What would cause my well pump to keep running?

Your well pump is designed to shut off once it reaches a certain pressure. A significant leak anywhere in the well piping lowers the water pressure in the system. So if the pressure is too low, your pump won’t shut off and instead will continue running all the time.

Why is my water pump running so long?





In many cases, the problem stems from a leak in the drop pipe. Other common causes include air leaks in either the impeller or the pump casing, faulty check valves inside of the well pump, or a damaged foot valve at the bottom of your well.

Is a well pump supposed to run continuously?

No, a well pump shouldn’t run constantly; if it does, there’s a problem with the water system. Well pumps are designed to run for a time and then shut off once the pressure tank is filled.

How do I stop my well pump from cycling?

What You Can do to Prevent Excessive Cycling on Your Water Pump

  1. Repair the tank air volume control.
  2. Drain the water tank and let air re-enter the tank.
  3. Drain the water from the tank and use the air inlet valve to recharge air back into your tank. The air charge should be 2 psi lower than you pump cut-on pressure.


How long can a well pump run continuously?





In most cases, your home’s well pump should last around 10 years without worry, but like any electric machine, it’s important to take care to ensure it lasts.

Why does my water pump turn on when I’m not using water?

Short cycling is a term used to describe a well pump that is rapidly kicking on and off when water is flowing. A loss of air in the water pressure tank is the most common cause of short cycling. Other issues that can cause this includes a clogged water filter, a damaged water tank, and leaks in your system.

How often should a well pump kick in?

Every time you use more than 1 gallon of water the pump must start. So the pump does not usually need to start while you are rinsing your toothbrush or the ice maker is filling. However, the pump will start when a toilet is flushed or the shower is running.

How do I know if my pressure switch is bad?

How to Tell If Your Well Pump Pressure Switch Is Bad

  1. Your water pressure is at or above the cut-out pressure, yet the pump doesn’t turn off.
  2. Your pump doesn’t turn on at the proper cut-in pressure.
  3. You have low water pressure even though the pump is running.
  4. Your pump runs, but it cycles on and off repeatedly.



Where is the well pump pressure switch?

You’ll find the pressure switch mounted on a 1/4-in. tube near the pressure tank. It’s what senses when water pressure has dropped to the point where the pressure tank requires more water. The switch then powers up the well pump.

How do I reset my well pressure switch?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Until you hear the pump start and continue to hold until the pressure climbs above 20 pounds in your system.

How do I turn my water pump off?



Most water pumps can be turned off electrically at two locations: a switch located near the water pump or tank, such as shown the photo here and as the silver-colored electrical switch at left in this close up photo and also at the building’s main electrical panel (where hopefully you have labeled the water pump …

How do I know if my well pump control box is bad?

How to tell if your well pump is going bad:

  1. No water flow from faucets.
  2. Poor water pressure.
  3. Constantly running pump.


How do you reset a well pump?

Hold the reset lever in the start position until the pressure builds up and the gauge reads over 40 PSI; then let it return to the AUTO position. The pump should now run on its own and continue until the pressure reaches the cut out setting, (usually between 50 – 60 PSI), and then shut off.

How can you tell if a well capacitor is bad?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: There's a million different ways you can do see if the capacitor is good or bad. You can probably you know put your multimeter.

What happens when a well pump capacitor goes bad?

A run capacitor is an energy-saving device that is in the motor circuit at all times. If a run capacitor fails, the motor can display a variety of problems including not starting, overheating, and vibrating. A bad run capacitor deprives the motor of the full voltage it needs to operate correctly.

How do I test a well capacitor?

Turn a multimeter to the “Ohm” setting. Touch the multimeter’s probes on the capacitor’s terminals and watch the meter’s reading. The meter should reach infinite, fall back slightly, then reach infinite again. If it does not, then replace the capacitor.

How long do well capacitors last?

The capacitor stores power like a battery and over time loses the ability to store as much as it needs to. After about three years, a start capacitor will need to be replaced. The pressure tank on your well may be long-lived (up to 30 years) or may be a short-lived version (lasting around 5 years).