What causes a well pump to cycle?

A blockage in the water supply piping. For example, a clogged or nearly-clogged water filter can cause the pump control to cycle on and off rapidly. This is because the blockage causes water pressure (between the pump and the filter) to rise very rapidly when the pump turns on.

How long is the draw down cycle for a well pump?

Normal well pump operation with a pressure tank will give a water volume draw-down cycle of 30 seconds to 1-2 minutes for a typical water pressure tank, or much longer if larger water pressure tanks or water storage tanks are installed. this WATER PUMP INTERMITTENT CYCLING.

How does GPM affect well pump discharge rate?

Keep in mind that a well pump’s discharge rate in gpm will be reduced depending on the height to which the pump has to lift or push the water out of the well and into the water pressure tank. See WELL FLOW RATE for details of measuring the capacity of a well to deliver water.

How to check your well pump pressure switch?

1 Double-check that power is running to your well and that there isn’t a short. 2 Check the water pump breaker in your electrical box to make sure the breaker hasn’t tripped. 3 Check the well tank pressure gauge to see if it is at least 40 PSI (or the cut-off PSI for your pressure switch model).

Why do I hear a click when I Turn On my well pump?

As that drainback leak occurs, pressure in the pressure tank falls, and eventually the pump pressure switch (not the fairy godfather) turns the pump on and you hear a CLICK! An easy way to diagnose this condition is to turn off the main water shutoff valve between your pressure tank and the building.

What does short cycling on a well pump mean?

Short cycling of a water pump means that the water pump or “well pump” turns on and off too rapidly or too frequently when water is being run in the building. “Short cycling” means switching on and off every 30 seconds or less.

Why does my water pressure pump keep cycling?

Remember, adjusting the pressure switch inaccurately may adversely affect the operation of the pump (which means the pump may never shut off). 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.

How often should a water pump be cycling?

If a pump, tank, piping, well are in perfect condition and the pump is cycling on and off for a moderate water flow usage rate such as someone running a bathroom sink faucet, then if the pump is turning on and off more often than every 30 seconds I’d want a larger pressure tank.