Well Pump Short Cycling: Causes and Solutions

A homeowner notices their well pump cycling excessively—five or six times just to refill a toilet tank. They are concerned about burning out the pump.

Likely Causes

• Leaks in the plumbing system: Even small leaks can cause the pressure tank to lose pressure rapidly, triggering frequent pump starts.
• Pressure tank issues: The tank may be waterlogged, or if it’s a bladder tank, the bladder could be ruptured or have insufficient air pressure.

Recommended Action

Inspect the entire system for leaks. Check the pressure tank’s air charge (with the pump off and system drained) – it should be 2–3 psi below the pump’s cut-in pressure. If you are not experienced with well systems, contact a licensed well service technician to diagnose and repair the tank or pump.