Why won't my well pump shut off when it reaches pressure?
When a well pump fails to shut off after reaching target pressure, trying to adjust the pressure switch usually doesn't fix the problem. The underlying cause is often a faulty check valve or a small suction line leak pulling air into the system. This prevents the system from stabilizing, leaving the pump running continuously.
What the numbers show
Counted from the threads quoted below. How we count
- People have been saying this in most months since September 2026.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
Found another way around this?
Share your steps and trade-offs so fellow engineers don't have to reinvent the wheel. No account required.
- 1Trying to adjust the pressure switchDid this help you?
- 2Isolating the system from the house by closing the valve past the tankDid this help you?
- 3Checking or replacing check valvesDid this help you?
- 4Fixing leaks on the suction lineDid this help you?
- 5Checking the air pressure on the pressure tank using a tire pressure gauge on the Schrader valveDid this help you?
- 6Replacing the pressure tankDid this help you?
- 7Checking for a bad check valve or water leakDid this help you?
- 8Replacing the well controller with a new one.Did this help you?
- 9Testing the voltage and inspecting the pressure switch.Did this help you?
- 10Calling a professional for help.Did this help you?
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“I have some experience with pressure tanks in my home but I've never encountered this.”source ↗
“Someone allegedly came to "fix the plumbing this week" and while they did get water back in the the bathroom I 100% confident we're going to burn out the pump if I leave it like this.”source ↗
“When I had a guy come to install a water softener, he said that my pressure tank was probably done since it was clicking the pump on and off a lot like this.”source ↗
“Had this happen on a new install. The check valve was the issue. Also had a small leak on the suction line sucking air into the system which led to issues.”source ↗
“The pump will get to 50 psi but won't shut off. Trying to adjust the switch results in this.”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 2Why does my sump pump run every few minutes after rain?
- 9Why does my car A/C compressor keep turning on and off?
- 6Why does my condensate pump keep running continuously?
- 6Why does the gas pump keep clicking off when my tank isn't full?
- 6Why does my HVAC condensate pump sound like a jet engine?
- 5Loud slamming noise when watering system turns on