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Causes of & cures for water pump short cycling on and off: this article explains how to diagnose all of the various causes of well pump short cycling - what causes the well pump to run too often or to turn on and off too rapidly. By understanding the cause of too-frequent water pump on/off cycling we also point to the necessary repair. Green links show where you are. © Copyright 2013 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Author Daniel Friedman. Common Causes of Well Pump Short Cycling: how to diagnose & fix well pumps turning on and off too often
If this is the problem with your water pump, SHORT CYCLING CAUSES describes the most common causes of this problem. We also provide a complete SHORT CYCLING DIAGNOSIS TABLE that lists all possible causes of well pump rapid cycling on and off. If you are not sure what "water pump short cycling" means or how it is recognized, read SHORT CYCLING WATER PUMP. Intermittent water pump cycling which is discussed at Intermittent Water Pump Cycling When No Water is Running means that the water pump comes on for no apparent reason. Loss of water pressure means that the pressure with which water enters a plumbing fixture has become too slow, or is sometimes too slow or weak in water flow rate, or water flow may stop entirely. See WATER PRESSURE LOSS DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR The most-common cause of pump short-cycling is loss of air in the water pressure tank. This is the topic discussed at length below, and corrective steps are detailed. However there could be other, less common plumbing problems that cause this symptom. Before "fixing" a problem it's useful to identify the correct problem, less we waste time, effort, and money. A quick list of most likely water pump short cycle causes include the following, listed more or less in the order of probability: SHORT CYCLING CAUSES Our complete diagnostic list of all known causes, diagnostic steps, and repair procedures for well pump short cycling is at SHORT CYCLING DIAGNOSIS TABLE CONTACT us by email to suggest additions or corrections to these causes of well pump cycling on and off, or to let us know if the articles are not clear. Loss of Air Charge in the Water Tank as a Cause of Well Pump Short CyclingLoss of sufficient air charge in the water tank is perhaps the most common cause of water pump short cycling, and is a particularly common problem with older non-bladder type water pressure tanks or with newer bladder type water tanks if the bladder has become damaged. The remedy for a water tank that has lost its air charge is pretty easy and is discussed in great detail below at
Here is our full list of diagnostic and repair articles for water pressure tanksWATER TANK: USES, TROUBLESHOOTING Water Pump Pressure Control Switch Problems as a Cause of Well Pump Short Cycling
Blocked Water supply Piping as a Cause of Well Pump Short CyclingA 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. The author once replaced a pump control switch only to discover that the real problem was a clogged filter, so check this item if you have filter(s) installed on the system. Clogged Water Filter as a Cause of Well Pump Short Cycling
Overcharged Air in Water Pressure Tank as a Cause of Well Pump Short CyclingToo much air in the water pressure tank - overcharging: If a well pump pressure control switch is set to cut on at 30 psi and off
at 50 psi, at the cutoff point the water tank is empty (a bladder type captive air tank) or nearly empty (a traditional water tank)
of water, and the air pressure in the tank is about at 30 psi.
