A well pump system with pressure gauge showing continuous operation
Problem

Well Pump Running
Constantly:
6 Causes & Fixes

Turn it off at the breaker right now. Then use this guide to find which of the six causes applies to your system.

WG

The Well Guide

Updated Mar 2026 · 13 min read

Quick answer:

If your well pump is running continuously right now, turn it off at the breaker. A residential submersible pump is designed for short cycles — typically 1 to 2 minutes on, then off. Running nonstop for more than 20 to 30 minutes generates heat faster than the motor can dissipate it. A pump running for hours can fail within days. Turn it off, fill a few containers for immediate use, then diagnose. The six causes of a pump that will not shut off are: a water leak somewhere in the system (by far the most common), a pressure switch stuck in the on position, a waterlogged pressure tank, a failed check valve, the well running dry, or a worn pump that cannot reach cut-off pressure. The fastest first test: close the shutoff valve between the pressure tank and the house. If the pump shuts off, the problem is a leak inside your house — check the toilets first. If it still runs, the problem is between the tank and the bottom of the well.

A well pump that runs all the time is not just an annoyance and not just a high electric bill. It is a mechanical system operating outside its design parameters, building heat faster than the water flowing past the motor can remove it, wearing bearings and seals at an accelerated rate, and heading toward a failure that will cost $400 to $2,500 to fix. The urgency here is real. The fastest path to protecting the pump is identifying which of the six causes applies to your system, because the fix is completely different for each one.

Diagnosis

Continuous vs Rapid Cycling: Two Different Problems

Before diagnosing, confirm which problem you actually have. They look similar from a distance but have different causes and different fixes.

Continuous running: The pump turns on and stays on indefinitely. You can hear it humming for 10, 20, 30 minutes or more without shutting off. The pressure gauge either climbs very slowly and never reaches cut-off, or reads at a low pressure and stays there. This is the subject of this article.

Rapid short cycling: The pump turns on for a few seconds, shuts off, turns on again within seconds or minutes, and repeats this cycle rapidly. You hear quick on-off cycles rather than sustained running. This almost always means the pressure tank bladder has failed. See well pump short cycling for that diagnosis.

Why the distinction matters: The most common treatment given for both problems is “check the pressure tank.” That advice is correct for short cycling. For continuous running, a waterlogged pressure tank is a possible cause but far from the only one, and often not the most likely one. Spending money on a new pressure tank when the real problem is a toilet flapper or a failed check valve wastes time and hundreds of dollars.

The pressure gauge is your first diagnostic tool. Watch it while the pump runs.

  • If pressure climbs steadily but never reaches cut-off (50 or 60 PSI): water is leaving the system faster than the pump can add it. This means a leak or a failed check valve. Go to Cause 1 and Cause 3.
  • If pressure climbs partway and stalls at a low reading (under 30 PSI): the pump cannot produce full output. This means pump wear, low water table, or air in the system. Go to Cause 5 and Cause 6.
  • If pressure stays at or near zero despite the pump running: severe pump failure, no water in the well, or a broken drop pipe. See the no water from well article.
  • If pressure is already at or above cut-off but the pump still runs: the pressure switch contacts are stuck closed. Go to Cause 2.
Overview

All Causes at a Glance

CauseWhat the Pressure Gauge ShowsKey SymptomDIY Fix?
Water leak in the systemClimbs slowly or stalls, never reaches cut-offPump runs even when all fixtures are offYes — check plumbing first
Stuck or failed pressure switchAlready at or above cut-off; pump still runsContacts welded closed or insect-blockedYes — $25 replacement
Waterlogged pressure tankRapid short cycling alongside continuous runWater from Schrader valve, tank feels fully solidNo — tank replacement
Failed check valvePressure drops within seconds of pump stoppingCycling resumes quickly after each shutdownNo — pull pump required
Well running dry or low yieldPressure stalls under 20 PSI, sputtering waterAir in water, pump cavitating soundPartial — turn off and wait
Worn pump or pump undersizedPressure climbs slowly, barely reaches cut-offProblem worse at peak demand timesNo — contractor required
Urgent

The Single Most Important Thing to Do Right Now

If your pump has been running continuously for more than 30 minutes and you do not yet know why: turn it off at the breaker.

