You might have noticed your well pump turning on and off repeatedly throughout the day. If yes, you are probably dealing with a well-pump short-cycling issue. While you are not alone, this issue affects many Pennsylvania homeowners. Well pump short-cycling can lead to increased bills, early equipment failure, and inconsistent water pressure. Knowing why your well pump short-cycles occur and understanding the potential solutions can save you time and money while ensuring your water system runs smoothly.
What is Well Pump Short Cycling?
Well pump short cycling happens when your water pump turns on and off every few minutes or seconds instead of running for longer periods. A properly functioning well pump should cycle on when water pressure drops below a certain point and run until the pressure tank refills to the preset upper limit. This usual process gets disrupted when short cycling occurs, causing the pump to start the cycle repeatedly and wear out faster than intended.
Common Causes & Solutions of Well Pump Short Cycling
Low Air Charge in Pressure Tank
Your water well system’s pressure tank contains water and compressed air, separated by a bladder or diaphragm. Over time, this air charge naturally diminishes due to absorption into the water or small leaks in the system. The tank cannot properly regulate water pressure when the air pressure drops below the recommended level (typically 2 PSI below the cut-in pressure). This forces your pump to turn on more frequently because the tank fills up quickly without an adequate air cushion to maintain steady pressure between pump cycles.
For a solution, check and adjust the air pressure using a tire gauge on the tank’s air valve, then recharge to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Malfunctioning Pump Control Switch
The pump control switch monitors water pressure and signals when the pump should start and stop. Internal components like contacts, springs, or diaphragms can deteriorate over the years. This can also happen due to hard water or electrical fluctuations. When these parts malfunction, the switch may send incorrect signals to the pump, causing it to turn on and off erratically. Corrosion from moisture exposure or mineral buildup can also interfere with proper switch operation, leading to inconsistent pressure readings.
To resolve it, you must replace the faulty control switch with a new unit rated for your system’s pressure requirements.
Clogged or Blocked Supply Piping
Your well’s supply piping can get blocked with mineral deposits, sediment, or debris over time, particularly in areas with hard water or iron-rich groundwater. These blockages restrict water flow to your home, making it difficult for the pressure tank to fill correctly. When water cannot flow freely through the pipes, the pump struggles to build adequate pressure, causing it to cycle more frequently. Frozen pipes during Pennsylvania winters can also create temporary blockages that trigger short cycling until they thaw completely.
To prevent this, you must flush and clean the supply lines or call a professional to remove stubborn blockages and mineral buildup.
Excess Air in the Tank
While some air is necessary for proper pressure tank function, too much air creates problems. Excess air can enter the system through small leaks in fittings, valves, or the healthy head. Air bubbles in the water lines or pressure tank interfere with accurate pressure readings and water flow. This condition often develops gradually, making it difficult to notice until short cycling worsens. Temperature changes can also cause air expansion, temporarily worsening the problem during hot summer days.
Remove excess air from the system through relief valves and repair any air leaks in the plumbing connections.
Waterlogged or Failing Pressure Tank
Pressure tanks rely on a flexible bladder or diaphragm to separate water from air. When this barrier fails due to age, wear, or manufacturing defects, water and air mix, eliminating the tank’s ability to maintain steady pressure. A waterlogged tank cannot store pressurized water effectively, forcing the pump to run constantly to meet demand. This condition is more common in older galvanized tanks but can also affect newer bladder-type tanks if the internal components deteriorate prematurely.
Replace the pressure tank with an appropriately sized unit that fits your household’s water usage patterns.
Defective Pressure Switch
The pressure switch contains delicate internal mechanisms that can fail due to electrical problems, corrosion, or wear and tear. Burnt contacts, loose wiring connections, or calibration drift can cause the switch to malfunction, sending mixed signals to your pump motor. Power surges during storms or electrical grid fluctuations, common in rural Pennsylvania areas, can damage switch components. Additionally, exposure to moisture or extreme temperatures in unheated pump houses can accelerate switch deterioration and lead to erratic operation.
You can test the switch operation with a multimeter and replace it if readings are inconsistent or outside normal parameters.
Leaking or Faulty Check Valve
The check valve prevents water from flowing backward into the well when the pump stops running. Water drains back down the well after each pumping cycle when this valve fails to seal properly due to debris, mineral buildup, or worn sealing surfaces. This backward flow causes pressure to drop rapidly, triggering the pump to restart much sooner than normal. Check valve problems are widespread in wells with high mineral content or that have not been properly maintained over the years.
Replace the check valve and ensure proper installation to prevent future backflow issues.
Incorrectly Sized (Oversized) Pump
An oversized pump delivers water faster than your pressure tank can accommodate, causing rapid pressure buildup followed by quick shutoff. This mismatch between pump capacity and tank size creates an inefficient cycle where the pump runs briefly but frequently. Oversized pumps are often installed when homeowners assume bigger is better, but this reduces system efficiency and increases wear on all components. When oversized for the application, the pump may also cavitate or struggle to operate within its optimal performance range.
Consult a professional to properly size your pump based on household water demand and well characteristics.
When to Call a Professional To Fix a Well Pump Short-Cycling Problem
While handy homeowners can handle some good pump short-cycling fixes, certain situations require professional expertise. If you’re uncomfortable working with electrical components, suspect problems with the well itself, or have tried basic troubleshooting without success, it’s time to call Berks Plumbing Specialist today at +1 484 332 3573 for a free estimate. Our experienced technicians have the specialized tools and knowledge to diagnose and fix complex well pump short cycling issues safely and effectively, ensuring your water system operates reliably for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your well pump may be shorting out due to electrical issues like damaged wiring, a failing motor, or problems with the control panel. Low water levels in the well can also cause the pump to overheat and trip electrical protection devices.
When water is actively used, a properly functioning well pump should cycle every 1-3 minutes, depending on usage rate and system size. Continuous use should keep the pump running steadily rather than cycling frequently.
Short run times typically indicate problems with the pressure tank, such as waterlogging or bladder failure, or issues with the pressure switch settings that cause premature shutoff before adequate pressure builds up.
Pumps cycling every 30 seconds usually have problems with the pressure tank, leaking check valves, or small leaks in the plumbing system that cause rapid pressure loss and frequent restart cycles throughout the day.
Frequent on-off cycling is typically caused by pressure tank issues, faulty pressure switches, or leaks in the system that prevent proper pressure maintenance between regular pump cycles and water usage periods.
