If you depend on a well water pump to supply water for your home or business, keeping it in peak operating condition is a top priority. When a pump turns off and on too quickly, it’s called pump short cycling, which interferes with water flow and damages the equipment. Here are the reasons this problem occurs and what can be done to remedy them.   

Why Is Your Well Water Pump Short Cycling?

1. Air Charge Loss

When a well water pump loses its air charge, it starts short cycling. Loss of air charge typically occurs when an aging non-bladder pressure tank can no longer handle the pump. To correct the problem, you may need to clean, repair, or replace the volume control valve. Once that’s done, pump water into the tank through the air inlet valve, so air gets into the tank. A bicycle pump is a handy way to get the air in through the valve. To let air in more effectively and avoid condensation, drain some water from the tank.

2. Excess Air

Too much air in the air pressure tank, called overcharging, can cause short cycling and damage the water tank or break its bladder. If you have a captive air water tank, it doesn’t have a process for releasing excess air. To resolve an overcharged system, shut it off, release the water, and reset the air charge to the pressure standard set by the factory.

3. Pump Control Switch Problems

If your pump continues short cycling after regulating the airflow, the problem may be that the water pump pressure control switch needs adjusting. Another cause might be that the water has a high mineral content or contains lots of dirt, debris, or silt, resulting in the pump control switch becoming clogged or damaged. Repairing or replacing the switch restores its proper operation.

If your residential or commercial water pump is short cycling, get help from Mike Woolsey and Sons Well Drilling and Pump Service in Summersville, MO. This professional pump contractor uses American-made materials whenever possible to serve clients throughout southern Missouri’s agricultural, residential, and industrial areas. All completed projects include a five-year warranty. To request a quote, visit their website or call (417) 932-4036.