Do not leave a continuously running pump operating while you research and diagnose at leisure. Residential submersible pumps are designed for intermittent duty. Most can sustain 20 to 30 minutes of continuous running before generating problematic heat. After that, motor windings begin to degrade. A pump that has been running for hours may still be running, but its service life has been shortened significantly.

Turn the pump off. Fill some containers with water for immediate household needs. Then work through the diagnosis below and turn the pump back on only for brief periods to test your findings.

The exception: if you suspect the well is running dry, turn the pump off and leave it off for 1 to 2 hours before testing. See Cause 5.

Cause 1

A Water Leak Somewhere in the System

This is the most common cause of a pump that runs continuously.

A pump shuts off when system pressure reaches the cut-off setpoint (50 or 60 PSI). Any leak — anywhere from the pressure tank to the faucets — bleeds pressure from the system faster than the pump can build it. The pressure never reaches cut-off, so the pump never shuts off.

The maddening thing about leak-caused continuous running is that the leak does not have to be dramatic. A toilet flapper leaking a few ounces per minute is enough to keep a pump running. A slow drip from a garden hose connection, a reverse osmosis system in regeneration mode, or a backwashing iron filter in its flush cycle can all produce the same result.

The Leak Isolation Test

This is the most valuable diagnostic test for a continuously running pump and it costs nothing.

Step 1: Close the shutoff valve between the pressure tank and the house supply. This valve is typically located just after the pressure tank on the supply side. Turn it clockwise until it stops. You have now isolated the well system (pump, tank, and underground supply line) from the house plumbing.

Step 2: With the pump on, let it build pressure until it shuts off. If it shuts off, the leak is inside the house. Open the valve, check every fixture, listen for running toilets, check the water softener, check the reverse osmosis system.

Step 3: If the pump still runs continuously even with the house supply valve closed, the leak is between the pressure tank and the bottom of the well. This means a failed check valve, a leaking drop pipe, or a compromised pitless adapter fitting.

Where Indoor Leaks Hide

Running toilets are the single most common cause. A toilet flapper that does not seal completely allows water to constantly drain from the tank to the bowl. You can hear this as a faint hissing from inside the toilet tank. The dye test confirms it: add food coloring to the toilet tank (not the bowl). If color appears in the bowl within 15 minutes without flushing, the flapper is leaking. New toilet flapper: $5 to $15, five-minute replacement.

Faucet drips. A single slowly dripping faucet may not trigger the pump visibly, but multiple slow drips across the house add up.

Garden hoses left connected and dripping. An outdoor hose bib with a slow leak is often overlooked because it is out of sight.

Water treatment equipment. Reverse osmosis systems require a small continuous flow during the purification process. Iron filters and water softeners go through backwash cycles that use significant water. If the pump runs during the night when no one is using water, a water treatment system on an automated cycle is a strong suspect.

Irrigation systems. A stuck-open irrigation zone valve leaks continuously even when the controller is not calling for water.

Where Underground Leaks Hide

If the leak isolation test above confirms the leak is outside the house, the possible locations are limited. The underground supply line running from the well to the house is the most common location for external leaks. Wet or unusually green grass along the path between the wellhead and the house entry point is the best surface indicator of an underground pipe leak.

A leak in the underground supply line typically causes a slower pressure drop than a failed check valve. The pump may run for 5 to 15 minutes before cycling again rather than every few seconds.

DIY fix for indoor leaks: Fix running toilets and dripping fixtures yourself. These are straightforward and inexpensive.

Professional help needed for: Underground supply line leaks. Locating and accessing a buried pipe requires excavation. A well contractor or plumber with leak detection equipment should handle this.

Cause 2

Stuck or Failed Pressure Switch

This is the only cause where the pump runs even though system pressure is already at or above the cut-off setpoint.

The pressure switch is supposed to open its electrical contacts when pressure reaches cut-off (50 or 60 PSI) and stop the pump. When the contacts fail in the closed (on) position, the pump runs regardless of pressure. You will see the pressure gauge reading normal or even elevated pressure, but the pump keeps running.

How contact failure happens: The electrical contacts inside the pressure switch pit and corrode from years of making and breaking the circuit. Eventually they can weld together in the closed position from electrical arcing. A switch that has been in service for 5 to 10 years is a reasonable suspect. Ants are the other common cause — they colonize the warm interior of the switch and can bridge the contacts, holding them closed mechanically.

