When a water pump only hums that is it s not moving water the problem could be a bad pump motor bad motor start capacitor low voltage or indeed as you speculate if the pump has lost prime perhaps due to a leaky foot valve it may also seem to be doing nothing but humming a monotone.
Well pump motor humming.
If the well pump or control switch makes no noise at all just hums or clicks and when the water pump simply does not run these diagnostic questions may help track down and repair the trouble.
Don t buy a new pump check to see if your capacitor is causing th.
Worn bearings in the motor shaft can also cause screeching noises when the pump is running.
But if your pump was cycling on and off too much or as your installer says blaming you the victim over use i suspect the original installation was improper.
Humming pump suggests the motor was burning up perhaps from over use or there could be a failed motor start capacitor.
This commonly occurs if the sump dries out often with exposure of the base.
This article series gives diagnosis repair advice for well or water pumps controls tanks water pressure water flow water quantity.
See capacitors for hard starting motors note that some pump motor noise including an unpleasant whine or hum is perfectly normal.
If the pump motor hums but does not start the motor may be seizing may need replacement or a start run capacitor may need replacement.
Swimming pool pump won t start pump is humming.
Once you re sure the power is off to the pressure tank you can test with a non contact voltage tester follow these steps to perform basic.
Try turning off the pump and priming it manually.
The pressure tank and well pump should be wired on the same breaker so if you find a label for well or water pump that should be the power shut off for the pressure tank too.
It s possible to change worn bearings though it s far better to simply switch out an old motor with a new one.