A blockage in the water supply piping. For example, a clogged or nearly clogged water filter can cause the pump control to cycle on and off rapidly. This is because the blockage causes water pressure (between the pump and the filter) to rise very rapidly when the pump turns on.

Why does my well keep going on and off?

If the water supply pipes become clogged, the pump will short cycle. A clog in the water supply creates high water pressure very quickly. The best way to check for this is to check the water filter. If it’s dirty or blocked, replace it, and you may restore function.

What could cause a pump to start too frequently?





If the pump runs too often the cause may be a control problem, water tank problem, piping problem, or a well problem. INTERMITTENT CYCLING WATER PUMPS if the pump runs at odd times for no apparent reason. If the pump won’t turn off the cause may be a damaged pump control, a plumbing or fixture leak, or a well problem.

How do I stop my well pump from short 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.

Why does my well pump run intermittently?

If a pump is turning on and off intermittently, the most likely explanation is that there is either water running somewhere or there is a piping leak.

How do you fix a surging well pump?





Unplug the valve and insert a pressure gauge into the valve to measure the air pressure. It should be between 20 and 30 pounds per square inch. Add air to increase the bladder pressure, then remove the air by holding the valve open with a fingernail. Then, check the air pressure again.

How often should a well pump cycle on and off?

So a minute on and a minute off has always been the minimum rule of thumb. Two minutes on and two minutes off is just that much better for the motor. With the old conventional pressure tank method, the pressure tank fills at the rate the pump can produce, less the amount of water being used at the time.

Why does my pressure switch Keep clicking on and off?

Switch Clicks On and Off Repeatedly
One of the most frequent culprits is a blown bladder in the water tank. You’ll need to replace this component, and also inspect the switch contacts to see if they’ve suffered any damage from the cycling.

How often should a well pump cycle when water is running?

“Normal well pump operation with a pressure tank will give a water volume draw-down cycle of 30 seconds to 1-2 minutes for a typical water pressure tank, or much longer if larger water pressure tanks or water storage tanks are installed.”

What can cause a water pump to short cycle?



Let’s look at some of the most common reasons that cause pump short cycling.

  • Faulty Water Pump Pressure Control Switch. As discussed, the pump pressure control switch is the component responsible for switching the pump ON or OFF. …
  • Too Much Air in the Reservoir Tank. …
  • Too Little Air in the Reservoir Tank. …
  • Blocked Water Lines.

How can you tell if your well pump is bad?

How To Tell If Your Well Pump is Going Bad

  1. Decrease in Water Pressure. …
  2. Air Spitting From the Faucet. …
  3. Pumping Sand or Sediment. …
  4. Water Quality Change. …
  5. Water Pump Cycles On and Off Constantly. …
  6. Loud or Unusual Noises. …
  7. High Electric Bills.


Why does my water pump keep kicking on and off?

A blockage in the water supply piping.
For example, a clogged or nearly clogged water filter can cause the pump control to cycle on and off rapidly. This is because the blockage causes water pressure (between the pump and the filter) to rise very rapidly when the pump turns on.

Why is my water pressure going up and down?

If the plumbing system in your home or the mains pipes supplying your home are many decades old, chances are they may be clogged, constricted, and filled with debris. As pipes leak or clogs move around inside the pipes, water pressure can vary and fluctuate.

Why does my well pulsate?

Usually, well water pulsates when there isn’t enough air pressure in the tank. The two parts that regulate this pressure are the electric pressure switch and the internal air bladder inside the water tank. If either of them is malfunctioning, this can cause the water from your taps to pulsate rather than flow steadily.

What causes a pressure switch to chatter?



Clogs or blockage at the water supply outlet side of the pump; a dirty or clogged water filter can cause pressure switch chatter as can corrosion or scaling inside the water supply piping to the pump or anywhere between the pump outlet and the pressure tank’s inlet.

Why does my water pressure switch Keep clicking?

If the click occurs say once every 30 seconds, that’s normal. It’s the pump switching on and off as pressure falls and rises. Watch out: If the clicking pressure switch is switching the pump on and off very rapidly, say every second, TURN THE PUMP CIRCUIT OFF immediately to avoid damaging the equipment.