Damaged Water Tank Bladder as a Cause of Well Pump Short Cycling
Water Tank Leaks as a Cause of Well Pump Short Cycling
Be sure to see our separate diagnostic guide Table to well pump short cycling in table form at SHORT CYCLING DIAGNOSIS TABLE. Well Water Piping or Check Valve/Foot Valve Leaks as a Cause of Water Pump Short Cycling On and OffAt CHECK VALVES, WATER SUPPLY and at AIR DISCHARGE at FAUCETS, FIXTURES we describe two sorts of leaks in the well piping system that can let air (and contaminants) into the well piping:
If there is a hole in the well piping anywhere between the bottom of the well and the water tank itself, water squirting out of this hole during every pump-on cycle tends to enlarge the hole over time. When the water loss at this leak is great enough, the well pump has to run longer to reach the pump control cut-off pressure, and at the same time, water running back out through this same hole drains pressure and water from the system, causing the pump to have to run more often. If the leak in the well pipe is below the water level inside the well you will still have water and water pressure loss back through the leak when the pump stops, but you probably won't find air entering the well piping. Watch out: If the well piping leak is severe enough the well pump may run continuously - a problem you'll notice quickly if the well pump is inside the building. But if the pump is an in-well submersible unit, it may be running continuously without anyone noticing it - until the pump fails. Other Causes of Water Pump Frequent Cycling On and OffBad water pressure tank location: Locating the water pressure tank too far from or on a different level from the pressure control switch can cause pressure control switch bouncing and rapid water pump on-off cycling at the start or end of a water pump operating cycle. See Where to Locate the Replacement Water Pressure Tank Ask your plumber, as this expert may know other causes and remedies that we have not identified here or at Well Pump Short Cycling Diagnosis Table. CONTACT us to add that helpful information for others. Short cycling of a water pump (which is discussed in this article) means that the water pump turns on and off too rapidly or too frequently when water is being run in the building. If this is the problem with your water pump, see our description of the most common SHORT CYCLING CAUSES. We also provide a complete SHORT CYCLING DIAGNOSIS TABLE that lists all possible causes of well pump rapid cycling on and off. If you are not sure what "water pump short cycling" means or how it is recognized, see SHORT CYCLING WATER PUMP. Intermittent water pump cycling which is discussed at Intermittent Water Pump Cycling When No Water is Running means that the water pump comes on for no apparent reason. Loss of water pressure means that the pressure with which water enters a plumbing fixture has become too slow, or is sometimes too slow or weak in water flow rate, or water flow may stop entirely. See WATER PRESSURE LOSS DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR Readers of this document should also see Water pump and pressure tank repair diagnosis & cost an specific case which offers an example of diagnosis of loss of water pressure, loss of water, and analyzes the actual repair cost. Readers of this document should see WATER PUMP TYPES & LIFE EXPECTANCY, and also see WATER TANK LIFE EXPECTANCY and WELL LIFE EXPECTANCY, but before assuming that a water problem is due to the pump or well itself, see Water pump and pressure tank repair diagnosis & cost a specific case which offers an example of diagnosis of loss of water pressure, loss of water, and analyzes the actual repair cost. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about rapid on-off cycling of a well pump: what are the causes of water pump "short cycling" ?Question: well pump is short cycling every 2-3 seconds and we are not finding air pressure in the bladder. I keep emptying air out and the problem remainsGood morning, I have a rubber bladder tank, water is pumped from a deep water well. We seem to have a problem, the tank was fitted but kept having to be bled monthly as air was in the tank, last week we emptied the tank and found no air pressure in the bladder, so we pressured up the bladder, and now we find its recycling all the time every 2-3 secs when running a house tap. I emptied the air out of the bladder, but re-cycling fault is still there. Help please. I am not a plumber, and there is no decent plumber here in the Philippines!!!!! - John Nieurzyla Reply: Figure out if we're talking about excess air or simply lost air charge in the water pressure tankJohn, Normally we want air in the water pressure tank to avoid well pump short cycling and we do not bleed that air out. And you are reporting well pump short cycling - which can be caused by loss of air charge in the water tank. So if that's what's going on with your system you should not be bleeding air out, you should be making sure that your pressure tank has the proper charge of air remaining in the tank. See WATER TANK AIR HOW MUCH TO ADD. If you are sure that you're really seeing excess air entering the water pressure tank, then take a look at AIR DISCHARGE at