Listen near your pressure tank while someone runs a faucet. If the pump clicks on, then off, then on again every few seconds, that is short cycling. It is one of the most common reasons we get called for well pump repair in Midland, and it is usually fixable before the pump pays the price.
The pressure tank is the pump’s cushion. It holds water under air pressure so the pump does not have to start every time you fill a glass. When that cushion fails, the pump takes the beating. A few minutes with a tire gauge can tell you a lot.
What short cycling is doing to your pump
Every start is hard on a pump motor. A healthy system lets the pump run a good stretch, fill the tank and rest. When the tank loses its air charge, it fills almost instantly and the pump starts over and over. Signs to watch for:
- Rapid clicking at the pressure switch
- Pressure that jumps up and down at the tap
- Water spitting or sputtering
- A tank that sounds or feels full of water at the top
Check the tank yourself, safely
- Turn the well breaker OFF.
- Run a cold tap until the water stops.
- Check the air valve on the tank with a tire gauge, like a car tire.
On a common 40-60 switch, the air should sit about 2 psi under the low number, around 38. If it is far lower, or water comes out of the valve, the tank bladder may be gone. Our guide to checking pressure tank pressure walks through it. Never open the pressure switch cover.
Other common switch settings are 30-50 and 60-80, and the same rule applies: about 2 psi under the low number. If you are unsure of your setting, call us and we will help.
Tank or pump? Well pump repair in Midland sorts it out
A failed tank is often the real problem, and pressure tank replacement in Midland with a Well-X-Trol tank may be all you need. Our pressure tank replacement page explains more.
But a pump that has short cycled for months can wear out early. If it will not build pressure or trips the breaker, we replace it with a Gould, Myers or Grundfos pump under a 5-year warranty through our well pump repair service. Low pressure has other causes too, covered in low water pressure on a well.
Rural Midland, from the airport to Midland Road
Many homes near the Warrenton-Fauquier Airport and along Route 610 (Midland Road) in 22728 rely on private wells, so the pump and tank are yours to look after. On non-urgent calls we may start by working through it on the phone. Oasis Well Service is family owned, licensed and insured, has worked on wells since 1987, and is now in its third generation. Ask about well water testing in Midland and well water treatment in Midland too.
Emergency? Call 703-776-0996 or see emergency well service in Midland, or our no-water service. Otherwise, call 703-791-3981. We cover Fauquier County, including Catlett, Warrenton and Bealeton.
Midland is on our regular Fauquier run, so ask us to look at the tank and switch while we are there, not just the pump. It usually saves a second visit.