Maybe the pressure tank doesn't have any/enough air - that will cause the pump to rapid cycle off and on. There should be a shrader valve on the top of the tank - if you depress the pin in the center of the valve air, not water should come out. Pressure should be 2 psi less than the cut in pressure. Not sure why it doesn't cycle when you use the irrigation system unless the pump runs constantly with the increased flow.

 

Yeah, the pump runs constantly when irrigation system is on, no cycling at all. I read maybe running another sprinkler, or to try just running an additional hose might work. Stumped.

 

Do you have a pressure tank in this system?

 

Yes. It’s a Wellxtrol 150/125 max psi tank. Pump is an A.O. Smith 3/4 hp.

 

Well, no pun intended, what is likely happening is that when you run the irrigation, the flow demand of the system is such that the pump never builds up enough pressure to hit the high pressure cut off on the pressure switch. If that makes sense. When you use a hose, the flow demand is much lower so the pump keeps cycling in between the high and low pressure cut offs. You could try raising the high pressure cut off on the pressure switch...this is pretty easy. Just make sure you turn the breaker off! Don't ask me how I know.

Or, when you need to use the hose, keep another hose running somewhere to increase demand or run an irrigation zone at the same time.
Or...you could get a variable drive system with a constant pressure pump controller. Those are the bee's knees, but spendy.
I've heard conflicting ideas from pump guys about cycle stop valves. Some think they are great, others say they are just as bad on the pump as the cycling. i don't know...

 

I don’t know why I didn’t think of this, but now that you have mentioned it, it seems obvious. I’ll just run a zone when using the sprinkler or hose. Thank you!!

 

Is your well for irrigation the same as your domestic supply? The variable speed pump is great idea if you ever need a replacement. I think you have sufficient flow when running your irrigation system, just not enough flow using hose and sprinkler. I never really like the idea of pumps cycling on and off constantly. I have no technical data to support that. It’s like the “start/stop” crap on the new vehicles. I have a feeling it’s hard on the starter and other systems in the car.
Run an extra hose or two if need be.

 

Short cycling is one of the worst things you can do to a pump. You'll burn a pump out quickly if you allow that.

Hayduke mentioned two good options. A third would be to install a larger pressure tank. This will extend the cycling intervals. Ideally you want two minutes or more between cycles, if I remember correctly.

 

Raise the high pressure switch, put a bigger expansion tank on.

 

You really should be able to run a basic garden hose and not have the pump cycle on and off a bunch. Small leaks or small volume of flow should trigger that type of thing but not running a garden hose.

 

You really should be able to run a basic garden hose and not have the pump cycle on and off a bunch. Small leaks or small volume of flow should trigger that type of thing but not running a garden hose.

Sorry but I disagree. A small leak would trigger a very slow cycling from high pressure cutoff to low pressure cutoff. A high gpm flow would not cycle the pump as it would prevent the pump from ever hitting the high pressure cut off. But a gpm and pressure right below the sweet spot on the pump curve of the pump in question could cycle the pump back and forth all day long.. Which sounds like what is happening. for the average 3/4 horse submersible you need to hit around 9 gpm demand to keep it from hitting the high pressure cutoff.. which most hose bib set ups will not do.

Somewhat of a generalization as it is dependent on the pump.

 

How big is the pressure tank? How many gpm pump ? Reasonable chance the pressure tank is small and the pump is trying to force more water through the skinny garden hose than it can easily flow, thus building pressure and allowing the pump to reach high pressure and cycle off.

 

Good to see ya back around @Crazy 4 grass ! Been awhile. We had some fun back in the good old Covidmania days....

 

This site was hopping back in the day. Lots of activity, lively discussion lol. Good too see you as well sir. Always appreciate what you have to say.

 

When I’ve designed irrigation systems on a well, I size each zone to equal the gpm output of the well at a good working pressure for the sprinklers. That prevents pump cycling.
Add up the flow rates of the sprinklers, considering nozzle sizes, to equal the pump output for one zone. Too many depletes the pressure, too few and the pump cycles.
The refill rate of the aquifer should have been considered upon sizing the pump when it was installed.