FAUCETS, FIXTURES. Excess air entering the bladder in a water pressure tank suggests that there is a leak in the well piping that is admitting air, or the water level in the well is abnormally low and the pump is sending up a mix of air and water. Question: Rapid on and off cycling at the low-end of a 30/50 or 40/60 pressure switch setting; why cycling at the low-pressure end?The article is good. I have a rapid on off cycling problem at the specific low setting of the pressure switch, 30 lb when I used a 30/50 and 40 when I replaced it with a 40/60. Water pressure tanks, and pressure and filter between pump and tanks (have 2 pressure tanks) are checked and perfect. Have large reserve tank and will check foot valve and try to test for draw side air leaks, but that is buried and not easily remedied. why exactly at low pressure setting does it rapidly recycle? - Graham Reply: check for a clogged water filter or closed valve or stuck tank bladderGraham, I am GUESSING that the reason you are seeing the well pump short cycling around the low pressure setting value is simply that that's the cut-on point for the pump, AND that you've got a clog or blockage somewhere downstream from the output end of the water pump. I've seen this problem when there was a clog or closed valve between the well pump and the water tank (such as valves around a water filter being shut off and then the water filter itself being shut off). If the pump can't push water into the pressure tank, as soon as the pump comes on it reaches the cutoff pressure and BANG it turns off the pump; at that point, anything that allows the pressure to bleed down even a little bit (say a valve that is shut but not totally shut) drops the pressure. Since the pump cut on at the cut-in pressure, say 30 psi, and immediately reached the cutout and stopped, it doesn't take much volume of water bleed down to quickly drop the pressure to below the pump cut-in pressure. Question: The well pump was going on and off every 30-40 secondsThank you! your info has helped me try to figure out why my pump keeps coming on so often. the pressure in the house has never been to strong but not bad, a little stronger wouldn't hurt. my concern was my electric bill because of the pump going on and off like ever 30 to 40 seconds when im outside watering some flowers. now if i can change it to a longer period then i would. any advice would help. - zisa300@gmail.com Reply: how to fix short cycling well pumps: diagnose cause, add water tank air if needed, adjust the pressure switch if neededThank you for the nice note Zisa300. We are dedicated to making our information as accurate, complete, useful, and unbiased as possible: we very much welcome critique, questions, or content suggestions for our web articles. Once you have made sure that your air charge in the water pressure tank is correct (see WATER TANK AIR, HOW TO ADD) the frequent pump cycling problem will be reduced and should be eliminated if nothing else is wrong. In a separate article WATER PUMP PRESSURE CONTROL SWITCH and articles listed there we discuss WATER PUMP PRESSURE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT - that may help. Watch out: Just don't set the pump cut-off pressure so high that the pump cannot achieve it. Doing so would mean the pump would never shut off and you'd ultimately burn up the pump motor. Question: well pump comes on every 1-2 minutes and goes off in less than 2 secondsWe have a captive air tank and a deep well submersible water pump in a shallow well (about 25 feet). Over time the pump has been coming on more and more often even when no water seems to being drawn. It is now coming on every 1-2 minutes and going off in less than 2 seconds. I plan on replacing the tank but wonder but am afraid this might not solve the problem. Can you give me an educated guess as to what the problem might be. - Pat Reply: waterlogged pressure tank may be the problem, but also check for water system leaksPat you are describing a short cycling well pump - the cause might be elsewhere but I'd start by looking into a lost air charge at the water pressure tank. Start at SHORT CYCLING WATER PUMP or see WATER TANK AIR, HOW TO ADD But your question sounds to me as if there is probably just one cause (a waterlogged pressure tank) but there could be two problems: The rapid shut-off of the pump can be caused by a blocked water filter or a water-logged pressure tank. The fact that the pump comes on every 1-2 minutes, with a water-logged pressure tank would be "normal" IF water is being run somewhere in the building - say a filling toilet or a sink or tub faucet on. But if you think that no water is being run in the building, then there is also a leak somewhere or a bad check valve or foot valve. Diagnosis of those problems begins at INTERMITTENT CYCLING WATER PUMPS. Question: well pump turns on every 20 minutes or so even with no water running in the house and no visible leaksMy pump turns on about every 20 minutes with no water running in the house and no visible leaks. also my brine tank which is usually 1/4 to half full is completely dry. i checked my water tank with an air gauge and it read 45psi and appears to be full of water. I changed my water softener to bypass and the pump has not turned on since doing so. any ideas? thank you. - Anon Reply: intermittent well pump cycling causes & curesAnon, Intermittent cycling well pumps as you describe can be caused by a bad check valve or foot valve or a well piping leak. Please see INTERMITTENT CYCLING WATER PUMPS for suggestions on how to track down and fix a pump running for no apparent reason. Question: freezing pipes, no water delivery, pump is short cyclingHad a new pump installed 3 weeks ago. no water today. 