Community Forums

Mogulite · 08-10-2018, 01:19 AM

My pump cycles sometimes without a reason. I’ve recently noticed that the lower the fresh water, the more it occurs. I need a lesson on the way a pump works and what makes it cycle without a water source being turned on.

Thanks

**Spdracr39** · 08-10-2018, 05:01 AM

Shouldn't cycle unless the line is losing pressure. You either have a small leak on a line or the pump is leaking back into the tank. Could just be a dripping faucet or shower head.

A32Deuce · 08-10-2018, 06:12 AM

The back flow valve spring may be getting weak. With a lesser amount of water in the tank, it may be allowing some pressure to bleed back into the tank.

Dav L · 08-10-2018, 12:51 PM

My MA fresh / city water valve had a slow leak which allowed the pump to cycle now and then. Replaced the plastic cheapy valve with a nice brass one at a Homedepot will enroute. Works good now.

Old-Biscuit · 08-10-2018, 01:21 PM

You have a LEAK...plain and simple

WHERE is the key

*Could be the pumps internal check valve leaking back into tank (just a one way diaphragm that is there to stop backflow thru pump when using city water)
*Could be City Water Inlet check valve (there to stop water from flowing out when using pump)
*Could be a small/minor leak on ANY valve/fitting/connection on cold or hot water plumbing lines (really tough to find due to small leak....unless water is "hard" then look for white scaling at fittings/connections.....LEAK)
*Could be T&P Relief Valve 'weeping' on Water Heater. (Loss of air pocket....pressure builds up cause water swells when heated and water doesn't compress)

Hint:.......place toilet paper around any suspect area and then check it later. TP quickly absorbs water and is a great tell-tale for small leaks

Pump cycles cause leak allows system pressure to drop low enough that pump pressure switch makes up turning pump on..then pressure comes up and pressure switch turns pump off.
Simple........you have a leak

Dav L · 08-10-2018, 03:10 PM

Yes, there is a leak. But, it can also be an internal "leak" that isn't obvious. Like the pump check valve, or the city / fresh water valve. You won't see any puddles with either. You wont capture it on toilet paper.

I noticed mine because I heard it with my ear close up to the valve. Slight seepage sound.

Dropthejacks · 08-10-2018, 03:52 PM

Its the check valve in the pump letting water seep back into the water tank. And of course, the replacement valve costs nearly as much as a new pump. They don't last long, mine gave way in only two years, and the only time we use it is when I'm winterizing. They are cheaply made, just the way it is I guess.

nothermark · 08-10-2018, 04:11 PM

You also need to get a sense of proportion. We never use city water so we pay attention to the pump. When it is supposed to run it works and we can hear it. Usually a few minutes after it runs it cycles once more. That's it. I assume something is equalizing. I don't assume I have to do anything with it. If it kept cycling then I would start looking at why. Doing anything else is just making yourself crazy fixing a non problem.