2 answers
★ Best answer
Most often it means the system is losing water pressure. Usually the culprit is the pressure tank (hydro-accumulator) - either it's sprung a leak or the air pressure inside has dropped. When the air cushion in the tank deflates, the pump kicks in at the slightest water use, even if you just cracked open a tap for a second. It's easy to check: tap the tank lightly, if it sounds hollow, that's your problem.
The second common culprit is a leak somewhere in the system or in the shut-off valves. Even a microscopic leak in the check valve or the tap under the sink makes the pump work like crazy. Go around all the visible connections, see if there are any drops, check the supply lines to the faucet and toilet 🚰
If the tank and visible leaks are all fine, it could be an issue with the pressure sensor (pressure switch) - it might malfunction and constantly tell the pump to turn on. That's worth having a specialist check, or at least call your building management if it's a common house pump.
The problem might not necessarily be with the pressure tank, though it's definitely a common culprit. But before you replace the tank, check the obvious stuff - there could be a leak somewhere in your water supply system. Even a microscopic crack in a pipe or a bad connection on the fittings will cause the pressure to drop, the pump kicks in, pressure builds back up, and the cycle repeats.
Try filling the system and listening carefully. If you hear a characteristic hissing or see moisture somewhere under the floor or in an adjacent room - that's your answer. If it's sealed in the wall or under tiles, yeah, you have to hunt for it by elimination: shut off sections and see if the pump stops cycling so much.
If there are no leaks, then yeah, deal with the membrane tank. You can repair it by pumping air in through the valve (like you would with a car tire), or replace it altogether - depends on the membrane's condition. It's cheaper and easier than hunting for hidden leaks.
Your answer
Log into answer.