2 below zero last night, might have frozen pipe from well head, so I put a 100 watt bulb next to it, and an hour later, water began to run (weakly) then pump started to short cycle. I cleaned the house filter, I have some water flowing, but none to upstairs bath, and pump is still short cycling. In fear of burning out pump, I hit the breaker to turn it OFF. Is this the right thing to do, or do I risk freezing by not letting water run. I've called the well people 4 times today and have not heard, so I'd greatly appreciate any advice. Thank you - Barb Reply: diagnose & cure freezing pipes before changing the pump pressure control switch settingBarb: Yes turning off a well pump that is rapidly short cycling or that won't turn off on its own is a way to protect the pump from overheating and damage, and to catch one's breath before launching into diagnosing the trouble. Watch out: In an emergency, if the pump is delivering water OK but won't shut off, and while you're waiting for the plumber to arrive, in order to have some water in the building you can turn the pump on long enough to repressurize the water tank and then shut it back off again. But if the pump is running without any increase in water pressure you should leave it OFF. Your comments indeed sound like a frozen water line because when you added heat you started to get water. Often if we can get any water flowing at all and if we can keep the pump running without damage, the flow of water through the piping will finish the thaw-out and recover the system. Of course if the piping and equipment are not protected from freezing the problem will recur. Question: My water pressure booster pump cycles on and off and won't build up pressureMy boaster pump is on and off frequently,and it will not build up a pressure,this pump is pressure tank bladder type /pressure switch equipped with,it will work normal, but after 3 to 4 days it will come back to the problem again how can i fixed this type of trouble to our pumping system thanks. - Maximo Genese Reply:If your problem is a water pump not reaching cut-off pressure and it's intermittent, I suspect that the water source is intermittently low. If it were a damaged pump itself, I think its pressure troubles would be more constant. Question: Water leak damaged the pump controls. Could a water leak cause well pump short cycling?I have a summer place that has a outside community well, and I had a water leak last winter, which caused the controller on the well to go out, and the association is saying it was do to the problem that I had with my place causing the well to short cycle. I have talked to other well companies and my plumber, and they say my problem had nothing to do with this happening. What is your opinion - Ron Reply: Short cycling is a separate problem from a water leak but here's how they might be relatedRon, in general, running water continuously would not damage the control switches for the equipment nor cause a well to short cycle. Short cycling of a well pump is caused by a loss of proper air charge in the pressure tank (or other problems as you can read in our articles here). Question: Water flow stops when filling the clothes washer traced to sudden changes in water pressureI recently replaced my old water pressure tank with a new Red Lion 20 gallon tank. Also replaced the 30-50 pressure switch. My problem started with low pressure when the clothes washer was being filled (and the bath tub). The washer would fill normally (large load setting) to about a third capacity then the water flow would stop for about 20 seconds and come on again for another 20 seconds and stop again and repeat this process until the washer started its cycle. So,I crawled under the house and noticed that the pressure gauge would drop to nearly zero psi, then I could hear a gush of water flow to the tank where the pressure would rise to 30 psi and then quickly drop to zero again as the washer was filling up. For some reason, when the pressure drops below 30 psi, the pump will kick in but only increase pressure back up to 30 psi. Shouldn't it be reaching the 50 psi cutoff point? The pressure switch is set for 30 - 50 and the air charge is 28 psi. I was told that my control box may be the problem?? Same issue was occurring when the bath tub was filled. The water would flow normally for a while, then stop altogether, then flow again, etc. Any suggestions? Water seems to work fine at the faucets although since I replaced the tank with a new one, the pressure is a little less than what it used to be. Any help would be greatly appreciated. - Kevin Andrews Reply: Check the pump relays and switchesKevin: it sounds as if your system uses a submersible pump (in the well) so you can't see nor hear it running; all you might