Because there is loss of priming. If you rely on an above-ground jet pump, it's important to know that these systems use a priming system where the intake pipe needs to always have water in it in order to maintain suction and adequate pressure levels.
Unfortunately, even a tiny hole can prevent the water from going up the pipe as it should. Instead, it will flow back down to the well, so the pump can't build sufficient pressure to function properly. This will cause it to run constantly.
Generally speaking, if your water pump is cycling on while you are not using water, then there is either air getting into the pressurized plumbing system or water leaking somewhere. An air or water leak would cause the system to lose pressure resulting in the water pump needing to cycle to restore the proper pressure.
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.
Running a pump without water which we call it dry running, can cause significant damage to the pump and can finally lead to the motor burnt. When a pump runs without water, the pump's internal components generate heat due to friction, which can cause the seals, bearings, and other parts to overheat and fail.
Your well pump relies on its flow rate, or the amount of water that regularly comes into the pump, to function. If your well water level is too low or the flow rate is inefficient, it will cause your well pump to run continually.
When a pump runs dry, it generates heat and force it was never designed to handle, leading to wear and tear that can quickly add up to inflated repair costs. Avoiding dry running is highly important, but it makes sense to learn how negative it can be in order to fully understand the severity of the phenomenon.
To prevent water pump short cycling, make sure your pressure switch is set to the correct settings, regularly check the pressure tank and check valve, ensure proper sizing of the pump, and maintain your well system.
The tanks should be flushed semi-annually to remove accumulated sediments by opening the tank drain valve. These sediments could harbor and shield harmful microbes from chlorination should the well and home plumbing system require disinfection.
Well pumps left to run for extended periods will overheat and burn out. Frequent or increased pre-priming needs checking by professionals.
Electrical malfunctions or physical obstructions can often cause such appliances to become stuck in a position that allows water to keep flowing. Also take a look at all of your outdoor water sources. Running garden hoses and sprinkler heads are two easily overlooked causes of a well pump running nonstop.
In the majority of cases if you're asking “why does my well pump keep running” the answer will be: Because a plumbing fixture is running. The well pump is set to operate when the pressurized water tank depletes, which in most cases means the well pump will only run for short bursts of time.
If your pressure control switch is faulty (usually a result of clogged tubing or burned contact points), or if someone adjusted the cut-out pressure to be above the pump's capacity, your pump will run non-stop.
If it cycles every five minutes, the system is not operating enough sprinkler heads, therefore not enough demand is created. The sprinkler system might be demanding 10 gallons per minute (gpm), but the pump needs to run 15 gpm to prevent it from reaching the off (high cut-out) pressure setting.
If your water pump has stopped pumping out water entirely while making this buzzing sound, there's no cause for panic. The humming sound means the pump is working but there's no water to move, so your pump is running dry. If your pump has lost prime, or is running dry, this is due to a loss of water.
It is generally recommended to flush your well at least once a year.
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.
Poor Water Pressure
Another clear sign that you may need a new pressure tank is when you observe irregular or weak water pressure. A common symptom is when the water flow in showers or faucets spikes momentarily before diminishing. Too little or too much air in your tank can cause this fluctuation.
Loss of air charge is, perhaps, the most common reasons your water pump will short cycle. If you have an older, non-bladder type water pressure tank, this is almost always the reason. Look at the condensation line.
Most homeowners pay $975 to $2,575, or a national average of $1,775, for well pump replacement.
A bad pressure switch will signal the pump to turn on or off when it should not. This can cause the pump to either run constantly or not at all. If the pump runs for too long, it can become damaged. A faulty pressure switch must be replaced before the well system can function properly.
In comparison to a standard centrifugal pump, what's notable in the design of a self-priming centrifugal pump is that it features a liquid reservoir built into the body of the pump, typically either above or in front of the impeller.
The leading cause of pump burn out is from running dry. Submersible pumps require water to keep cool and maintain the proper operating temperature. If the water level drops below the impeller (also known as the rotor), the motor will overheat and burn out.
Submersible pumps are designed for continuous operation, which means you can run them for 24 hours a day, if necessary, when mains powered. The pump needs to be submerged in water continually during this time for cooling, as dry running will lead to the motor overheating and burning out.