In much of rural Marion County, Citrus County, and Citrus Hills, irrigation systems don't run on municipal water — they run on well pumps. These pumps pull water from underground wells or surface ponds and push it through the irrigation system at the right pressure to run sprinkler heads efficiently. When the pump fails or underperforms, the entire irrigation system suffers — and the lawn follows shortly after.
At Green Horse Landscaping & Irrigation, we diagnose and repair irrigation pumps throughout Ocala, Dunnellon, Inverness, Citrus Hills, and the broader Central Florida region. Here's what to watch for.
Warning Signs Your Irrigation Pump Is Failing
Low Pressure Across All Zones
If every zone in your system is producing weak spray — heads aren't reaching full extension, rotation is sluggish, coverage is shorter than normal — the problem usually starts at the pump, not in the field. A pump that's losing impeller efficiency, has a worn seal, or is working against a partially closed valve will show up as system-wide low pressure rather than a single-zone issue.
Pump Starts But Shuts Off Quickly
Short-cycling — where the pump starts and stops repeatedly in quick succession — usually indicates a waterlogged pressure tank. The pressure tank works together with the pump to maintain consistent pressure in the system. When the air charge in the tank fails, the pump has to cycle on and off constantly just to maintain pressure, leading to premature motor burnout.
Pump Won't Start at All
If the pump is getting power but won't start, the issue is typically a failed capacitor, burnt motor windings, or a seized impeller. In Marion County's summer heat, motors running without adequate protection from the elements are especially vulnerable. This is one of the more urgent failures — your entire irrigation system is offline until the pump is repaired or replaced.
Unusual Noises — Grinding, Rattling, or Humming
A pump in good condition runs relatively quietly. Grinding sounds usually indicate debris in the impeller. Rattling can point to a loose mounting or vibration from worn bearings. A constant hum without the motor turning is a sign of a seized pump or a starting capacitor failure. Don't ignore these sounds — they precede complete failure.
Visible Water Around the Pump
Water pooling around the pump housing, dripping from fittings, or visible mineral deposits on the motor casing indicate seal failures or loose connections. Water around an electric motor is also a safety concern — it should be addressed before the next irrigation cycle.
Pump Repair vs. Pump Replacement
The decision depends on the age of the pump, the nature of the failure, and the cost of parts vs. a new unit. In general:
- Repair makes sense if the pump is under 7–8 years old and the failure is a single component — capacitor, seal, pressure switch, or tank.
- Replacement makes more sense if the pump is 10+ years old, has had multiple repairs, or has a failed motor — the cost of motor rebuilding often approaches the cost of a new pump of equivalent performance.
We'll always give you an honest assessment of both options before recommending a course of action.
Serving Marion, Citrus, and Alachua Counties
Green Horse Landscaping & Irrigation services irrigation pumps for residential properties, farms, rural acreage, and commercial properties throughout Marion, Citrus, Alachua, Lake, and Sumter counties. We work with submersible pumps, above-ground centrifugal pumps, and multi-stage booster pumps.