So a minute on and a minute off has always been the minimum rule of thumb. Two minutes on and two minutes off is just that much better for the motor.
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. Pressure tanks act as a holding tank for water and air. There must be air pressure in the tank to help minimize cycling.
Well pump short cycling refers to the situation where the pump turns on and off repeatedly within a short period. Depending on your water usage, your well pump should run for a few minutes and then stay off for a significant duration.
Too Little Air in the Reservoir Tank
These tanks depend on air pressure within to regulate the pressure switch. If the inside air pressure drops, the tank will not trigger the pressure switch correctly, causing the pump to switch ON and OFF erroneously.
While a well pump can last 40 years or more with exceptional care and maintenance, most pumps have a typical lifespan of 8 to 15 years. Regular inspection and servicing can help extend the pump's lifespan.
As a general rule, it is recommended to cycle the pump at least once per day. If the well is in heavy use, it may be necessary to cycle the pump more frequently, potentially every few hours.
Problems with the pressure tank, such as a waterlogged tank or a faulty air pressure control, can cause the pump to short cycle. Over time, the air bladder in the pressure tank can become waterlogged or lose air pressure, which can cause the pump to turn on and off repeatedly.
If you hear it turn off after a few seconds, only to turn itself back on again, this may be a sign that the well pump motor is damaged. If you are able to do so safely, disconnect the wires at the site of the well so that you can check on the electrical current.
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.
Your well pump shouldn't run constantly.
A 4.4 gallon size pressure tank only holds 1 gallon of water. Every time you use more than 1 gallon of water the pump must start.
The most common cause of water pump short cycling is a loss of adequate air charge in the water tank. This problem is particularly common in those homes with non-bladder water pressure tanks that are older. The good news is that this particular problem is relatively easy to remedy.
Most homeowners pay $975 to $2,575, or a national average of $1,775, for well pump replacement.
One if the most common reasons why a water pump will come on and off is because you may have a problem with your toilet taps or shower. The most common problem is the toilet ballcock dripping and this will cause your pump to come on and off.
Most well tanks come set at 30/50. The cut-on pressure for the well pump is 30 psi, so the pressure of the tank should have a pressure of 28 psi. If your well tank is on a 40/60 pressure switch, your pressure setting should be 38 psi.
The average lifespan of a well pump is 15-25 years, and you will typically start to notice more issues with your pump as it ages like an increase in repairs, changes in water pressure or increasing utility costs. At a point, the cost of replacement will outweigh repairing your well pump.
A significant leak anywhere in the well piping lowers the water pressure in the system. So if the pressure is too low, your pump won't shut off and instead will continue running all the time.
Low water pressure is usually one of the most obvious signs that your well pump isn't working properly. However, you might also notice fluctuations in the pressure. Other things can also cause water pressure changes, though, so you might need a plumber or well service provider to determine the cause.
IS MY WELL JUST OLD? Another problem can be well age. A well's lifespan is considered to be roughly 20 to 30 years.
Well failure and repair are covered by homeowners insurance if the damage or failure was caused by a covered peril, such as lightning or a hurricane. If the well is attached to your home, it would be covered under your policy's dwelling coverage.
How Often Should Well Pumps be Checked? maintenance intervals to after every two or three years. This depends largely on the type of pump, the condition of the well and costs.