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Fix a well pump that runs constantly

We'll help you check for leaks, a waterlogged pressure tank, and a faulty pressure switch, then fix or replace the faulty part—or tell you when to call a pro.

Troubleshooting · Home plumbing
20–40 min
What you'll need
  • Tire pressure gauge (for tank air check)
  • Air compressor or bicycle pump (to add air to tank)
  • Wrench set
  • Replacement pressure switch (if faulty)
Diagnostic graph validation issues: Terminal node n_switch must have null branches
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Steps

Goal: Confirm the symptom, check for leaks, then the pressure tank and switch.

  • Listen at the pressure tank. The pump should run when you use water, then shut off when pressure reaches cut-out. If it runs constantly or cycles every few seconds with no water use, something is wrong.
  • Good: Pump runs or cycles with no water use. Proceed to Check for leaks.
  • Bad: Pump shuts off when no water use—no problem. If you have a different symptom, see When to get help.

Check for leaks

Goal: Rule out leaks that prevent pressure from building.

  • Shut off all faucets, toilets, and water-using appliances. Check toilets with the food coloring test (add to tank; if it appears in bowl, the flapper leaks). Check outdoor spigots and irrigation.
  • Good: Leak found and fixed—pump may now shut off. Test.
  • Bad: No leaks found—proceed to Check pressure tank.

Check pressure tank

Goal: Rule out a waterlogged tank.

  • Tap the pressure tank with a metal object. A waterlogged tank sounds dull all over. A good tank sounds hollow on top.
  • Good: Tank sounds hollow on top—tank OK. Proceed to Check pressure switch.
  • Bad: Tank sounds dull all over—waterlogged. Drain the tank, add air to match cut-in minus 2 psi. If water comes out of the Schrader valve, the bladder is ruptured—call a pro.

Check pressure switch

Goal: Confirm the pressure switch shuts off the pump at cut-out.

  • Watch the pressure gauge while the pump runs. Pressure should rise to cut-out (often 50–60 psi) and the pump should stop.
  • Good: Pump stops at cut-out. The switch is working.
  • Bad: Pressure rises but the pump keeps running—replace the pressure switch or call a pro.

When to get help

Call a plumber or well professional if:

  • You cannot find the leak.
  • The pressure tank bladder is ruptured (water comes out of the Schrader valve when checking air).
  • There may be a leak in the well or drop pipe.
  • The pump still runs constantly after checking leaks, tank, and switch.

Verification

  • The pump runs when you use water and shuts off when pressure reaches cut-out.
  • The pump does not run or cycle when no water is in use.
  • Pressure builds normally and holds between cycles.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Confirm symptom Verify the pump runs constantly or cycles too often with no water use.
  2. Check for leaks Shut off all water use; check toilets, faucets, spigots, and irrigation.
  3. Check pressure tank Test for waterlogging; drain and recharge air if needed.
  4. Check pressure switch Confirm cut-out works; replace switch if faulty.
  5. Call a pro Leak in well, ruptured bladder, or persistent constant running—call a plumber or well professional.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Whether the pump runs constantly or cycles
  • Leak check results (toilets, faucets, spigots)
  • Pressure tank sound (hollow vs dull)
  • Tank air pressure (psi)
  • Pressure switch cut-out behavior
  • Steps already tried

Does the pump run constantly or cycle every few seconds with no water use?

The pump should run when you use water, then shut off when pressure reaches cut-out. Constant running or rapid cycling means a leak, waterlogged tank, or faulty switch.

Shut off all faucets and water use. Listen at the pressure tank. Good: pump runs or cycles with no water use—proceed. Bad: pump shuts off when no water use—no problem, or different issue.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

No action needed

The pump shuts off when no water is used—normal operation. No action needed.

Done

Are there any leaks in the house?

Toilets, faucets, spigots, and irrigation can leak. A leak prevents pressure from building.

Check toilets (food coloring test), faucets, outdoor spigots, and irrigation. Fix any leaks. Good: leak found and fixed—pump may now shut off. Bad: no leaks found—check pressure tank.

Yes (fix first) No

You can change your answer later.

Fix leak and test

Fix the leak. Restore water use. The pump should now cycle normally—run when you use water, shut off when pressure reaches cut-out.

Done

Is the pressure tank waterlogged?

Tap the tank. A waterlogged tank sounds dull all over. A good tank sounds hollow on top.

Tap the pressure tank. Dull all over: waterlogged—drain tank, add air to match cut-in minus 2 psi, test. Hollow on top: tank OK—check pressure switch.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Drain and recharge tank

Shut off power. Drain the tank. Check air pressure at Schrader valve. Add air to match cut-in minus 2 psi (e.g. 28 psi for 30 psi cut-in). If water comes out of the valve, the bladder is ruptured—call a pro. Restore power and test.

Done

Does the pressure switch shut off at cut-out?

The switch should open when pressure reaches cut-out. A faulty switch may not shut off the pump.

Watch the pressure gauge while the pump runs. Good: pressure rises to cut-out and pump stops—switch OK. Bad: pressure rises but pump keeps running—replace switch.
Question

Does the switch shut off at cut-out?

Done

Call a plumber or well professional

Call a pro if you cannot find the leak, the tank bladder is ruptured, there may be a leak in the well or drop pipe, or the pump still runs constantly after checking leaks, tank, and switch.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why does a well pump run constantly?
Common causes: a leak somewhere in the system, a waterlogged pressure tank (no air cushion), or a faulty pressure switch that does not shut off. A leak or bad tank prevents pressure from building, so the pump keeps running.
Can I fix a well pump that runs constantly myself?
Yes, for many issues. You can find and fix leaks, drain and recharge a waterlogged tank, or replace a faulty pressure switch. If the tank bladder is ruptured, the tank must be replaced—a pro can do that.
When should I call a pro for a well pump that runs constantly?
Call a plumber or well professional if you cannot find the leak, the pressure tank bladder is ruptured (tank needs replacement), or the pump still runs constantly after checking leaks, tank, and switch.

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