When a well pump comes on and off very quickly is this is a long cycle an intermediate cycle or a short cycle?

Answer 1

It is probably clogged up and overheating so its safety cutout shuts down the power until it cools down enough to switch on again. To fix it, it will have to be disconnected and taken out of the well so that the pump chamber, the impeller and all associated pipes can be cleaned. This needs to be done regularly, depending on the condition of the water. If the pump was working a fountain in an outside pond a good time to clean it would be when it is taken out of the pond for the winter. If your weather is warm enough to leave the pump in the pond all year round it should still be taken out and cleaned regularly.

Answer 2

When a well pump comes on and off very quickly, it is a short cycle. In this situation, we could probably define the cycle to be the time from the moment the pump comes on until the moment it comes on a second time. To time it, get a clock with a sweep second hand. Watch the clock and listen to the pump. When the pump comes on, note where the second hand is. Keep watching and listening. When the pump shuts off, keep watching and listening. When the pump comes on again, note where the second hand is. That's how many seconds are in the cycle. If the second hand made it all the way around the clock once, then the time will be one minute and "x" seconds per cycle. See how it works? Very simple, once you think it through.

Answer 3

This is known as short cycling. It typically occurs when there is a problem with the pressure switch, waterlogged tank, or pump control system. Short cycling can lead to premature pump failure and should be addressed promptly.