A pump that never shuts off is almost always a cheap part, not a dead pump: a pressure switch that never reaches cutoff, a waterlogged tank, or a leak bleeding off pressure. First check: shut off every fixture and hunt for a running toilet or dripping line, because a hidden leak makes the pump run just like a failing part does. Handle it soon, since running nonstop overheats the motor.
A pump that runs and runs is telling you it can never reach the pressure where it is supposed to shut off. That is usually a cheap part, not a dead pump, but it is worth handling soon, because a motor that runs nonstop overheats and wears out. Here is how to narrow it down.
The quick way to tell
- Shut off all water and listen. If the pump keeps running with every fixture off, pressure is escaping somewhere.
- Check toilets and outdoor spigots. A running toilet or an open line bleeds pressure faster than the pump can build it.
- Watch the pressure gauge. If the needle climbs slowly or never reaches cutoff, suspect the switch or a worn pump.
- Spitting air or cycling with it? That points at a waterlogged tank with no air charge.
Why it never shuts off
The pressure switch. A switch that is stuck closed or set too high never signals cutoff, so the pump keeps running. This is a common and inexpensive fix.
A waterlogged tank. A tank with no air charge cannot hold pressure, so the pump cycles or runs continuously trying to keep up.
A leak. A running toilet, an open valve, or a leak in the drop pipe or lines bleeds off pressure faster than the pump can build it. We trace it rather than guess.
A worn pump. When the switch, tank, and lines all check out, a tired pump that can no longer build pressure is the last cause we confirm, and we will show you the evidence.
If your pump is running nonstop, call today.