How to confirm a stuck switch: Turn off the pump at the breaker. Open the pressure switch cover (one nut on top). With a non-contact voltage tester confirming power is dead, look at the contacts. If they are visibly burned, melted, or stuck together, the switch has failed. Also look for insects.

A simple functional test with power on and proper caution: watch the pressure gauge as the pump runs. If pressure reaches or exceeds the cut-off setting (50 or 60 PSI on most systems) but the pump does not shut off, the switch contacts are not opening. Verify the gauge is accurate by comparison to a second gauge if you have one.

Fix: Replace the pressure switch. A new switch costs $20 to $50 and takes 30 minutes to install. Turn off power completely. Label the wires before disconnecting. Use pipe dope or thread tape on the sensing tube threads. Reconnect wires to matching terminals. After replacement, verify the pressure tank air pre-charge is 2 PSI below the new switch's cut-in setting.

Cause 3

Waterlogged Pressure Tank

A waterlogged tank contributes to continuous running by reducing or eliminating the system's pressure storage capacity.

A properly functioning pressure tank stores water under compressed air pressure. This stored pressure is what allows the pump to shut off — the compressed air continues supplying the house while the pump is off, maintaining pressure above the cut-in setpoint until demand draws it down to cut-in.

When the rubber bladder inside the tank tears or leaks, water fills the air side of the tank. There is no longer any compressed air cushion. The tank now holds only water with no storage capacity. Every time a tiny amount of water is used, pressure drops instantly to cut-in, the pump starts, builds pressure to cut-off, shuts off, and the cycle repeats in seconds. In severe waterlogging, the pressure storage is so minimal that the pump cannot maintain cut-off pressure at all and runs continuously.

How to test the tank: With the pump off, press the Schrader valve (tire valve stem) on top of the tank. Air should come out under pressure. If water sprays out, the bladder has failed.

You can also tap the tank from top to bottom with your knuckle while it is charged. A properly functioning tank sounds hollow at the top (air) and more solid toward the bottom (water). A waterlogged tank sounds uniformly solid all the way to the top.

Fix: Replace the pressure tank. Bladders cannot be repaired. A new tank costs $150 to $400. Installation is a half-day plumbing job typically costing $200 to $500 for labor. Total replacement runs $350 to $900 installed. After replacement, the pre-charge must be set to 2 PSI below the cut-in pressure before filling.

Cause 4

Failed Check Valve

A failed check valve is a specific leak path that most homeowners miss in the leak diagnosis above because the water goes back into the well rather than anywhere visible.

The check valve is a one-way valve located just above the submersible pump in the drop pipe. Its job is to keep the water column in the drop pipe pressurized when the pump shuts off, preventing it from draining back into the well. When the check valve fails (the valve seat wears, debris holds it open, or it corrodes), water drains back into the well every time the pump shuts off. Pressure in the system drops, the pressure switch senses cut-in, the pump starts, refills the drop pipe from scratch, builds to cut-off, shuts off, and the water drains again. The cycle can repeat every 1 to 5 minutes indefinitely.

The diagnostic test: After the pump shuts off, watch the pressure gauge for 60 to 90 seconds. If pressure drops from 50 or 60 PSI to the cut-in range within 30 to 60 seconds without any house water being used, and the leak isolation test confirmed no leaks inside the house or in the underground supply line, the check valve is the most likely cause. A system with a healthy check valve holds pressure for hours without the pump running.

The sound clue: After the pump shuts off, listen at the wellhead. With a failed check valve you can sometimes hear water draining back down the casing — a faint rushing or gurgling sound in the first few seconds after the pump stops. This is diagnostic.

Fix: Replacing the check valve requires pulling the submersible pump from the well. This is not a DIY repair for most homeowners. A well contractor pulls the pump, replaces the check valve (and typically inspects the drop pipe and wiring while it is out), and reinstalls. Cost: $300 to $600 for a service call that includes the check valve replacement if no other issues are found.

Cause 5

Well Running Dry or Low Yield

When the water table drops below the pump intake, the pump draws a mix of water and air, then pure air, and pressure cannot build to cut-off.

This is a seasonal cause in most of the country. Late summer and early fall are when water tables reach their annual low. Wells in unconfined, water-table aquifers are most vulnerable. Shallow wells and wells that have been in heavy use are the first to show yield problems.

