How long should a well pump cycle?
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 should I do if my well pump is short cycling?
Water pump short cycling can damage the pump or controls. Repair is needed at one or more of: the water pressure tank, water pump pressure control switch, water pump, water filter, or the well or building water supply piping. If you are not interested in tackling this easy repair yourself, call a plumber.
What causes your water pump to short cycle?
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.
What happens when a well pump is too low?
If the water pressure is too low, the pump turns on. If the water pressure is too high, the pump turns off. This process of turning on and off is called cycling. Unfortunately, cycling can be very destructive to a well pump because it shortens the life of the motor and puts excessive wear on the control components.
Why does my water pressure pump keep cycling?
Remember, adjusting the pressure switch inaccurately may adversely affect the operation of the pump (which means the pump may never shut off). The pump may be cycling because the pressure tank is waterlogged. If the pump hardly ever cycled in the past, but now is a common occurrence, the pressure tank may no longer have air in it.
Water pump short cycling can damage the pump or controls. Repair is needed at one or more of: the water pressure tank, water pump pressure control switch, water pump, water filter, or the well or building water supply piping. If you are not interested in tackling this easy repair yourself, call a plumber.
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.
If the water pressure is too low, the pump turns on. If the water pressure is too high, the pump turns off. This process of turning on and off is called cycling. Unfortunately, cycling can be very destructive to a well pump because it shortens the life of the motor and puts excessive wear on the control components.
Remember, adjusting the pressure switch inaccurately may adversely affect the operation of the pump (which means the pump may never shut off). The pump may be cycling because the pressure tank is waterlogged. If the pump hardly ever cycled in the past, but now is a common occurrence, the pressure tank may no longer have air in it.
