View Full Version : Well pump flucuating pressure
wcosgrave
Oct 8, 2007, 01:03 PM
I Have A Problem With A Well Pump Surging.the Gauge At The Tank Stays In The Range 30/50psi But Water At The Fausits Are Surging High Then Low Then Nothing.is This An Air Pressure Problem In The Tank?if So How Do I Fix It?
Sincerely,
Bill
jlisenbe
Oct 8, 2007, 01:34 PM
When the gauge reads 30# you're saying you have no pressure at the faucet?
wcosgrave
Oct 8, 2007, 02:26 PM
Yes,water is fast slow fast then none.
jlisenbe
Oct 8, 2007, 02:35 PM
Well, it is obvious that there is no pressure at the faucet once the water stops. I would first check my pressure gauge. Sounds like it is sticking at 30 and won't go lower than that... cheap fix. The second item to check is this: Is the pump running at the time the faucet has no water? That can be checked at the switch. Are the contacts closing?
So check out your pressure gauge, then check the switch to see if the pump is cutting on. If the pump is running, then it is possible you have a bladder tank with a ruptured bladder. That would mean there is virtually no air in the tank which would cause the pump to cut on/off rapidly as pressure surges and falls. But again, be sure of the pressure gauge. If you have pressure in the tank but not at the faucet, then the problem will lie elsewhere.
wcosgrave
Oct 9, 2007, 01:21 PM
Well frist i baught a pressure switch ($12.00) and that change nothing.so i called the phone #on the tank and i told the lady my problem and she said here's what you do... turn off power to pump,hook a hose to the fauset at the bottom and drain the tank down.unscrew the gauge itself and when it get done draining past that point screw the gauge back on.(just the gauge itself)turn power back on refill the tank.now it works great!! There's no bladder in this tank it's a hydropneumatic tank.it worked for me.hope this will help someone else.thanks jlisenbe for your input.
jlisenbe
Oct 9, 2007, 02:00 PM
Good. You had a waterlogged tank. Be aware that this tends to repeat itself. I used to be in the same situation and had to recharge the tank with air once every two or three months. The problem is that the air under pressure in the tank dissolves slowly into the water and eventually is gone. Your system is supposed to recharge the tank with air every time the pump cycles but evidently yours is not. Be aware that, when this lack of air in the tank happens, your pump will short cycle, meaning that it cuts off and on every few seconds... really hard on a pump. If the problem reoccurs, then ditch the old pressure tank for a bladder tank and your problem will be over. Cost is about $100.00 or so if you do it yourself.