Signs That Distinguish a Yield Problem from a Leak

  • The pump runs but you also have sputtering or air in the water. When the water table drops to near the pump intake, the pump draws a mix of water and air before the water is entirely gone. Sputtering faucets — intermittent flow with air bubbles — are the signature of declining water level, not of a leak.
  • The problem is worse or exclusive to summer and early fall. Seasonal patterns point to aquifer drawdown.
  • The problem appeared or worsened after sustained heavy use — filling a pool, extended irrigation, or a period of high household demand.
  • Neighbors with wells in the same area report the same problem simultaneously.

What to Do

If you suspect the well is running dry, turn the pump off immediately. Running a submersible pump dry destroys it within minutes. The motor is water-cooled. Without water flowing past the housing, heat builds catastrophically fast.

Let the well rest for 1 to 2 hours, then restore power briefly and try a fixture. If water returns even weakly, the aquifer is temporarily depleted and recovering. Use water sparingly for the rest of the day and reassess.

If the pump has been running with no water delivery (gauge at zero, pump running), it may have already suffered damage from dry-run overheating. Have a contractor assess pump output before assuming it is undamaged.

Long-term solutions for a yield-limited well: Lower the pump depth, hydrofracture the existing borehole, deepen the well, or drill a new well. See well pump replacement cost for cost guidance on each option.

Cause 6

Worn Pump or Undersized Pump

A pump whose impellers are worn from years of sediment exposure cannot generate enough pressure to reach cut-off.

Impellers are the spinning discs that generate the pump's pressure output. Sand, sediment, and mineral deposits gradually wear the impellers and reduce the pump's output capacity. A pump that originally reached 60 PSI cut-off easily may, after years of service, only be able to reach 45 to 50 PSI under load. If demand draws the pressure down even slightly, the worn pump cannot build it back to cut-off and runs continuously.

Signs of Pump Wear Rather Than Other Causes

  • The problem has developed gradually over months or years rather than appearing suddenly. Sudden continuous running points to a switch, leak, or check valve. Gradual continuous running at peak demand points to pump wear.
  • The pump shuts off fine when no water is being used but runs continuously when multiple fixtures are open. This is the wear pattern: the pump can meet zero-demand output (shut-off pressure) but cannot maintain cut-off pressure under real load.
  • The pump is more than 10 to 12 years old and in service with water that has elevated iron, sand, or sediment content.

Confirming pump wear requires a contractor. An amp draw test (measuring whether the motor is drawing current within its nameplate rating) and a flow test (measuring actual gallons per minute output against the pump's specifications) determine whether the pump is performing to spec. A pump drawing less than rated GPM against normal head pressure is worn.

Fix: Pump replacement. This is a contractor job requiring pulling the pump from the well. Average cost: $800 to $2,500 depending on well depth and pump size. A pump showing wear is almost always replaced rather than repaired because the cost of refurbishment approaches the cost of a new pump.

Diagnosis

The Listening Test: What Your System Sounds Like

The sounds your system makes when the pump shuts off are often more diagnostic than anything else. Here is what to listen for in the 30 to 60 seconds after the pump stops:

Silence followed by sustained pressure: The system is healthy. Pressure holds, no water moving, pump stays off. No problem here.

Quick click-click-click from the pressure switch, pump restarts within seconds: Waterlogged pressure tank. The switch is cycling on and off because there is no stored pressure. Replace the tank.

Faint rushing or gurgling from the wellhead area: Check valve failure. Water is draining back into the well casing. Pressure will drop to cut-in within seconds to a minute.

Sustained pressure followed by gradual drop over 5 to 15 minutes with nothing running: Slow leak somewhere in the system. Could be underground supply line, plumbing fixture, or water treatment equipment.

Pressure holds fine with the house supply valve closed but drops when opened: The leak is inside the house. Check toilets first.

Grinding or rattling during pump operation: Pump cavitation (drawing air due to low water table) or worn bearings. Turn the pump off immediately. Cavitation destroys impellers rapidly.

