Homeowners tend to ask this question because it’s not always clear how often a well pump should cycle. However, an efficient well pump shouldn’t keep turning on and off. It should run for about 1-2 minutes to fill the well tank and then turn off for a while.
Frequent cycling, which occurs when your well pump keeps turning on every few seconds or even every minute, means there’s a problem. To fix the problem, contact a professional plumber as soon as possible. Ignoring the issue can lead to motor wear, pressure tank damage, and higher energy bills.
This article delves deeper into what short cycling is, what causes a well pump to short cycle, signs your well pump is short cycling, and when to call for repair services.
Quick Takeaways
- Normal cycles last 1–2 minutes or longer.
- A well pump should not turn on every few seconds.
- Rapid on-off cycling is called short cycling.
- The most common cause is a pressure tank issue.
- Short cycling can burn out your pump motor.
- Early repairs prevent early pump replacement.
What Is a Normal Well Pump Cycle?
In a normal well pump cycle, the pump turns on when the pressure in the well drops to a “cut-in” pressure (for example, 40 PSI) and runs until it reaches the cut-out pressure (for example, 60 PSI).
The pressure tank stores water under pressure, so that the tank doesn’t have to switch on every time you turn on a faucet. The well pump will only turn on once the pressure drops to its cut-in pressure.
In a household where there’s low water usage, the well pump won’t turn on very frequently. On the other hand, when there’s lots of usage (washing dishes, showering, washing machine), the well pump will turn on more frequently.
Occasional cycling during heavy use is normal, as there is high demand for water. Well pumps are designed to handle this kind of workload.
What Is Short Cycling?
Short cycling is when a pump turns on and off every few seconds, often running for less than 30-60 seconds, without completing a cycle.
The pump also cycles when no water is being used. This is especially dangerous as it can result in premature motor failure, damage to the system from excessive wear and tear, and higher-than-normal utility bills.
What Causes a Well Pump to Cycle Too Often?
1. Waterlogged Pressure Tank
A waterlogged pressure tank means the tank is filled with water, rather than air. This could be due to the internal bladder rupturing, releasing water into the tank, and leaving no room for air. In other cases, it could be due to a loss of air charge, which means the air above the water is depleted.
2. Incorrect Tank Air Pressure
If the air pressure is higher than the cut-in pressure, the tank won’t be able to hold enough water. This imbalance causes rapid cycling. The air pressure must always be 2 PSI below the cut-in pressure.
3. Faulty Pressure Switch
A faulty pressure switch can prevent accurate pressure sensing, leading to incorrect cut-in or cut-out settings. The switch may also be stuck, have burned contacts, or may simply not be working properly.
4. Water Leaks in the System
Hidden plumbing leaks, like in your faucets, pipes, or toilet, can reduce pressure, causing the pump to cycle more often. There may also be underground line leaks between the well and your house.
5. Pump Size Mismatch
If you have an oversized pump with an undersized tank, the pump will fill up with water too fast. This triggers the faulty pressure switch to turn off, only for it to turn back on almost immediately. There could also be system design issues, such as a faulty check valve or a low-well yield.
How Long Should a Well Pump Run Per Cycle?
An efficient well pump should run 1-2 minutes per cycle. For heavy use, like when you’re using more than one fixture, you can expect it to run longer.
Constant pressure systems behave differently, though. They run continuously but at varying speeds, always maintaining a steady pressure. This design prevents the wear and tear that comes from pumps frequently starting up again.
How Many Times Per Hour Should a Well Pump Cycle?
During normal use, your well pump should cycle (turn on and off) about 6-12 times per hour. If you’re not using any water, the well pump shouldn’t cycle at all.
If you notice that it’s frequently cycling when you’re not using water (idle cycling), there’s a problem, and you should contact our plumbing team immediately.
Signs Your Well Pump Cycling Is a Problem
- Pump clicks on and off rapidly
- Water pressure fluctuates
- Lights dim when pump starts
- Higher electric bills
- Pump runs and still cycles when no water is being used
What Happens If You Ignore Short Cycling?
Frequent short cycling has terrible consequences for your pump. Each time your pump starts, it generates a lot of heat. Turning on and off quickly never gives the motor a chance to cool down, resulting in motor burnout.
Short cycling happens due to a waterlogged tank or less air in the tank than there should be. This places an immense amount of pressure on the walls of the tanks, causing pressure tank failure.
Short cycling also causes a lot of wear and tear on various components, leading to electrical damage and eventually premature pump replacement. Furthermore, when a pump starts up, it draws on a lot of electricity. This constant on/off again cycle increases your home’s energy consumption.
Can You Fix a Short Cycling Well Pump Yourself?
Homeowners can tackle basic maintenance, such as checking the tank pressure and replacing clogged air filters. However, for any other well pump issues, you’re better off scheduling an appointment with a licensed plumber. Our punctual plumbers can diagnose complex issues and provide advanced troubleshooting services.
When to Call for Well Pump Repair
Here are some clear signs it’s time to schedule well pump repair services with our Fort Myers Benjamin Franklin plumbing team.
- Pump runs every few seconds
- You don’t have steady water pressure
- The pressure tank is full of water (waterlogged)
- Your well pump is over 10 years old
- There are repeated breaker trips
Professional Well Pump Repair Services
Having problems with your well pump? When you call the plumbers at Fort Myers Benjamin Franklin, you’ll get a full-system diagnostics, pressure tank testing, switch calibration, and leak detection services. And if a replacement is needed, we’ll replace your pump with a high-quality, energy-efficient one.
Our repair services don’t just restore steady pressure; they’ll prevent major failures. When we’re proactive with repairs, we protect your pump’s lifespan, ensuring it lasts for as long as it should.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a well pump turn on and off?
A well pump should turn on for 1-2 minutes and then turn off for a significant amount of time. If there’s heavy water usage, though, you can expect it to stay on for longer.
Is it normal for a well pump to run every few minutes?
No, this isn’t normal. A well pump that’s running every few minutes is short cycling. Contact our plumbers immediately for a diagnosis.
Why does my well pump run when no water is being used?
If your well pump runs when no water is being used, it means there’s a problem with the pump. It could be due to a waterlogged tank, a faulty pressure switch, a leak, or a mechanical issue.
How long does a well pump typically last?
A well pump typically lasts 8-10 years. With regular maintenance, it can last 15 years. After 10 years, though, you should start looking for a replacement.
Can a bad pressure tank cause short cycling?
Yes, a bad pressure tank is one of the main reasons a well pump short cycles. A bad pressure tank can cause a waterlogged tank. And without the balance of air and water, the tank can no longer maintain pressure, causing it to short cycle.
Don’t Ignore Short Cycling — Contact Our Fort Myers Plumbers for Answers
Short cycling can do a lot of damage to your well pump if you don’t address the issue immediately. Protect your pump investment and schedule repair services as soon as you notice a problem. Our licensed plumbers can pinpoint the exact cause so that you can protect your long-term investment.
Contact our Fort Myers Benjamin Franklin team today to fix minor well pump repair issues before they become major expenses. We serve Fort Myers, FL, and the surrounding areas.