hear is the pressure control switch clicking on and off and maybe, if your pump uses one, a separate pump relay. Question: water pump continuously runs on and off when the water tap is turned onHow do you fix The pump from continuously running on & off when tap is on? - Brad Reply: Short cycling well pump is not the same as a low-flow well and pump systemBrad depending on the water outflow rate at one or more plumbing fixtures it's normal for the well pump to cycle on and off. But if the cycling is rapid, say every few seconds, then the water tank has probably lost its air charge. Take a look at the diagnostic discussion for well pump short cycling in the article above, and if it looks like a saturated water pressure tank (lost air charge) try recharging the air using one of the methods we describe. On if the pump keeps running when you're running a single water tap, it may be that the pump (or perhaps pump and well) simply can't keep up with the water flow rate being used in the building. A well with a poor flow rate might be paired with a pump and controls that are set to never exceed the flow rate of water entering the well - that prevents pump burnup. See WELL FLOW RATE if you suspect this problem. Question: How do I install a filter on the well water system?How do I install a well water filter? Michael Reply:Michael: see WATER FILTERS to see details on water filter types and where they are installed on the system. It's usually pretty simple plumbing to install a filter near the point where water enters the building. Watch out: a clogged water filter is a common cause of poor building water pressure and flow as well as well pump short cycling Question: why does water come out of the air fitting at my water pressure tank?What causes water to exit the air fitting when fitting is depressed? - Georgewilk Reply: Water coming out of the air inlet valve may be normal or it may indicate a saturated water tank or a burst internal tank bladderGeorge, If the air inlet/adjustment valve is located high on or near the top of a water pressure tank, under normal conditions air will be released if you press the pin in the center of that valve. If an air valve in that location on a water pressure tank squirts water then the water pressure tank has become filled with all-water: it has lost its air charge. If it's a bladderless type tank the "fix" is to add air back into the tank. See WATER TANK AIR ADD AT AIR VALVE If this is a water pressure tank with an internal bladder and you're seeing water at the air inlet valve, the bladder has probably burst. See WATER TANK BLADDERS & CAPTIVE AIR. An air valve on a typical well and pump system is designed to allow air to be pumped into the water pressure tank when the air charge has become lost in a bladderless water tank. If this valve is located on a water pipe (typically near the pressure tank bottom but possibly even on the tank itself) and if that pipe is filled with water, not air, then pressing the pin in the valve center will send water squirting out. See WATER TANK AIR INLET VALVE for details. Some air valves used on submersible well systems are actually a snifter valve that is designed to automatically allow air to enter the well piping at the end of a pump-on cycle. Working in concert with a vent or drain inside the well, this system attempts to maintain the air volume in the pressure tank automatically. These valves too will squirt water if the pin is depressed. See Snifter Valves for details. Question: Air comes out of my water lines? How do I fix it?How do I get the air out of my water lines? - Tony Reply:Tony, take a look at AIR DISCHARGE at FAUCETS, FIXTURES for a guide to correcting air discharge at plumbing fixtures. Typically excess air in the water piping system will purge itself through fixtures but if you keep seeing air discharge at plumbing fixtures then there is a source of excess air in the water supply system - that will need to be tracked down and corrected. Question: My water pump runs ok but won't come back on on its ownMy water pump is giving trouble, when its turn on and you are using the water everything is okay but it comes off it's not coming back on unless you turn off the switch and then put it back on. What is the cause off that? - Shane Reply:Shane if your water pump is not turning on when it should the pressure switch may not be working properly. A common cause is burned contacts or debris in the switch mounting pipe nipple or in the switch pressure sensor opening. Question: My water pump runs, gets hot, won't turn off. Can I adjust it to stop when it should?I have two Grundfos pumps, one for backup. I had to replace one last week, it stopped pumping, I tried to get it on. but nothing, so I installed the back up, primed it, but it wouldn't start right away. It took me about 6 times to finally get it going, but come to find out it stopped too. The pump was hot. I let it cooled down and tried it again, finally I got it going, but discovered, it wouldn't shut off. So I turned the main electric switch off, then I turned it back on, it would still continue to run.. Is there an adjustment to where I can adjust it to stop when it's suppose to? - Ernie Reply: Check for lost prime and maybe a bad check valve or