How Often Should My Well Pump Cycle?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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“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.”

Why does my well pump cycle so often?


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.

Why does my well pump turn on every 5 minutes?

The most common causes of hidden causes of intermittent pump cycling:

water is running somewhere in the building without notice, such as a running toilet

. a leaky check valve or foot valve at the water pump or in the well.

Why does my well pump keep kicking on and off?


If the water supply pipes become clogged, the pump will short cycle

. A clog in the water supply creates high water pressure very quickly. The best way to check for this is to check the water filter. If it’s dirty or blocked, replace it, and you may restore function.

How do I keep my well pump from cycling?

  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.

How many hours a day does a well pump run?

How many hours does a well pump run a day? Answer: On average, it can run up to

2 and a half hours

.

How can you tell if your well pump is bad?

  1. Fluctuations in water pressure throughout the home.
  2. Strange noises or rapid clicking sounds coming from the tank.
  3. Spitting faucets.
  4. Scalding shower water.
  5. High electric bills.

How long do well pumps last?

Depending on the equipment type and model, well pumps typically last anywhere from

8 to 15 years

. However, several factors can contribute to the premature expiration of a well pump.

How do you test a well pump?

Should a well pump run when no water is running?


Without power, your well pump will not run

, as water well pump systems need electricity in order to work. If you lose power, it is recommended that you shut off the breaker for your water well until power is restored. This will help prevent power surges from damaging your pump’s motor.

Should my well pump run every time I flush the toilet?


Without an air cushion, the well pump would activate each time any faucet is turned or toilet flushed

. Well pump life is rated in on-off cycles—not hours of use—so short cycling significantly reduces the life of a pump and we check for it during an inspection.

How long does it take for a well pump to build pressure?

How long does it take for a well pump to build pressure? In general, the usual pressure tank will take

45 seconds to 2 minutes

to build pressure. For larger pressure tanks, it might need 30 seconds to a few minutes of drawdown before the water volume pressure drops and turns on the pump.

Should a well pump run constantly?


Your well pump should not run constantly

. In fact, if you have this problem, you will quickly see your electric bill going up. If you’re noticing that it is, or if you’re having problems with it cycling on and off repeatedly, it may be a sign of a problem.

How often should a water pressure tank cycle?

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.

How do you bleed air from a well pump?


Fill a bucket with water and pour water into the pump casing until the suction line and pump casing are full. Reinstall the priming plug loosely to allow air to bleed from the pump

. Turn on the pump and monitor the sound of air bleeding from the priming plug. When air stops bleeding, turn off the pump.

Will filling a pool burn up my well pump?


Filling a pool with well water will not hurt the well’s pump as long as you don’t fill the pool in one go

. Attempting to fill a pool in one go will put too much pressure on the well’s pump and cause it to burn out.

Why is well pump not holding pressure?

Start by

checking that the well switch located near your pressure tank hasn’t been switched off

. Then check the well’s double-pole circuit breaker to see that it hasn’t tripped. If it has, reset it. A breaker that keeps tripping likely means a problem with the well pump, and you’ll need to call a pro for that.

What should the air pressure be in a bladder tank?

4. The air pressure should be

2 psi below the start pressure setting of the pump

. 5. Use an air compressor to charge the tank to the proper pressure.

How fast do wells refill?

Some shallow wells that are in a sand and gravel geological formation will recharge

within 24 hours

. Some that recharge by a nearby stream or river will also recharge quickly. However, some deep wells with a small and semi-impervious recharge area may take many months or years to fully recharge.

Can I run my well dry?

Does the well “running dry” do any damage?

Yes, it can

. Running the well pump when there isn’t water to pump can damage the pump itself which can cause it to burn out prematurely. Well pumps can be quite expensive to replace.

Can you Redrill a water well?


This is the process of re-drilling a well that already existed

, and it helps to create, more space for water that springs from underground. Before the deepening process, the casing might also need to be extended over the ground, which makes it easier to reach the surface.

Can you burn out a well pump?

When there is too much water and not enough air in the tank, the pressure switch will signal the pump to turn on for short bursts of activity for only a few minutes at a time. This is called “short cycling” and can burn out your pump quickly.

How do I know if I need a new well?

  • You May Need a Well Repair if You Have No Water. …
  • There’s a Loss in Water Pressure. …
  • You Hear Loud Noises. …
  • There Is Air “Spitting” From Your Faucet. …
  • Your Well Water Is Dirty or Smells Bad. …
  • The Pump Continues to Run.

Why is my well water pulsing?

Usually, well water pulsates

when there isn’t enough air pressure in the tank

. The two parts that regulate this pressure are the electric pressure switch and the internal air bladder inside the water tank. If either of them is malfunctioning, this can cause the water from your taps to pulsate rather than flow steadily.

How much should it cost to replace a well pump?

How much does it cost to replace a well pump? The average cost of replacing a well pump is

between $900 and $2,500

. The cost varies based on the well size, materials used, and installation required. For example, replacing a shallow well pump will cost less than a deep well submersible pump.

Can a well pump last 30 years?

Your well pump is an essential component to ensuring your home has a steady source of fresh, clean water. With proper well maintenance, your well pump can last, on average of 8 to 15 years, though

many homeowners report their pumps lasting far longer, often between 20 and 30 years

!

How do you clean a well pump?

Fill a bucket with water and add a small amount of detergent and bleach to it. Remove the filter from the water pump and submerge it and the pump in the cleaning solution. Move the filter and pump briskly through the water to loosen debris from each one.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.