Should my well pump be running 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 Long Can A Well Pump Run Continuously? As mentioned, a quality high-quality starter kit sump pump can run up to 24 volt hours; a more mediocre one can run continuously for between 6 and 18 hours. cooling down the device at this long a time took a substantial amount of time.
In many cases, the problem stems from a leak in the drop pipe. Other common causes include air leaks in either the impeller or the pump casing, faulty check valves inside of the well pump, or a damaged foot valve at the bottom of your well.
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. this WATER PUMP INTERMITTENT CYCLING.
Watch out: a damaged, jammed, or improperly-set pressure control switch that is calling for a pressure that is above the pump's capacity will cause the pump to run continuously and is likely to burn-up the pump motor. Clogged pressure sensor or switch pressure sensing tubing can cause improper switch performance.
- Changes in Water Pressure. ...
- Odd Noises From the Pump. ...
- Pressure Tank Sounds. ...
- Water Spitting From Faucets. ...
- Lack of Water. ...
- Constantly Running Pump. ...
- Higher Utility Bills. ...
- Sediment in Your Water.
So a minute on and a minute off has always been the minimum rule of thumb. Two minutes on and two minutes off is just that much better for the motor. With the old conventional pressure tank method, the pressure tank fills at the rate the pump can produce, less the amount of water being used at the time.
If your well pump keeps running, it's usually because of one of the following issues: You have a running appliance. The well pump may have lost prime. The pump pressure control switch is faulty.
No, a well pump shouldn't run constantly; if it does, there's a problem with the water system. Well pumps are designed to run for a time and then shut off once the pressure tank is filled.
In most cases, if the pump is continuously running, it can last for up to 60 seconds without causing any damage. For a short period of time, you can operate the pump with minimal maintenance.
How often should my well cycle?
When there is a 4 gallon tank (1 gal drawing down), the pump will cycle roughly 40 times per day on average. In comparison with 20 gallon tanks of water (6 gallons of draw down), utilizing the CSV on these tanks will cause the pumps to cycle approximately 20 times daily.
Generally, a deep well pump can run for around 8 hours before needing to be rested. A good starter kit sump pump can be powered for up to 24 hours, whereas a mediocre one can only be powered for between 6 and 18 hours. If the pump is run dry for less than 45-60 seconds, there should be no damage done to it.

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.
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.
Turning off your well pump reduces your risk of flood and water damage. Additionally, many people cannot stop themselves from thinking about their well pump that they left running. If you tend to overthink, turning off your pump before leaving town can bring your peace of mind.
No, a well pump shouldn't run constantly; if it does, there's a problem with the water system. Well pumps are designed to run for a time and then shut off once the pressure tank is filled.
So a minute on and a minute off has always been the minimum rule of thumb. Two minutes on and two minutes off is just that much better for the motor. With the old conventional pressure tank method, the pressure tank fills at the rate the pump can produce, less the amount of water being used at the time.