foot valve before re-setting the pump pressure switchErnie, I can't be sure with so little information, but your question sounds as if your well system is losing prime. If the pump motor runs but doesn't deliver water, especially if it's a new pump, I suspect loss of prime. Under WELLS CISTERNS & SPRINGS you 'll find articles describing how to prime the pump WELL PUMP PRIMING PROCEDURE and under WATER PUMP CONTROLS & SWITCHES you'll find articles on bad check valves or foot valves that might explain the loss of prime. See CHECK VALVES, WATER SUPPLY and see FOOT VALVES, WELL PIPING Question: tic tic tic noise from the pumpHi i recently replaced pump and tank. And switch ever since when the pump turns on you can here the pump tic tic tic tic then stays on and when it shuts off it goes tic tic wondering what could be the cause of this help would be very grateful - Summer 10/9/2011 Reply:If your well pump is not starting when it should, making a noise instead, the pump motor or pump assembly could be jammed or defective, or your system may need a motor start/run capacitor. Question: our pump seems to be coming on when no water is being drawn in the houseWe have a captive air tank and a deep well submersible water pump in a shallow well (abt 25 feet). Over time the pump has been coming on more and more often even when no water seems to being drawn. It is now coming on every 1-2 minutes and going off in less than 2 seconds. I plan on replacing the tank but wonder but am afraid this might not solve the problem. Can you give me an educated guess as to what the problem might be. - Pat 12/15/11 Reply:Pat you are describing a short cycling well pump - the cause might be elsewhere but I'd start by looking into a lost air charge at the water pressure tank. Start at SHORT CYCLING WATER PUMP or see WATER TANK AIR, HOW TO ADD Question: can power transformers near a building cause too much air pressure that damages our well pumpThe electrical company has three transformers going to our building, two were down and one was working. Can this cause a back feed to the bladder causing to much air pressure breaking the bladder and causing our pump to run. - Sandra D. LaMothe 12/16/11 Reply:No, Sandra, electrical power transformers near a building don't have anything to do with a well pump nor pressure tank. If your water tank bladder has too much pressure and has broken the root cause would usually be a bad pressure control switch. Question: our backup water pump and storage tanks work backwards and lose their waterAt work we have a backup pump and storage tanks next to our office trailers that we have to use on occasion. We're having a problem with the pressure tank. When the pump builds up pressure and shuts off, the pressure tank decides to backcycle and empty all of the water out of it forcing it back through the pump into the water storage container making some horrible noises until the pump decides to kick back on. Any suggestions. - Chris 1/1/12 Reply:Chris it sounds as if your system has a foot valve or check valve that has failed, or there could be a leak in the water piping itself. Question: our Goulds shallow well pump boosts pressure from a municipal supply - day time pressure is too lowI have a Goulds shallow water pump model BF03S fitted with a furnace pressure switch (cat. no. 69ESI09048U) series C. The pressure setting on the switch is 20-40. Our water supply comes from a municipal water supply tank. At night, when the water demand is low, the pressure is around 30 psi. But during the day, it is sometimes too low, around 10 psi, and so the pump keeps recycling constantly. Even worse, when we operate our washing machine, which recycles too often, so the pumps goes crazy, recycling too rapidly. Reply:Rapid cycling of your water pressure booster pump means that either you don't have a pressure tank installed at all - a big mistake - or your water pressure tank is waterlogged and has lost its air charge. See SHORT CYCLING WATER PUMP Question: my well cycles on and off, on at 70 off just under 100 psi, and the water tank is full.My well cycles on and off. Turns on at 70 psi and stops just before 100 psi. My tank is completely full of water but it not use to be this way. It use to only fill up just above half way or even two thirds. Does this change in the winter versus summer and how can I diagnose the problem. The tank being completely full is my main concern. - Jack 2/28/12 Reply:Watch out: your well and pump system are operating at a dangerous pressure risking a burst water tank or pipes and injury to anyone nearby. Turn off the pump and call your plumber for proper repair. It sounds to me as if - you are missing a pressure relief valve safety device - your water tank is waterlogged and has lost its air charge - your pressure control switch is improperly set to too high an operating pressure range, or your pressure gauge is inaccurate Question: well pump won't turn onpump wont tune on - anon Reply:Check for power to the pump and pump relay; check that the pump relay is responding to a drop in water pressure by first seeing if manually turning on the relay causes the pump to run; you may need to replace the pump switch. Question: our Gould well pump runs for about 30 seconds then