Why does my 1/6 HP submersible pump keep operating in a pulsating "on and off" cycle?

It runs for a few seconds, then stops operating and then runs again. This cycle continues in a three second cycle.

Is it repairable? Should I replace it?

Thanks for your help.

Vince Kelty

1. Does your pump do this all the time, or only when water is being used?

2. If it is only when water is being used, as is probable, then you should check your pressure tank. It is likely waterlogged, meaning it has very little, or even no, air above the water. You should have a pressure valve towards the top of the tank. Press it for a few second and see if water comes out. Get back with your results.

How high is the lift? How big is the pipe? Does it have a check valve? Could be that the pump pumps the water up the pipe, shuts off. The water flows back down the pipe and raises the float and the cycle starts over again.

Is this a sump pump?

What float are you referring to?

Guess I'm reading this as a sump or utility pump. Not as a well pump. OP said 1/6 HP.

You might very well be right about that. It hadn't occurred to me. The 1/6 HP did seem awfully small.

Yeah! I picked up on the low horsepower myself. This could be a sump or portable lift pump. I don't think he's talking about a submersible house pump.
How about it Vince! Care to let us in on what type of pump you have? Regards, tom

It has always struck me as strange that people on this site will post a question, then all of us get into a discussion about it, but the person never responds.

Oh well. I do enjoy reading the comments of others.