Wells, Sump Pumps and Septic Sewage Systems - pump running short bursts

Hey guys, my Dad unexpectedly passed away a few months ago. Up until then he had always taken care of maintenance type issues at his mothers (my grandmothers) house. that responsibility now is mine and although I have a decent amount of history dealing with typical do it yourself plumbing projects I have never had a well, or the associated pump, etc. Here is the problem:

every 15minutes to 1/2 hour or so the pump comes on for about 1 or 2 seconds (this is without water being run) I was in the basement when this happened and observed the pressure gauge instantly jump from 20lbs to 40lbs. it only took about a second for the pressure to come up at which point the pump immediately shut off. when water is drawn the pump starts, stops, starts, stops in quick 1or 2 second bursts. this is clearly not what normally used to happen. I know that he used to perform some regular maintenance to the unit every other month or so, but I don't know what it was he did. Any ideas?

The first sticky in this list talks about "short cycling" and a water logged tank. You have to figure out if you have a bladder in the tank or not. Generally, if you have a painted thin wall tank, it has a bladder. A thick-walled galvanized tank won't have a bladder.

Hi, and welcome to the forums...


You may have a leaky check valve down in the well.
I am assuming you have a jet pump, since you were in the basement when it came on.

Read this sticky, and I think you will find your answer (http://forum.doityourself.com/wells-sump-pumps-septic-sewage-systems/365092-pump-cycling-water-logged-other-well-info.html). There is a lot of (good to know) well stuff there.


Travis
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wow, great info, and very quick. You have no idea how much I appreciate this. I'm pretty confident after reading the "stickY" you directed me to that you nailed it. My father had left some tools down in the corner of my grandmothers cellar.....now it makes perfect sense. In addition to my grandmother's pump his pump has my mother asking me to check it out as well. your response actually seems to have given me the info I needed to know for both situations. (Grams pump doesn't have a bladder, Mom's does) I remember bit's and pieces of my father talking about how he was maintaining each of those pumps and with your info now it all makes sense. Thank you and I'll let you know how things work out.

Also, as Travis said, look for leaks.