If your pump is cycling on and off every 30-60 seconds, the tank — not the pump — is almost always the problem. This is one of the most common (and most commonly misdiagnosed) well issues we see.
Your pressure tank stores water and air together, separated by a rubber bladder. That air cushion is what maintains consistent water pressure between pump cycles — without it, the pump would run every time you turned on a faucet. When the bladder ruptures, air and water mix, the tank can't hold pressure, and the pump kicks on constantly trying to compensate.
With the pump powered off and water drained from the tank, check the air valve (it looks like a tire valve) on top of the tank. Press it briefly: if air comes out, the tank is fine. If water comes out, the bladder has failed and the tank needs replacing — not repairing, since a ruptured bladder can't be patched.
Pressure tank replacement runs $300-800 depending on tank size and your household's water demand. This is a fraction of a full pump replacement, which is exactly why getting the diagnosis right matters — short cycling gets misdiagnosed as pump failure more than almost any other symptom.
This is short cycling, almost always caused by a ruptured pressure tank bladder. The tank needs replacing, not the pump.
Typically $300-800 depending on tank size — significantly less than a full pump replacement.
Yes — with the pump off, check the Schrader valve. Air means the tank's fine; water means the bladder has failed.
This is hard on your pump the longer it runs — worth calling soon rather than waiting.
Call (479) 555-0100