Reference

The Pressure Drop Rate Diagnostic Table

Use this to interpret what you observe on the pressure gauge after the pump shuts off with all fixtures closed and house supply valve open:

Pressure Drop Rate After Pump StopsMost Likely CauseSecond Suspect
Drops to cut-in within 5 to 15 secondsFailed check valveCracked drop pipe or pitless adapter fitting
Drops to cut-in within 1 to 5 minutesSupply line leak (underground)Multiple small indoor leaks
Drops to cut-in within 5 to 30 minutesSlow indoor leakWater treatment equipment cycling
Pressure holds for hours with no water useSystem is healthy — look at pressure switchNone
Pressure never reaches cut-off even with pump runningWorn pump, low yield, or severe leakPump undersized for current demand

How to use this table: After the pump shuts off at cut-out pressure, close all fixtures, do nothing, and watch the gauge for 30 to 60 minutes. Note how quickly pressure drops. Match what you observe to the table above. If you are not sure whether the pressure is dropping from inside the house or outside, perform the leak isolation test first: close the house supply valve and repeat the observation.

Action

DIY vs. Hire: What You Can Do Yourself

TaskDIY or HireNotes
Toilet flapper and fixture leak repairsDIY$5 to $30, 15 minutes
Pressure switch replacementDIYPower must be fully off; 230V circuit
Schrader valve bladder test on pressure tankDIYTakes 2 minutes
Pressure tank replacementHire recommendedPlumbing work; tank handling
Leak isolation test (house valve shutoff)DIYRequires locating house supply valve
Underground supply line leak locationHireExcavation and leak detection equipment
Check valve replacementHire alwaysRequires pulling the submersible pump
Pump output testingHireRequires amp clamp and GPM measurement
Pump replacementHire alwaysRequires pump pulling equipment
Cost

How Much Continuous Running Costs

Beyond motor damage, a continuously running pump has an immediate financial cost that homeowners often notice before they identify the problem.

A typical 1 HP submersible pump draws approximately 750 watts while running. At the US national average electricity rate of about $0.16 per kWh, a pump running continuously for 24 hours costs approximately $2.88 per day in electricity alone, versus a healthy pump cycling for 30 to 60 minutes total per day costing $0.12 to $0.24.

A pump running nonstop for a week adds $20 to the electric bill. A month adds $80 to $90. This is on top of the water being lost if the cause is a leak.

More important than the electricity cost is the motor wear. Submersible pump motors are designed for intermittent duty. Continuous operation at elevated temperature accelerates bearing wear and insulation degradation. A pump that normally lasts 15 years may fail in months if it runs continuously for extended periods. The EPA's private wells guidance at epa.gov/privatewells recommends annual professional inspections partly because problems like excessive pump cycling and continuous running are early warning signs that most homeowners miss until a complete failure occurs.

Warning

Signs Your Pump Motor Has Already Been Damaged

If your pump has been running continuously for hours or days before you discovered the problem, the motor may already have suffered heat damage even if it is still running. A pump that has been overheated often continues to operate for days to weeks before the accumulated insulation damage causes complete failure. These signs suggest motor damage has occurred:

  • The pump motor or wiring at the control box feels noticeably hot to the touch even an hour after being shut off. Normal pump components in the utility room run warm but not uncomfortably hot.
  • The breaker trips during normal operation after a period of continuous running. Damaged motor windings draw higher-than-rated current, which trips the overcurrent protection.
  • Water pressure is lower than before the continuous running event, even after the cause has been fixed. Worn impellers from overheating deliver less pressure than new ones.
  • A burning smell from the control box or pressure switch area. Insulation breakdown produces a characteristic electrical burning odor.

If any of these signs are present, have a contractor test the pump's amp draw before resuming normal use. A pump drawing more amps than its nameplate rating has motor damage. Operating a damaged motor until it fails completely typically results in more expensive repairs than catching and addressing the damage early.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my well pump running constantly?

A well pump runs continuously because it cannot reach the cut-off pressure that signals it to stop. Six causes prevent this: a water leak in the system (most common), a pressure switch stuck in the on position, a waterlogged pressure tank with a failed bladder, a failed check valve letting water drain back into the well, the well running dry so the pump cannot move water, or a worn pump that can no longer produce full pressure output. Start with the leak check — turn off the house supply valve and see if the pump shuts off. If it does, the leak is inside the house. If it does not, the problem is between the tank and the bottom of the well.

Is it bad for a well pump to run constantly?

Yes. Continuous operation is a serious problem. Submersible pump motors rely on water flowing past the motor housing for cooling. During normal cycling, the pump runs briefly then rests, allowing heat to dissipate. Continuous operation generates heat faster than the cooling mechanism can remove it. Most residential pumps are designed to run in cycles, not continuously. Running for more than 20 to 30 minutes generates concerning heat. Running for hours causes significant motor degradation. A pump that runs continuously can fail within days to weeks if the cause is not resolved. Turn the pump off between uses while you diagnose.

