Common Causes of Pressure Tank Cycling Issues and How to Fix Them Easily
If your pressure tank keeps cycling on and off too often, there’s probably something wrong. The usual culprits? Incorrect pressure settings, a waterlogged tank, or a leak somewhere in the system. These things waste energy and wear out your pump faster than you’d like.
In Ontario—think Barrie, Muskoka, all those older well systems—these problems pop up a lot, especially in cottages. Sometimes it’s a quick fix, sometimes not, but Harris Plumbing has seen it all. A small adjustment or repair can make a big difference and save you hassle.
It’s worth understanding why your pressure tank is acting up. Whether you’re in York Region or East Gwillimbury, knowing the causes lets you have a real conversation with your plumber and keep your water running without surprises.
How Pressure Tanks Work
Getting a handle on how a pressure tank works helps you spot issues before they get out of hand. It’s not complicated—just a few parts, some air, some water, and a bit of know-how.
Basic Components
A pressure tank’s pretty simple: you’ve got the tank itself, usually steel, and inside there’s a bladder or diaphragm. The bladder keeps the air and water separate.
There’s also an air valve (looks like a car tire valve). You use it to add or release air, keeping the pressure in check. The pressure switch connects to your well pump and tells it when to kick on or off, depending on the tank’s pressure.
If these parts don’t do their job, your pressure tank won’t keep steady water pressure in your house or cottage.
The Role of Air and Water
Air and water inside the tank work together to keep pressure steady. When water fills the tank, it squeezes the air in the bladder. That compressed air stores energy.
As you use water, the pressure drops. The air pushes water out, keeping things flowing. This stops your pump from running all the time.
You need enough air for this to work. Too little air, and the tank fills up with water, making the pump run too often. Too much air, and the tank empties too quickly, causing pressure swings.
Normal Cycling vs. Short Cycling
Normally, your pump runs in cycles that last anywhere from 30 seconds to a few minutes. The tank fills and empties, and pressure stays pretty stable.
Short cycling is a different animal. The pump turns on and off way too fast—sometimes every few seconds. That’s rough on the pump and your wallet.
Usually, short cycling comes from low air pressure, a leaky bladder, or a badly set pressure switch. If you notice your pump starting and stopping a lot in your Simcoe County or Muskoka place, it’s probably time to check the tank. Harris Plumbing’s licensed journeyman plumbers know how to get things running right again.
Major Causes of Pressure Tank Cycling Issues
When your pressure tank cycles too much or acts up, it’s usually one of a handful of problems. These affect how the tank holds air and water. Spotting these early can save you from bigger headaches later.
Loss of Air Charge
Your pressure tank needs the right amount of air to keep water pressure steady. If it loses air, the tank fills up with water, and the pump runs more than it should. Water pushes into spaces where air should be, so the tank can’t cushion pressure changes.
Check the air charge with a pressure gauge on the air valve. If it’s low, add air with a compressor or hand pump. Keeping the right air level keeps your pump from cycling too fast and wasting energy. Honestly, this fix is usually quick—Harris Plumbing sees it all the time.
Waterlogged Tank
A waterlogged tank means the bladder or diaphragm is full of water or broken. When that happens, the tank can’t hold air, so it can’t absorb pressure changes. The pump starts short cycling, turning on and off all the time.
Tap the tank to check for waterlogging. A hollow sound means air; a dull thud means water. Sometimes you can fix it by draining the tank and recharging the air. Other times, you’ll need to replace the bladder or the whole tank. In Muskoka and other well-heavy areas, this is a classic problem.
Incorrect Pressure Switch Settings
The pressure switch tells your pump when to turn on and off. If the settings are off, the pump might run too often or not keep pressure steady. If the cut-in and cut-out settings are too close together, the pump cycles fast.
Adjusting the switch takes some know-how, and the right setting depends on your system—usually around 30 to 50 psi, but it varies. Harris Plumbing’s licensed journeyman plumbers handle this all the time. If the switch isn’t set right, you’ll get pump wear and uneven water flow.
Damaged Bladder or Diaphragm
Inside most pressure tanks, a bladder or diaphragm keeps air and water apart. If it cracks or tears, water and air mix, and the tank loses its ability to hold pressure. You’ll notice short cycling and maybe water leaking near the base.
You can’t repair a damaged bladder—you’ve got to replace it. Around Barrie and Orillia, this happens a lot, especially with old tanks or hard water. Swapping the bladder or tank usually solves the problem and keeps your well pump safe.
System and Installation-Related Problems
Sometimes, cycling problems come down to how the system was set up. Bad installation or sizing mistakes can make your pump work overtime and wear out faster. Knowing what to look for can save you a lot of trouble.
Improper Tank Sizing
If your pressure tank’s too small, it fills and empties too fast. That means the pump switches on and off way too much. If the tank’s too big, it might not trigger the pump properly.
You need a tank that fits your household or cottage needs without all the extra cycling. The right volume keeps things balanced, especially in places like Muskoka or Simcoe County. A licensed journeyman plumber from Harris Plumbing can help you pick the right size and keep your pump running longer.
Leaking Plumbing Pipes
Leaks anywhere in your plumbing drop the pressure fast. When that happens, the tank cycles more as the pump tries to keep up. Even a small, hidden leak can make your pump start up again and again.
