Fixing a well pump that keeps turning on and off

If the pump kicks on every few seconds, the pressure gauge jumps, or you hear clicking at the pressure switch, the system is short cycling. It wears out the motor fast, so it is worth fixing early.

• Waterlogged or failed tank: the bladder has ruptured or air pre-charge is lost. This is the most common cause.
• Pressure switch problems: pitted contacts or a clogged nipple.
• Leaks: a running toilet, a leaking pipe, or a bad check valve letting pressure bleed back.
• Oversized pump or wrong settings: the tank cannot hold enough water between cycles.

A tech will check the tank pre-charge with the pump off and pressure drained, test the switch, and look for leaks. Tell them how often it cycles and whether the pressure gauge swings widely.