A waterlogged pressure tank can cycle your submersible pump dozens of times per hour — each 2-second startup pulls up to 400% more amps than steady run.
Well System Profile
Listen at the pressure switch — count complete on/off cycles over 10 minutes.
Daily draw: 300 gal at 75 gal/person.
Dual Results Panel
1) Monthly electricity cash waste
Extra startup surges vs a healthy 2–5 cycles/hr tank.
2) Pump failure risk meter
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Baseline: $2,500 submersible pump · 15 yr life with proper tank pre-charge.
Practical tips & common mistakes
Check tank pre-charge with water off
Measure bladder air pressure with pump power off and tank drained to system pressure — usually 2 psi below cut-in on the switch.
Replacing the pump first
A new pump on a waterlogged tank will short-cycle again in weeks. Tank or bladder replacement is often the real fix.
Count cycles scientifically
Listen for 10 minutes: cycles × 6 = rough hourly rate. Normal is 2–5/hr when no tap is open.
LRA vs running amps
This tool isolates startup surge waste — steady-state pumping cost is separate on your utility bill.