Why does my water pump turn on and off?

Question

It is a 110 shallow well pump for my water source to the house.

Answer 1

If it goes into a pressurized tank, could there be a leak somewhere?   Or, the well is gong dry > underground water flows & during the dry season, there's not as much water.   If so, the only solution would be to drill deeper.  

Answer 2

Does it have a resevour that it pumps to? If so, when it get full it will shut off, and when the water level gets low, it comes on.

Answer 3

maybe you have a small leak in your pipes

Answer 4

The motor would burn up if it didn't turn off.

Answer 5

If you mean your pump turns on and off rapidly (really short cycles) you have a waterlogged pressure tank.  The pressure tank for your system has an air space inside that is separated from the water by a neoprene bladder or diaphragm.  The air provides a cushion for the pump and system since air is compressible and water isn't.  Sometimes the diaphragm will develop a small hole and water will enter the air space.  You may be able bleed the water out and recharge the air or in some cases the diaphragm will have to replaced.

Answer 6

On mine when it starts that I usually have a small leak somewhere..when it loses the necessary pressure from drainage..then it kicks back on to build the water back up..

Answer 7

Have your expansion tank checked.

It may have lost its air charge.

Answer 8

The pump will turn on when it detects a loss of prepressuren the system or if there is a bad foot valve in the well. A bad foot valve lets water back into the well thus lowering the pressure in the system. An overlooked problem may be found in the toilets and is sometimes undetectable unless you take the tank top off, flush the toilet and wait for it to fill and listen for any hissing noises coming from the fill valve or if the water level in the tank is too high which will allow water to go down the over flow tube after the tank is full and will kick the pump back on after a while. Check for drippy faucets including your outside hose bibs. I deal with this on a regular basis and it is a simple fix more times than not. Good Luck!