Why is my water pump running every 5 minutes?

Author: Arno Satterfield  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 16, 2025

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.

Why is my water pump coming on every few minutes?

Usually means the system is losing pressure caused by a drippy faucet or a small leak in the system.

How do I stop my water pump from short cycling?

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.

Why is my water pump making noise every 5 minutes?

Clogged System. Water with rust and other sediments can wear out the circulating pump and clog the impeller. When this happens, noise is a consequence. To get rid of it, there is no magic bullet: the solution is in cleaning the system.

How often should water pump kick on and off?

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. With the old conventional pressure tank method, the pressure tank fills at the rate the pump can produce, less the amount of water being used at the time.

Reasons Why Sump Pump Running Every 5 Minutes

What to do if water pump keeps running?

A smart first step is to ensure faucets and taps are turned off and also inspect appliances that use water, such as your dishwasher, washing machine, water heater, or outdoor sources like sprinklers or hoses. If any of these is on, it can also cause your well pump to stay on.

Why might a pump cycle on and off excessively?

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.

Why does water pump run intermittently?

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.

What kind of noise does a failing water pump make?

If the water pump is driven by the timing belt, consider changing the timing belt and tensioner if it's nearing the replacement interval. What sound does a failing water pump make? A bad water pump can make whining, chirping, or squealing noises.

How to fix a short cycling pump?

To fix this, first make sure the air volume control valve is not dirty or leaking. This is typically the place where the problem lies. If it is, clean and fix it, then use the water tank air inlet valve to pump air into the tank with a bicycle pump.

Can you add air to a pressure tank with water in it?

To ensure the longevity and efficiency of your well pressure tank, there are a few simple steps you should take when adding air. First, turn off the water supply to the tank to prevent any mishaps during the process. Then, drain any excess water out of the tank to create more space for the added air.

How do you fix short cycling?

How To Stop and Prevent Short-Cycling
  1. Check your air filter. Believe it or not, a clogged air filter can cause a wide variety of air conditioning issues. ...
  2. Check your thermostat placement. ...
  3. Check your air conditioner's refrigerant levels. ...
  4. Replace the low-pressure control switch. ...
  5. Check the compressor.

Why does my water pump run when no water is running?

Some of the possible issues include: A blocked sediment filter or a failing filtration system. Low water table caused or overusing your water supply. Power surges that result in damaged capacitors.

What causes a water pump to pulsate?

It is most commonly caused by the acceleration and deceleration of the pumped fluid. This uncontrolled energy appears as pressure spikes. Vibration is the visible example of pulsation and is the culprit that usually leads the way to component failure.

How do you know if water pump is bad?

Here are some common symptoms that may indicate you have a failing water pump.
  • Leaking coolant. One of the most common signs that your water pump is starting to fail is leaking coolant. ...
  • Overheating engine. Another common symptom of a failing water pump is an overheating engine. ...
  • Coolant leaks into the oil. ...
  • Engine noise.

Can I drive my car with a noisy water pump?

Verdict. It is not advisable to drive a car with a bad water pump.

How much does it cost to replace a water pump?

A water pump should last anywhere between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. A water pump replacement costs between $400 and $800 depending on the vehicle and the difficulty involved. Parts can run from $200 to $400, with labor services similarly priced.

Will the check engine light come on if the water pump is bad?

If your car's water pump goes out, one or more warning lights may pop up on the dash. For example, you may see the low coolant warning, overheat warning, or a check engine light. The temperature gauge (if your car has one) will climb, as well.

Why is my water pump running every few minutes?

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.

Why does my pump kick off constantly?

There is a reason gas pumps have an annoying habit of shutting off. Gas pump nozzles are designed with a device on the end that turn off the fuel flow when the gasoline runs back into it. This is a safety mechanism which prevents the gas from coming out and spilling when filling up the tank.

Should a water pump run constantly?

It is not good for your borehole pump to run continuously. If you run electrical pumps continuously, your utility bill will skyrocket.

What does short cycling mean?

In the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) business, short cycling is a phrase used to describe when a heater or air conditioner cycles on and off too frequently. It signifies a problem in your heating system's proper functioning and efficiency, in which it is not completing its heating processes.

How to reduce pump cycling?

What You Can do to Prevent Excessive Cycling on Your Water Pump
  1. Repair the tank air volume control.
  2. Drain the water tank and let air re-enter the tank.
  3. Drain the water from the tank and use the air inlet valve to recharge air back into your tank. The air charge should be 2 psi lower than you pump cut-on pressure.

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