We live in a house which is about two years old. Our water source is a well. The waterline goes underground from the well and enters the basement through the concrete foundation wall where it connects to a Square D Pumptrol pressure switch, pressure tank, pressure gauge, tank drain valve, main shut-off valve and on to the copper pipe which feeds the rest of the house.
Under the Pumptrol is a copper tube which leads down to another fitting which seems to contain some sort of spring-loaded control. There is a threaded opening under this fitting (like a hose bib). Lately, I have noticed drippage coming out of this fitting, forming about a four inch round puddle on the concrete floor below. The puddle is not there everyday, but most days. I'm not sure if this is related, but I also notice water hammer in the area of the pressure tank setup when the pump turns off, where I never heard it there before.
In my 49 years, we always were served by a municipal water source, so I am unfamiliar with what the equipment serving a well is and how it works.
Therefore I have these questions:
1) Is the drippage I described to be considered normal? If not, what could the problem be?
2) Can you direct me to a good source (either online or in book form) which gives a comprehensive, but understandable, explanation of the function and operation of each piece of equipment in a well water system?

jlisenbe

Sounds like a pressure relief valve which is leaking. The hose connection allows you to vent the drainage outside should the pressure build up high enough to trigger the relief valve. Not sure if a little drainage is normal but I would not think so. Should be an easy replacement. Of course, it is possible that your system pressure is approaching what the valve will allow.

Try this site for a pretty good explanation of wells.

jlisenbe

Whoops. Forgot the link. Here it is.

Water Systems Council