3 Reasons A Well Pump Runs Constantly
A well pump draws water from your well and into a pressure tank installed inside your house. As a rule of thumb, your well pump should only run when water in the pressure tank drops below a set level. So, if you notice frequent on and off cycles, that's a clear sign of trouble.
Below are some possible reasons why your well pump won't stop running.
Faulty Pressure Switch
Pressure tanks have a switch that monitors the water level in real-time. This switch communicates to your well pump to tell it when to cut in (switch on) or to cut out (switch off). Unfortunately, a defective or clogged pressure switch can't detect the internal water level changes in the tank. Consequently, your well pump can't receive the signal to cut out, so it keeps on running.
In most cases, an incorrect switch adjustment might be to blame for this situation. If the cut-out pressure is set above the pump's capacity, then your pump will run continuously without turning off. Moreover, if debris clogs the tubing of the pressure switch, the switch may not read the water pressure changes properly.
Ask an expert for help so they can adjust your pump's pressure settings and unclog or replace the tubing.
Loss of Priming
If you use an above-ground jet pump system to pump water from your well, the intake pipe should remain primed for your well pump to function. Priming involves filling the intake pipe with water to produce sufficient suction and draw water from the well.
Without a primed intake pipe, your well pump will run continuously, regardless of the water level. A major culprit for prime loss is a leaky suction line. Other causes might be:
- A leaky drop pipe
- Air leaks in the pump casing
- Defective check valves inside the pump
A jet pump should never run dry. If your pump loses prime, turn it off immediately to avoid overheating issues or severe system damage. A well pump technician can help you prime your jet well pump and replace a leaky suction line for you.
Open Fixture
Your well pump is likely to run endlessly if you have a sink or toilet that runs all the time, probably because somebody forgot and left it open. A running fixture requires a constant water supply, so your pump will run without turning off to meet the water demand.
You should fix the appliances that demand excess water to restore your pump's efficiency. Also, check all showers, lawn sprinklers, and garden hoses to ensure they don't leak or run constantly.
Sometimes electrical malfunctions can cause appliances (like dishwashers or washing machines) to remain in a state that allows water to flow continuously. Therefore, you need to repair such appliances immediately to restore your pump's functionality.
If your well pump acts up for any reason, contact a qualified well pump service specialist for diagnosis and repair.
To learn more, contact a company like Hull Well & Pump Service.