We often get customers asking us what could be wrong with their well over the phone, without having a site visit.  Guessing what could be wrong without seeing the system in person is a bit of a shot in the dark, but if a person is completely out of water we usually have some guesses:

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Bad Pressure Switch:  If the pressure switch is bad, it won't relay to the pump that it needs to turn on! you can see why this could be a problem.  We often can figure this out by testing voltage going in and out of the pressure switch to see if it is calling for water pressure or not.

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Bad Controller: A controller is a device mounted to the wall that helps the well pump start running.  It has a starting capacitor which gives the well a little extra push during start up, along with a relay that helps communicate to the well pump.  If a controller goes bad, it's often relieving to the customer because it is significantly cheaper than replacing the well pump; but be advised--a failed controller is usually an ominous sign that the pump might not be too far behind.

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Bad Well Wire: Sometimes a well wire can have a small crack it in that allows moisture in the wire which shorts out the well circuit.  It's not uncommon to see this happen after a big rainstorm... Perhaps the well wire already had the crack in it, but when it was enveloped in water permeating the soil, it shorted out!

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Bad Well Pump: When all else fails, it's usually the well pump.  This is probably the most expensive repair due to the necessity for specialized equipment, along with high material costs--cross your fingers and hope its something else!