Look for leaks by checking visible pipes and fittings, especially near the tank and pump. Wet spots, weird noises, or blinking pump indicators are all warning signs. Fixing leaks early keeps your system smooth and saves water.
Defective Check Valve
The check valve stops water from flowing back into the well when the pump shuts off. If it fails or sticks open, water flows backward, and the pump has to keep restoring pressure. That means more cycling.
A busted check valve makes your tank lose pressure fast. In Ontario winters, frozen or corroded valves are common headaches. Have a licensed plumber check and replace the valve if it’s acting up. Harris Plumbing handles this with expert care and no surprises.
External Factors Affecting Tank Cycling
Sometimes, it’s not even the tank’s fault. Outside stuff—like how much water you use, power issues, or the weather—can mess with cycling. Knowing what’s up helps you keep ahead of trouble.
Rapid Water Demand Changes
If you’re using a lot of water at once—multiple taps, appliances, sprinklers—the tank can’t keep up and cycles more often. Pressure drops quickly, so the pump kicks in again and again.
This wears out your pump. If you’re running sprinklers and the washing machine at the same time in your Muskoka cottage, you’ll hear it. Try spreading out usage or maybe get a bigger tank to cut down on the cycling.
Power Supply Issues
Pressure tanks need steady power. Flickering lights or short outages confuse the pressure switch, making the pump cycle weirdly or not at all.
Rural homes in Simcoe County get hit with power blips during storms or high demand. That puts extra strain on your pump and tank. You might see short cycling or the pump running longer than usual.
A reliable power source helps. Maybe consider a backup system. Harris Plumbing suggests checking your electrical connections often and getting a licensed plumber to help if things seem off.
Temperature Fluctuations
Cold weather can mess with your pressure tank and plumbing. In Barrie, Newmarket, and other chilly spots, winter freezes make water expand or contract, changing pressure and causing more cycling.
Freezing temps can make valves or switches stick. Frost can damage seals, letting air out or water in where it shouldn’t be. If your pump sounds louder or runs more in winter, that could be why.
Insulate your tank and pipes, especially in cottages. Harris Plumbing has tips for keeping your plumbing safe through Ontario winters.
Detecting and Diagnosing Cycling Issues
If your pressure tank’s turning on and off more than usual, something’s up. Maybe the air charge is off, or the switches or valves need a look. Spotting the signs and knowing how to check each part makes finding the issue faster.
Signs of Pressure Tank Problems
Too much cycling wears out your pump. If you hear it turning on and off every few minutes, that’s a red flag. Water that sputters when you open a tap is another sign—the tank isn’t holding pressure.
Look for wet spots near the tank or dropping water pressure. A swollen or rusty tank shell means trouble too. Don’t ignore these signs—they usually mean it’s time for a closer look.
Testing for Air Charge
The air charge keeps water pressure steady. To test, turn off the pump and drain the tank. Use a pressure gauge (or even a tire gauge) on the air valve.
Aim for air pressure about 2 psi below your pump’s cut-in pressure. So, if your pump kicks on at 30 psi, the tank should have around 28 psi of air. If it’s low or you see water coming out of the valve, you’ll need to fix the air charge.
Inspecting Switches and Valves
Pressure switches tell your pump when to start and stop. Check for dirt, corrosion, or loose wires—these can mess with cycling. Give the switch a clean or tweak as needed.
Look at the tank and pump valves too. If they’re stuck or faulty, you’ll get rapid cycling. Open and close them slowly to see if they move right. If you’re not sure, Harris Plumbing has licensed journeyman plumbers in Simcoe County and York Region who can sort it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pressure tank cycling problems usually come from air or water imbalances. If your pump starts irregularly or pressure swings around, something’s off. Fixes usually mean checking tank air pressure, pump settings, and tank condition.
What are typical symptoms of a waterlogged pressure tank?
Your pump might switch on and off quickly. You could see water pressure going up and down. The tank could feel heavy—mostly water inside, not air.
How can I address a well pump that continuously short cycles?
Check the air charge first—it could be low or gone. If the bladder’s busted, swap the tank. A licensed journeyman plumber can dial in your pressure switch settings, too.
Why does my water pressure fluctuate with constant pump activity?
Usually, your tank’s waterlogged or lost air. Sometimes it’s a bad pressure switch or a leak. Any of those make your pump run too much.
What’s the best way to fix a water pump that keeps turning on and off?
Start by checking the tank’s air pressure with a gauge. Adjust it to match the pump cut-in pressure, minus 28 kPa. Have a pro check your pressure switch and plumbing joints.
What troubleshooting steps can I take for a cycling pressure tank issue?
Look for leaks around the tank and pressure lines. Check the air charge with a gauge. Make sure the pressure switch isn’t stuck or broken. If you’re stumped, call a hydraulic expert in Muskoka or York Region.
What could be causing my pressure pump to frequently kick on and off?
One likely culprit is a waterlogged tank that doesn’t have enough air cushion. Sometimes, a faulty or dirty pressure switch will make the pump cycle too fast. It’s also worth checking for leaks or pipe blockages that mess with pressure levels.
If you’re around Barrie or Newmarket and need a hand, Harris Plumbing has licensed journeymen who can sort out your pressure tank or pump. They know how to keep things running smoothly—especially when the seasons change.