle and build up in the check valve at the bottom of the pump cylinder. Over time, these solids can fuse the valve shut, preventing water from flowing.

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How to test it:

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• Tape a very thin plastic bag (like a produce bag) over the pump spout.
• Pump the handle. If the bag inflates on the downstroke and deflates on the upstroke, your valve is stuck and water isn’t being pulled in.

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How to fix it:

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You’ll need to pull the pump from the well and clean the check valve. Soaking the parts in vinegar can dissolve mineral buildup. In many cases, manually freeing the valve or ball and cleaning it does the trick.

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2. The Water Level Has Dropped

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What’s going on?

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Seasonal changes, drought, or increased well usage in your area can lower the static water level in your well. If the pump cylinder is now above that level, it can’t pull water.

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How to test it:

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Use the same plastic bag test. This time, if the bag continues inflating with each pump stroke and doesn’t deflate, you’re likely just pushing air—you’re not in water.

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How to fix it:

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Lower the pump deeper into the well using additional drop pipe kits. If you’re near the limits of your current pump cylinder model, you may need to switch to a smaller cylinder designed for deeper applications.

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3. Worn-Out Seals

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What’s going on?

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Your pump uses rubber seals to move water. Over time, these wear down, reducing performance and eventually allowing water to bypass the piston entirely.

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How to tell:

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If you notice a decrease in water output per stroke, or you stop getting water completely and everything else checks out—this is likely the issue.

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How to fix it:

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Time for a seal kit replacement. This is part of routine maintenance and generally needed every few years depending on usage.

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4. Rod Connection Failure

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What’s going on?

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In rare cases, a threaded connection between lift rods can come loose—or the bond between fiberglass and stainless components can fail.

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How to tell:

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If the handle suddenly feels weightless and you get no resistance when pumping, it likely means a disconnect occurred somewhere in the rod string.

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How to fix it:

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Uninstall the pump section by section until you locate the break. If a rod failed, Simple Pump covers this under warranty—we’ll send a replacement part and help you get back up and running.

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Final Tip: Pump Regularly

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Even if you’re only using your Simple Pump for emergencies, try to pump a couple of gallons once or twice a month. This keeps the seals lubricated and prevents mineral buildup.

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If you’re still not sure what’s wrong or want help walking through a fix, call our support team. We’re here to help.

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