A well pump keeps turning on and off due to a waterlogged pressure tank, faulty pressure switch, or leaks in plumbing, requiring troubleshooting or professional repair.
Why Does My Well Pump Keep Turning On and Off?
If your well pump constantly flickers on and off, it’s not just annoying, it signals a problem. Short cycling like this stresses the pump, leading to failure and expensive repairs. So, why’s it happening? Let’s dive into the culprits and solutions!
Common Culprits
Several issues cause this pesky on-off annoyance. The major culprits include:
- Waterlogged Pressure Tank: Think of this tank as your well system’s lungs. It has an air bladder to maintain steady water pressure. A waterlogged tank loses air, making the pump work overtime.
- Faulty Pressure Switch: This switch is the brains of the operation, telling the pump when to kick on and off. A malfunctioning switch throws the whole system off kilter.
- Leaky Plumbing: Even a tiny leak makes the pressure drop rapidly, causing the pump to overcompensate. Hidden leaks under slabs or in your yard can be hard to pinpoint.
Troubleshooting Time
Time to play detective and isolate the issue. Here’s how:
- Tank Tap Test: Lightly tap the side of your pressure tank. It should sound hollow in the top half (where the air bladder is). If it sounds solid, you likely have a waterlogged tank.
- Check the Air Pressure: Turn off power to the pump and drain the tank. Use a tire pressure gauge on the tank’s air valve; it should be 2 psi below your pump’s cut-on pressure (e.g., if your pump kicks on at 40 psi, the tank should be at 38 psi).
- Watch The Pressure Gauge: With your water running, observe the pressure gauge on your tank. If the pressure drops very rapidly when faucets are closed, you likely have a leak.
Table 1: Common Well Pump Short Cycling Causes
| Cause | Description | Solution |
| Waterlogged Pressure Tank | The air bladder loses pressure, causing rapid pressure drops | Add air to the tank or replace if the bladder is damaged |
| Faulty Pressure Switch | Malfunctioning switch doesn’t sense pressure correctly | Adjust, repair, or replace the pressure switch |
| Leaks in Plumbing | Even small leaks cause frequent pressure drops and short cycling | Find and repair the leak |
Less Common (But Still Possible) Issues
If the basic checks don’t reveal the problem, it might be time to dig a little deeper:
- Foot Valve Trouble: This valve at the bottom of your well pipe keeps water from flowing back down. A faulty foot valve means the pump works extra to refill the pipes.
- Clogged Pump Intake: If your pump draws from a surface water source like a pond, the intake screen might be clogged with debris, restricting water flow.
Table 2: Less Frequent Causes and Checks
| Cause | Description | Check/Fix |
| Faulty Foot Valve | Valve at the bottom of well pipe fails, causing water backflow | Inspect and replace valve if needed |
| Clogged Pump Intake | Debris restricts water flow into the pump | Clean intake screen |
| Electrical Problems | Loose connections or faulty components disrupt pump operation | Inspect and repair electrical by a qualified electrician |
Important Note: Working with well pumps and their accompanying pressure systems can be tricky. If you are uncomfortable with any of the steps or suspect electrical issues, it’s always best to call a licensed well professional.
DIY Fixes (If You’re Feeling Handy)
For some well pump issues, you can roll up your sleeves and tackle them yourself. These fixes are manageable for most homeowners:
- Replenishing Air in Your Pressure Tank: This fix cures a waterlogged tank. Here’s how:
- Power off the pump! Safety first!
- Drain all water from your pressure tank.
- Find the tank’s air valve (looks like a tire valve).
- Use a compressor or bike pump to add air until you reach the correct pressure (2 psi below the pump’s cut-on pressure).
- Turn on the pump and check for short cycling.
- Adjusting Your Pressure Switch: Often, a few tweaks fix a misbehaving switch:
- Power off the pump (yes, always!).
- Remove the cover on the pressure switch.
- Locate the adjustment nuts (consult your switch’s manual).
- Small adjustments affect cut-in and cut-out pressures. Experiment carefully!
- Replace the cover, power on the pump, and test.
Important: If you don’t see a significant change after adjusting the pressure switch, it might need replacing.
When To Call In The Pros
Some problems are trickier and warrant professional help. Call a well technician if:
- You Suspect a Major Leak: A substantial leak can be challenging to locate, especially if it’s underground. Pros have the tools and experience to find the source.
- The Foot Valve is Bad: Replacing a foot valve means pulling up a potentially long section of pipe from your well, a job best left to the experts.
- Electrical Issues Are Involved: Faulty wiring or components pose a safety hazard. Let a qualified electrician handle electrical problems.
- You’re Simply Overwhelmed: Never hesitate to call a well professional if you’re uncomfortable or the problem seems beyond your skills.
Table 3: When DIY Meets Professional Intervention
| Issue | When to DIY | When to Call a Pro |
| Waterlogged Pressure Tank | You know the correct pressure & have a compressor | Tank won’t hold pressure (possible bladder damage) |
| Faulty Pressure Switch | Adjustments are within your comfort zone | Adjustments don’t solve the problem or you’re unsure of the correct settings |
| Leaks | You can visibly find and access the leak (leaky faucet, loose fitting) | Hidden leaks, slab leaks, underground leaks |
Prevention is Key
The best cure is a healthy system! Prevent future pump woes with these tips:
- Annual Inspections: Have a well technician check your system annually. They spot potential problems early.
- Water Usage Awareness: Sudden spikes in water usage might hint at a hidden leak. Monitor your water bill for clues.
- Well Cover TLC: Your well cover protects against debris and critters that can clog your intake. Keep it in good repair.
Conclusion- Why Does My Well Pump Keep Turning On and Off?
Discovering why your well pump keeps turning on and off takes some detective work, but most causes are fixable. By understanding how your well system works and using some basic troubleshooting, you can restore quiet and efficient water supply to your home.