shuts off regardless of water pressure.I have a deep well with a submersible Gould pump. Pump seems to run about 30 seconds and shut off of its own accord, regardless of pressure state. Checked preassure switch and it is kicking in and out properly at 30/50. What happens is, when switch triggers pump turns off in 20~ 30 secs even if it has not hit 50. It then turns on again about a minute later, then off again, then on, etc., until the pressure switch kicks at 50 PSI. Under high water demand, house preassure settles to zero eventually, since pump spends too much time off. I checked electricals and even though the pre assure switch contacts are closed, there seems to be no current across the switch contacts when the pump has short-cycled off -- suggesting that the circuit has been interrupted somewhere other than at the switch. Could this be the pump kicking itself off for some self-protection reason? How can I diagnose? Thanks for your thoughts. - Jeff 5/16/12 Reply:Jeff, the usual event that turns the pump on and off is the pressure switch - barring odd loose wiring etc. If the switch is not properly sensing pressure it will behave badly. Sometimes crud in the water supply or rust clogs the sensor port on the switch bottom or in the attaching tube or nipple that conducts water and pressure to the switch sensor port. Try replacing those. Question: can you put a submersible pump too deep into the well getting it stuck on the bottom?Can you theoretically lower a submersible pump too far into a well casing and get it stuck on the bottom of the well? Or is there a prevention method in place for this? Mine is running out of water at the height I have it set at, and I am going to lower it, but don't know how far I can go without causing harm. - Matt 5/20/12 Reply:Matt: If the well pump has gotten stuck on the bottom there are a variety of tricks well drillers use to try to free it up and retrieve the well and its piping. But you'd be best off calling a well driller or pump installer for that service, as they have the necessary equipment to pull the well piping and pump without dropping the whole shebang, losing it all down into the well. Question: short cycling well pump problemHaving a problem with short cycling. Just prior to the pump shutting off after, the pump will short cycle 5 or 6 times. I can isolate the water pressure tank and the pump still short cycles. In fact, I have a valve on the water supply line before the water pressure tank. If I shut this value while the pump is on, instead of the pump immediately shutting off, the pump will short cycle 5 or 6 times. Any suggestions? - Jeff 5/21/12 Reply:Jeff: when a pump rapidly short cycles on and off right around the cutoff pressure the problem could be a clogged pressure sensor on the switch or the pipe that feeds it, or perhaps dirty burned switch contacts. Question: water filter clogsWe have a problem with our well water system filter getting clogged frequently (less than a month after replacing we loose water pressure) After removing filter we notice lots of slime and dirt. Please tell me what I can do to fix this problem. - Sharon Martinez 5/21/12 Reply:Sharon: if your water supply has high levels of silt or mud, a typical cartridge type filter won't handle it and will clog quickly. I'd talk to a local water treatment company, ask them to take a water sample and report to you on its level of sediment, debris (or other problems); If the root cause is high levels of silt, mud, debris in the water supply, and presuming the debris source is not something that can be fixed at the well, a larger capacity sediment removal system may be needed. Question: water runs out when we run a lot of water for plants and lawnpressure switch kicks in at 30 and stops at 50 as it should. problem is that when running a lot of water [watering flowers, showers, washing machine etc. the tank runs dry when pressure drops to 40 and then starts up again at 30. is there an easy fix for this? Jack Holleran 5/30/12 Reply:Jack, Question: our well used to water the lawn leaves water running out of a pipeI use my well to water the lawn. I have 3 stations that run in 45mim. at a time. After the cycle is done Reply:I'm not sure what's going on, Kim. Do you live in a freezing climate? If so the lawn watering system may have been designed to drain dry after a lawn watering cycle so that you avoid freeze damage to the system. Question: my well is only 50-100 ft deep, I have great water pressure but it goes away for 3-4 daysi am told my well was only drilled 50 to 100 feet,i have great water preasure when it is on. it will stay on for about 3 to 4 days ands stay off for about the same,what will make it do this? - John 7/15/12 Reply:John, the well depth has nothing to do with water pressure in the home. Take a look at How Much Water is In the Well? to understand the question of well flow or well yield. Then see How to Get More Water From a Well. ... Ask a Question or Search InspectApediaQuestions & answers or comments about how to diagnose and repair short-cycling well pumps: what are the causes of well pump short cycling. Ask a Question or Enter Search Terms in the InspectApedia search box just below. 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