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    sonofhoyt's Avatar
    sonofhoyt Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Jul 15, 2011, 11:27 AM
    What should I do with a water pressure surge from well water?
    My water is surging, toilet running, faucets, sprinkler, etc. Any water source. I don't have a holding tank. The line goes from well, to water softener tank, to the house.
    Any idea what may be causing this?
    Thanks.
    jlisenbe's Avatar
    jlisenbe Posts: 5,019, Reputation: 157
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    #2

    Jul 15, 2011, 12:06 PM

    I think you are missing something. There is bound to be a pressure tank somewhere. If not, then how does your pump "know" when to cut on or off?

    Is your pump in the well or above ground?
    sonofhoyt's Avatar
    sonofhoyt Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Jul 15, 2011, 12:41 PM

    Not sure. I have a fake rock covering it. Under the fake rock is a spigot valve and a 6" pipe running down to the ground. The former owner told me the well was 200' deep. As far as a holding tank, in the crawl space I have a tank (about 15 gal) that I assumed was the water sofner. Then that goes to what looks like a water heater. Perhaps that is the holding tank?
    sonofhoyt's Avatar
    sonofhoyt Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #4

    Jul 15, 2011, 12:41 PM
    Comment on jlisenbe's post
    Not sure. I have a fake rock covering it. Under the fake rock is a spigot valve and a 6" pipe running down to the ground. The former owner told me the well was 200' deep. As far as a holding tank, in the crawl space I have a tank (about 15 gal) that I assumed was the water sofner. Then that goes to what looks like a water heater. Perhaps that is the holding tank?
    jlisenbe's Avatar
    jlisenbe Posts: 5,019, Reputation: 157
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    #5

    Jul 15, 2011, 07:28 PM

    What you are calling a holding tank is more correctly a pressure tank. These tanks must have a cushion of air at the top of the tank. As water is pumped into the tank, the air is compressed. That is where your system pressure comes from. Most of these tanks have a flexible membrane in the tank to separate the air from the water. If the membrane (bladder) ruptures, then the air begins to dissolve, over a period of weeks, into the water. Once most of the air is gone, that is what is called "waterlogged". This will cause the pressure to go up and down rapidly, which sounds like your deal. Your tank probably has an air valve, like on a car tire, towards the top. Press the inner stem of the valve for several seconds. If water comes out, then you know the tank is shot and needs to be replaced.

    If that is the case, then you can buy a little time by turning off the system, draining off the pressure through a faucet, and using an air compressor to put 25# or so of air pressure into the tank. Do replace the tank quickly. The rapid turning off/on of the pump will burn a pump out if you're not careful.

    I think you will find this site helpful: http://inspectapedia.com/water/Water...s.htm#Bladders

    If you do have to replace the tank, then consider one larger than 15 gallons. A larger tank will be better for your pump.

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