If you have sufficient air but still have short cycling, you may have a faulty or clogged water pump pressure control switch. This can occur when the water is full of silt or other debris, or when the water has high mineral content. Replace or repair the switch to restore normal function.

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 pressure pump keep kicking on and off?

Blocked Water Supply Piping

Another common cause of water pump short cycling is a blockage in the water supply piping, such as a clogged water filter. Even a water filter that is only somewhat clogged can cause short cycling. The blockage causes water pressure to rise quickly once the pump is turned on.

Why is my pressure tank short cycling?

Short cycling can occur for a number of reasons. One of most common reasons for short cycling is a loss of air in the water pressure tank. This is especially common in older, non-bladder pressure tanks. For these older tanks, the solution to this problem entails repairing the water tank air volume control.

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.

Why would a well pump short cycle?

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.

How long should a well pump run between cycles?

30 seconds to 1-2 minutes

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.

How do you reset the pressure switch on 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 do you bleed air from a pressure pump?

Fill a bucket with water and pour water into the pump casing until the suction line and pump casing are full. Reinstall the priming plug loosely to allow air to bleed from the pump. Turn on the pump and monitor the sound of air bleeding from the priming plug. When air stops bleeding, turn off the pump.

Why is my well pump not building pressure?

The water pump may have suffered internal damage to a seal, bearing, or impeller. The motor will keep running but the pump is unable to develop normal pressures. “Damage” may include a broken impeller blade, scale or debris clogging the impeller or other pump components, or a failing pump seal or bearing.

What causes well pump to 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.

How can you tell if your well pump is bad?

How To Tell If Your Well Pump is Going Bad

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

What causes pump surging?

Surges are caused by sudden changes in flow velocity that result from common causes such as rapid valve closure, pump starts and stops, and improper filling practices.

What would cause a well to surge?



Standard tank- Water comes in contact with the air in the tank over time and the air is absorbed by the water. The tank needs air to compress for pressure. Without enough air, the tank becomes water logged causing water pressure to surge.

How do you fix pulsating water pressure?

To fix the issue, homeowners need to drain their plumbing system: Shut off the main water valve, open the highest faucet in your home, and drain water from the lowest faucet (usually in the basement or first floor). The air chamber will fill back up with air instead of water, hopefully solving the water hammer problem.

What causes water lines to pulsate?

Pulsation generally occurs when a liquid’s motive force is generated by reciprocating or peristaltic positive displacement pumps. It is most commonly caused by the acceleration and deceleration of the pumped fluid. This uncontrolled energy appears as pressure spikes.

What would cause my water pressure to fluctuate?

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.