Fort Myers Homeowners: What To Do When Your Well Pump Runs Continuously

There is no reason to let a well pump run long after the last person in the household has used water. This issue demands attention, especially when the well pump keeps running.

Under normal circumstances, a good pump will operate in cycles. Use some water and the system’s pressure falls, prompting the pump to engage. As soon as it reaches the cut-off point, the pump disengages, but a malfunctioning pressure control switch may prevent this from happening.

But if the pump runs constantly, something is preventing the system from holding pressure. While a leak is the usual suspect, the culprit could be the check valve, the motor, the water level in the well, or the pressure tank and switch, which can cause the pump to turn on and off unexpectedly.

Homeowners in Fort Myers and Southwest Florida with a private supply should not overlook a non-stop pump. The strain on the equipment is unwarranted and can lead to trouble down the road, including a costly repair or having to replace the pump ahead of schedule. Contact us today!

How to Tell If Your Pump Is Running Non-Stop

It helps to know what a typical cycle looks like before you start troubleshooting. You open a faucet or flush the toilet; water leaves the system, and pressure dips, which can cause the well pump to run constantly if not addressed. The control switch senses this and starts the pump. It runs until the pressure is high enough to hit the cut-off and then it stops.

The length of that cycle depends on your PSI settings, the pump’s capacity, how much water the house is using, and the size of your pressure tank. A jet pump or submersible pump may run a bit longer with heavy use, which can cause the pump to run constantly. 

How To Check If Your Pump Is Working

Your first order of business is to make sure no one is using water somewhere in the house. Check for a running toilet, an outdoor hose left on, a dripping appliance, or any wet spots near exposed plumbing.

Assuming everything is off and the pump is still working, look for any visible leaks at the fittings or pressure tank. If you come up empty-handed, it is time to contact a professional. In the meantime, if you can do so safely, you can kill power to the circuit to stop the pump while you wait for the leak detection service.

Is a Hidden Leak to Blame?

Pumps are designed to maintain pressure, but issues can arise if a well pump runs constantly. When water is getting out through a line or fixture, the pump will just keep running to make up for it. Some of these are easy to spot; others are not. A leak behind a wall or underground between the well and the house can be enough to keep the system from hitting its cut-off, causing the well pump to run constantly. 

If you think there is a source you can’t see, the leak detection team at Spartan Plumbing & Drains can track it down.

A Faulty Pressure Switch

This component tells the pump when to start and stop. It should read the pressure and shut down the pump once the cut-off is met. But if the switch is clogged, stuck, or otherwise damaged, it won’t respond, and the pump will run continuously. Mineral deposits can interfere with the sensing parts too. A plumber can check the switch and gauge to see whether it is the problem or something else is keeping the pressure down.

Problems with the Pressure Tank

The tank provides steady pressure and limits how often the pump has to work. Modern ones have a bladder to keep the air and water separate. If the tank is waterlogged or the bladder is gone, you may find inconsistent pressure or short-cycling. 

A failing tank will not let the system perform as it should, causing the pump cycle to be inefficient. The nature of the problem will dictate the solution; some may require an adjustment or recharging of the air pressure, while others need a service or you may need to replace the pressure tank.

Because many well-system issues can present themselves in similar ways, it is important to get an inspection before replacing any equipment.

Is Water Draining Back Into the Well?

A failed check valve is one source of pressure loss and can cause the pump to run unnecessarily. Its job is to stop water from flowing back once the pump is off, ensuring a proper pump cycle. 

If it fails, water can flow back toward the well, and the pump will kick in as pressure drops. If the system is not holding pressure, the pump will cycle or run nonstop, indicating a potential issue with the pressure control switch. 

The Pump May Be Having Trouble

It is not always a plumbing or pressure switch issue. The pump itself can be the issue, especially if a jet pump is malfunctioning. Over time, the motor and insides of the pump will show their age. A good pump should have no trouble pulling water and building the pressure a household needs, unless a common cause is affecting its performance. But if it is running and yet fails to reach the cut-off point, the cause could be anything from a damaged intake or submersible pump to incorrect sizing or simply worn parts. 

Could the Water Level in Your Well Be Too Low?

The pump may not be to blame. When the well’s water level is low, or the supply can’t keep up with what is being drawn, the pump will struggle to maintain pressure. You will likely notice it when multiple fixtures are in use, which may cause the pump to run continuously. 

Why a Constantly Running Pump Is a Concern

Letting a pump run all day is more than a nuisance. Pumps are meant to work in cycles; constant operation puts undue strain on the motor and other parts, which is a common cause of pump failure. Even if there is still water in the house, a pump that won’t shut off often means it is trying and failing to hold pressure, causing it to run constantly. Left alone, this can result in higher power bills, wasted water, a hidden leak that worsens, ens, and eventual pump failure.

When to Make the Call

If the well pump is running with no water being used in the house, it is time to contact a well pump professional. Other reasons to call include a sudden pressure drop, the pump starting and stopping repeatedly, or an unexplained spike in the electric bill because the pump runs constantly. Perhaps you suspect a leak in the line or the system just can’t keep up.

For those in Southwest Florida, Spartan Plumbing & Drains is on hand to examine the system and put forward the proper course of action.