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View Full Version : Have increased water pressure from a well, how far can I go?


Mauckster
Dec 31, 2008, 06:37 AM
I've increased the cut out pressure at the square D pumptrol by turning the nut on the short bolt and the water pressure in the house has increased somewhat but I'd like more. The pressure gage (0-100 psi) on the well system between the pump and the holding tank used to max out at around 85-90 psi once the tank fills, now it pegs at 100 psi and probably more since the pump runs for a few seconds after it pegs. I replaced the 40 gal holding tank 3 yrs ago but am concerned about blowing something in the system. Not sure what to do next although I am wondering if the gage itself (23 yrs old) is off? What should the pressure range for a well system be?

21boat
Dec 31, 2008, 07:44 AM
Are you trying to blow waterlines. Why do you need such high pressure for? A normal PSI range for "well"/ house water lines is 20 psi to 40 psi Or 30 to 50 psi. While you are doing all of this is the pressure tank rated to your high pressure? The tank souls be pressurized at 2 lbs less then the low cutoff setting at switch. It Is possible your gage is off and they can be replaced fairly easily. If this is your concern I personally would replace gage first to confirm accurate pressure. Again normal pressure for higher end for House is 30 to 50 psi. Do you have old galv water lines? Still wondering why you need high PSI

Signed 21 boat

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speedball1
Dec 31, 2008, 07:51 AM
but I am concerned about blowing something in the system. Not sure what to do next although I am wondering if the gage itself (23 yrs old) is off? What should the pressure range for a well system be?
100 PSI is putting your system in a strain. The joints and faucets are attempting to hold over twice as much pressure as it should carry. The two popular sizes of pump controls are, 20/40 or 30/50. And the average house pressaure off the meter is 45 PSI, (that's why water towers are 100 feet tall).
Now you can explain why you need so much pressure. Is it because you have older galvanized pipes and you're attemptinjg to compensate for the loss of volume by increasing the pressure? Ya want more then 100 PSI? Be prepared for problems to surface if you go with this excessively high pressure. Please give me a reason that your system needs all this pressure. Regards, Tom

Mauckster
Dec 31, 2008, 09:21 AM
Water pressure in my house has always been low although the system gauge usually reads in the high 70s before tampering with the regulator so am guessing the gauge is bad. The house, a two bath copper pipe 23 yr old home doesn't need higher pressure than the norm. I'll replace the gauge and determine what the actual pressure is before doing anything else. Thanks for the info.

21boat
Dec 31, 2008, 09:39 AM
Mauckster Good move.
A little reminder.
After you install new gage, pay attention to what ever you set the pressure switch at on the low cutoff. The tank gage should be 2 lb less than what the low cut off pressure switch so the well pump doesn't short cycle and you are back to basic. Again I hope it's the gage "off" like I mentioned then you will (and I) feel better if you run average pressure in the water lines. A 23 year old home should have decent pipes. I'm still curious what brought this on to begin with messing with the pressure>?

Signed 21 boat

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speedball1
Dec 31, 2008, 10:54 AM
Chaqnge out the pressure gage and get back to us with the results. Good luck, Tom

jlisenbe
Dec 31, 2008, 02:56 PM
If you want to check your gauge, simply use a tire gauge at the top of the pressure tank. The tire gauge and the pressure gauge should agree. If your pressure gauge is good, and you are indeed going above 100#, then I'd love to know why your pressure relief valve is not kicking on.

I doubt that you have that much pressure. Taking a shower would be an adventure!

21boat
Dec 31, 2008, 03:59 PM
jlisenbe I loved your last sentence that made me laugh so hard!! You can just about guarantee the Gauge is off. Ha h ah ah a ha
Thanks for the laugh!
Sorry Mauckster nobodys making fun of you but you have to admit, jlisenbe has a very good point and made funny to do it.
All post here are good here and have good thought behind it. A little humor is good to start the New Year!!
Happy New Year everybody!

Mauckster
Jan 2, 2009, 05:54 AM
Not to worry 21boat as I'm pretty thick skinned! Checked the old gauge and it was hung at 44 psi, replaced it and now system pressure is peaked at 60. Have a square D 20/40 pressure switch but I like the internal house pressure at this setting. If "average" house pressure is 45, what should my next step be? System seems to work fine, no pipe rattling, no surges, pump runs till 60 is hit and shuts down.

speedball1
Jan 2, 2009, 06:20 AM
If "average" house pressure is 45, what should my next step be? System seems to work fine, no pipe rattling, no surges, pump runs till 60 is hit and shuts down. I like the internal house pressure at this setting
Hey Mauk! If you're happy, we're happy. Go back and read 21 Boats post about setting the bladder tank pressure. Yours should be set at 58 PSI. Good luck, Tom

21boat
Jan 2, 2009, 06:32 AM
So the old gage was off is that what you are saying? At 60 psi how does that do for you? At least you are within the border line for a manageable pressure for the well system I'm still waiting for a answer on the house water lines I suspect its galv iron or black iron If it is get back Iron pipe and really restrict water volume when it gets old
Let me know

Signed 21 boat

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Mauckster
Jan 2, 2009, 06:38 AM
Got it, thanks for the help!