Why is My Submersible Well Pump Short Cycling?

Welcome back to another edition of Inspector Pumphead’s Quick Tips! In this space I, Inspector Pumphead, will be dispensing wisdom regarding your pump, whether it be about performance, maintenance, repair parts or navigating our site to find a new product, I’m here to help! Today we’re going to be talking about short cycling.

Is your pump turning on and off so fast it’s bringing you back to your strobe light-disco days, complete with afros and bell bottoms? No? Just me? Sometimes the Inspector likes to think back to simpler times when he had a full head of hair. But I digress. Let’s talk about some common causes and fixes for your short cycling submersible well pump.

Goulds 10HS05, HS Series Submersible Well Pump End

Short cycling is when a pump turns on and off too rapidly. Not only can short cycling result in pump failure, but it can harm the rest of your system as well. Short cycling can occur for a number of reasons.

One of most common reasons for short cycling is a loss of air in the water pressure tank. This is especially common in older, non-bladder pressure tanks. For these older tanks, the solution to this problem entails repairing the water tank air volume control. If you have a more modern tank, your tank’s bladder may be damaged, which means it won’t be able to hold pressure properly and will need replacing. If the tank is damaged in any way, replacing it as soon as possible should be a priority so the rest of your system doesn’t become stressed.

Short cycling can also occur because of the state of some of your pump’s components such as the pressure switch and check valve. You will want to examine these parts for wear and tear as they may be the culprit. The settings on your pressure switch may need to be readjusted or the switch could potentially need replacing if damaged. Your pressure tube may be clogged due to hard water or sediment in the system so this is something to check as well. A failed check valve means your system will not be able to hold pressure when the pump shuts off, which means this part may also need replacing.

If you’ve tested your pump’s components and they are in working order, something as simple as a leak in your system may be responsible for your pump’s malfunctioning. It’s important to look for damp spots around your system.

If you are still unsure of the problem, or which repair part you need, you can always consult and schedule an appointment your local plumber or professional.

PumpProducts.com sales specialists are standing by to help you find the right pump or part, as well as to provide price quotes, stocking availability and shipping information. Call our toll free number 1-800-429-0800 to speak to an expert today.