Why Does My Well Pump Short-Cycle or Run Constantly?
A pump that rapidly cycles on and off, or won't shut off, is usually a waterlogged pressure tank, a failing pressure switch, or a leaking check valve. It's urgent: short-cycling overheats the motor and can destroy a pump within weeks. If you hear it clicking on and off every few seconds, shut it off at the breaker to protect it and call.
Licensed & Insured · Fast Response · Family-Owned, Two Generations
What's Usually Causing It — Ranked Most to Least Common
- 01
Waterlogged pressure tank
Ruptured bladder or lost air cushion — the #1 cause. The pump cycles every few seconds because the tank can't hold water.
- 02
Failing pressure switch
Worn contacts cutting in and out, telling the pump to start and stop too often.
- 03
Leaking check valve
Pressure bleeds back through a failed valve, so the pump has to keep restarting.
- 04
System leak — running toilet or line leak
If the pump runs nonstop, water is escaping somewhere. A flapper or a line in the crawl space is common.
- 05
Clogged switch nipple
The small port feeding the pressure switch gets blocked, and the switch reads pressure wrong.
Safe Checks You Can Do Yourself
Here's why it's urgent — every rapid cycle wears the motor, and a waterlogged tank can become a full pump replacement in weeks. Rule out an obvious running toilet or open fixture. Still cycling? Shut it off at the breaker and call — diagnosing the tank bladder, switch, or check valve is our job. Don't keep running a short-cycling pump.
Anything beyond surface checks — pressure switch, 220V wiring, pulling a pump — is our job. Well systems carry high pressure and dangerous voltage; leave them to a licensed pro.
Cost Context — National Ranges
Catching it early — tank or switch — is modest. Letting it run risks a costlier pump replacement. The math almost always favors calling now.
Firm, itemized quote before any work — no surprise charges.
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Short-Cycling — FAQ
Is short-cycling really that serious?
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Why does my well pump run constantly?
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What does a waterlogged pressure tank do?
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Pump Cycling Nonstop? Shut It Off and Call.
A short-cycling pump is on borrowed time. We'll diagnose the tank, switch, and check valve in one visit and save you from a full pump replacement.
Same-day emergency response, Monday–Saturday.
Last updated June 2026