How do I stop my well pump from running constantly?

First, turn the pump off at the breaker to protect it. Then identify the cause using the leak isolation test: close the shutoff valve between the pressure tank and the house, let the pump run briefly. If it shuts off with the house isolated, fix the indoor leak (running toilet is most likely). If it still runs, the problem is between the tank and the well. Check the pressure switch contacts for burning or insect damage. Check the pressure tank Schrader valve — water coming out means bladder failure. If both are fine, you likely have a check valve failure or supply line leak requiring a contractor.

Can a leaking toilet cause a well pump to run constantly?

Yes, absolutely. A toilet flapper that does not seal properly allows water to continuously trickle from the tank to the bowl. This constant small water loss bleeds pressure from the system, triggering the pump to restart every few minutes or run continuously to compensate. A toilet leaking at even a slow rate of a few ounces per minute is enough to keep a residential well pump running far more than it should. Test by adding food coloring to the toilet tank — if color appears in the bowl without flushing, the flapper is leaking. Toilet flapper replacement costs $5 to $15 and takes five minutes.

How long can a well pump run before it gets damaged?

Most residential submersible pumps can sustain 20 to 30 minutes of continuous operation without immediate damage, though this is above their design duty cycle. Running beyond an hour generates heat that accelerates motor wear and insulation degradation. A pump running continuously for hours is at serious risk of failure. If motor insulation fails from overheating, the pump will likely burn out within hours to days of sustained continuous operation. If you discover your pump has been running continuously for an extended period, turn it off and have a contractor evaluate pump condition before resuming normal use.

What does it mean when a well pump runs every few minutes?

A pump that cycles every few minutes (rather than running continuously) is most likely experiencing pressure tank bladder failure. When the bladder tears, the tank loses its air cushion and cannot store pressure. Every small amount of water used drops pressure instantly to cut-in, starting the pump. This rapid cycling is called short cycling and it destroys pump motors through repeated start-up stress just as effectively as continuous running. The Schrader valve test confirms it: press the valve on top of the pressure tank with the pump off. Water coming out means the bladder has failed and the tank needs replacement.

Why does my well pump run when no water is being used?

A pump that runs when all fixtures are off means water is leaving the system through a leak or backflow. The most common causes are a running toilet (check the toilet tank for hissing), a leaking outdoor hose bib, a failed check valve allowing water to drain back into the well, a cracked underground supply line, or water treatment equipment (softener, iron filter, reverse osmosis) in an active treatment cycle. The leak isolation test confirms whether the loss is inside the house or outside: close the house supply valve, see if the pump shuts off.

Glossary

Glossary

Cut-Off Pressure (Cut-Out Pressure)

The pressure setpoint at which the pressure switch opens its contacts and shuts the pump off. Standard residential settings are 50 PSI (for 30/50 systems) or 60 PSI (for 40/60 systems). When any problem prevents the system from reaching this pressure, the pump runs continuously.

Pressure Switch Contacts

The electrical contacts inside the pressure switch that physically close to start the pump and open to stop it. When contacts corrode, pit, or weld together from electrical arcing, the pump may fail to start (open-failure) or fail to stop (closed-failure). Closed-contact failure causes continuous running even when pressure is adequate.

Check Valve

The one-way valve above the submersible pump that prevents pressurized water from draining back into the well when the pump shuts off. A properly functioning check valve holds system pressure for hours after the pump stops. A failed check valve causes rapid pressure loss after each pump cycle.

Waterlogged

A condition in which the pressure tank's rubber bladder has failed, allowing water to occupy the entire tank volume with no air cushion. A waterlogged tank cannot store pressurized water and causes either rapid short cycling or continuous running.

Duty Cycle

The operational pattern a pump motor is designed for, specifying how long it can run versus rest. Residential submersible pumps are designed for intermittent duty — short run cycles followed by rest periods. Continuous operation exceeds the design duty cycle, generates excess heat, and accelerates failure.

Impeller Wear

Gradual erosion of the rotating discs inside the pump that generate pressure. Sand, sediment, and mineral-laden water abrade impeller surfaces over years of service, reducing the pump's maximum pressure output. A pump with worn impellers may not be able to reach cut-off pressure under load, causing continuous running.

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