[rkleemann]

My well water pump recently started cycling way more often than it should. I can't even flush a toilet without the pump turning on. When it does turn on there is a sudden and brief interruption in water flow and a slight drain on electricity(lights dim for an instant). Switch cuts in at about 30 and when it does the needle drops to 0 for a split second then climbs and cuts out at about 58. When showering pressure fluctuates slightly and I get brief periods of very hot water, then pressure builds back up and temperature evens out again. Wondering where to start. Pressure tank? Well pump? Any help would be appreciated.

[jlisenbe]

Sounds like a waterlogged tank.

1. Does the pump only cycle when water is being used or does it do this even when water is not being drawn? If it is only when water is used, then look at the tank.

2. Does the pressure climb from 30 to 58 fairly quickly, as in just a few seconds? I'm guessing it does.

2. If you have an air valve at the top of the tank, push it down (like a car tire valve) for a few seconds. If water comes out, then you have a bladder tank with a ruptured bladder. You can add air at the valve until the tank is about half full of air as a short-term fix, (drain water as you add air so as to not spike the tank pressure too high). Still, you will want a new tank eventually.

3. If you don't have an air valve at the top, or even if you do, you can use a hammer to gently "tap up" the tank from bottom to top. When you hear a tone change, you have found the top of the water level. Should be about halfway up. Here's betting yours is towards the top.

4. The lights dimming is kind of strange. Check for the waterlogged condition and check back.