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nancyld · May 10, 2009, 04:58 PM

I have a 260 foot deep well with a 5 hsp submersible pump and a 5 inch main. I only use the well for the house and to fill a stock tank. I currently have a small water tank (35-40 gal) and a 20-40 psi pressure switch. I am getting ready to change it out to a 30-50psi since the points are shot anyway.
I want more pressure and consistency in the pressure. My neighbors say I need to install two larger tanks that are hooked together and that would do it.
Does this sound right?
Thanks for you help.

hkstroud · May 10, 2009, 06:18 PM

The size of the tank has nothing to do with the pressure. The pump pressure switch determines the pressure. Apparently you have yours set to a maximum of 40 lbs. They are adjustable. More common settings are 30-50 or 40-60. What makes you think your present switch points are shot?

A larger tank will give you more volume of water before your pump kicks in. After that your volume and pressure will be what ever your pump can produce. A 5hp pump should give you plenty of volume and pressure. If you are going for a larger tank, go for a large tank. Having two tanks could give you unnecessary control problems.

A 5" main, I doubt. A 5" well casing, yes.

speedball1 · May 11, 2009, 06:07 AM

I agree with Harold.
If you want more volume increase the size of your pressure tank. While that won't give you more pressure it will decrease the number of times the pump will run.
To increase pressure you may purchase a control box with a higher rating. Good luck, Tom

nancyld · May 11, 2009, 06:52 AM

Originally Posted by hkstroud

The size of the tank has nothing to do with the pressure. The pump pressure switch determines the pressure. Apparently you have yours set to a maximum of 40 lbs. They are adjustable. More common settings are 30-50 or 40-60. What makes you think your present switch points are shot?

A larger tank will give you more volume of water before your pump kicks in. After that your volume and pressure will be what ever your pump can produce. A 5hp pump should give you plenty of volume and pressure. If you are going for a larger tank, go for a large tank. Having two tanks could give you unnecessary control problems.

A 5" main, I doubt. A 5" well casing, yes.

Thanks for the comments... Duh! I meant casing... and now that I'm thinking about it, I guess my info about the additional tanks was to keep the pump from kicking on so often since the size of the tank is small. It does not take long for a five horse to fill it. My points have been sticking for quite a while, I have filed them numerous times already, it's time to change them out. They don't last long here in Florida.
Thanks again for the help. Nancy

Originally Posted by speedball1

I agree with Harold.
If you want more volume increase the size of your pressure tank. While that won't give you more pressure it will decrease the number of times the pump will run.
To increase pressure you may purchase a control box witha higher rating. Good luck, Tom

Thanks Tom... Nancy

jlisenbe · May 11, 2009, 02:05 PM

I am wondering if you need a little more substantial switch. A five horse pump has to be pulling a ton of amps (as compared to what is usually in a well) which might account for the points sticking.

You might also want to consider upping your tank capacity, then narrowing the cutin/cutout interval on your switch a little. It is typically 20#, but with the hoss of a pump you have, and with two tanks, you could go with a little less interval there, say 15# or so. It would give you a more consistent pressure in the house, and you would still have an acceptable cycle for the pump.