Pump/pressure tank detective needed
 

Hey guys,

My dad and I have a perplexing water problem that we can't reason out.
Hoping there's some detective out there...

We have a shallow well and a jet pump, about 20m head to the house, a
pressure tank and pressure switch in the house. System had been
working great for 15+ years (same pump and tank too!), pressure switch
is set from 30-45psi.

Here's the problem: Starting with a full pressure tank, we turn on
some taps, water flows at a good pressure, the pressure gauge needle
falls slowly as is expected. When the water pressure gets down to 30,
the pressure switch makes an audible click but then instead of water
rushing in and pressure going back up, the pressure falls fast to
about 10psi and continues to trickle out the taps for hours. The
pressure does not go up until we turn off all the taps. Once this is
done, the pressure goes up fast again to 45psi and the cycle repeats.

??

The pump seems strong since it can pressure up fast to 45. The
pressure switch (which we replaced brand new with no effect) is
clicking at the right times.

Why would pressure fall fast at 30psi after the switch clicks? Why
would the pump only start back up when all the taps are closed?

Any suggestions would very appreciated!!
Thanks

Pump/pressure tank detective needed
 

On May 4, 11:16*pm, Noland wrote:
Hey guys,

My dad and I have a perplexing water problem that we can't reason out.
Hoping there's some detective out there...

We have a shallow well and a jet pump, about 20m head to the house, a
pressure tank and pressure switch in the house. System had been
working great for 15+ years (same pump and tank too!), pressure switch
is set from 30-45psi.

Here's the problem: Starting with a full pressure tank, we turn on
some taps, water flows at a good pressure, the pressure gauge needle
falls slowly as is expected. When the water pressure gets down to 30,
the pressure switch makes an audible click but then instead of water
rushing in and pressure going back up, the pressure falls fast to
about 10psi and continues to trickle out the taps for hours. The
pressure does not go up until we turn off all the taps. Once this is
done, the pressure goes up fast again to 45psi and the cycle repeats.

??

The pump seems strong since it can pressure up fast to 45. The
pressure switch (which we replaced brand new with no effect) is
clicking at the right times.

Why would pressure fall fast at 30psi after the switch clicks?

The pressure drops fast when the tank is close to empty. So, if
the cut-in is set so that it occurs when the tank has almost no
water left and the pump doesn't start instantly, you would see
that.


Why
would the pump only start back up when all the taps are closed?

That makes no sense, unless there is something more than an
ordinary cut-in/out pressure switch on the system. Have you
traced the wires, checked voltages with switch opened and
after it clicks?






Any suggestions would very appreciated!!
Thanks

Pump/pressure tank detective needed
 

On 5/4/2011 11:16 PM, Noland wrote:
Hey guys,

My dad and I have a perplexing water problem that we can't reason out.
Hoping there's some detective out there...

We have a shallow well and a jet pump, about 20m head to the house, a
pressure tank and pressure switch in the house. System had been
working great for 15+ years (same pump and tank too!), pressure switch
is set from 30-45psi.

Here's the problem: Starting with a full pressure tank, we turn on
some taps, water flows at a good pressure, the pressure gauge needle
falls slowly as is expected. When the water pressure gets down to 30,
the pressure switch makes an audible click but then instead of water
rushing in and pressure going back up, the pressure falls fast to
about 10psi and continues to trickle out the taps for hours. The
pressure does not go up until we turn off all the taps. Once this is
done, the pressure goes up fast again to 45psi and the cycle repeats.

??

The pump seems strong since it can pressure up fast to 45. The
pressure switch (which we replaced brand new with no effect) is
clicking at the right times.

Why would pressure fall fast at 30psi after the switch clicks? Why
would the pump only start back up when all the taps are closed?

Any suggestions would very appreciated!!
Thanks

Don't have a jet pump but have deep submersible. Had pump go a couple
of times and when failing would overheat and not come back on until
cooled. Last time, I was getting good pressure but if I used a lot of
water, like in washing clothes, it would cut out. Plumber diagnosed by
checking amperage used and it was double what it should be.

Also, have you been maintaining pressure in tank. If too low, it will
cycle a lot which is not good for pump.

Pump/pressure tank detective needed
 

Noland wrote:
Hey guys,

My dad and I have a perplexing water problem that we can't reason out.
Hoping there's some detective out there...

We have a shallow well and a jet pump, about 20m head to the house, a
pressure tank and pressure switch in the house. System had been
working great for 15+ years (same pump and tank too!), pressure switch
is set from 30-45psi.

Here's the problem: Starting with a full pressure tank, we turn on
some taps, water flows at a good pressure, the pressure gauge needle
falls slowly as is expected. When the water pressure gets down to 30,
the pressure switch makes an audible click but then instead of water
rushing in and pressure going back up, the pressure falls fast to
about 10psi and continues to trickle out the taps for hours. The
pressure does not go up until we turn off all the taps. Once this is
done, the pressure goes up fast again to 45psi and the cycle repeats.

??

The pump seems strong since it can pressure up fast to 45. The
pressure switch (which we replaced brand new with no effect) is
clicking at the right times.

Why would pressure fall fast at 30psi after the switch clicks? Why
would the pump only start back up when all the taps are closed?

Any suggestions would very appreciated!!
Thanks

When is the pump actually running/not running during this cycle? Is this an
above ground pump with an underground jet?

My best first guess would be you have a leaking foot valve, and a leaky bladder
in your tank that is letting air get into the pump, causing an air lock.