View Full Version : Slow loss of pressure from my well
rkinseypa
Apr 27, 2011, 09:33 AM
What are some of the most common reasons for a slow loss of pressure from my well? I looked everywhere in the house.There was a toilet that had a bad flapper that I replaced.Any help would be appreciated.Thanks, Rick
jlisenbe
Apr 27, 2011, 02:48 PM
When you say loss of pressure, do you mean you are actually reading pressure from a gauge, or does the volume of water you are getting from faucets seem to be lessening?
Do you have any filters/water softeners?
rkinseypa
Apr 28, 2011, 05:20 AM
Sorry.More specifically, the actual pressure on the gauge will slowly decrease even with no water running.The switch is a 60/40 and will not stay at 60.The volume and pressure from the faucets is fine, but the pressure loss will eventually lead to the pump kicking on.And yes I do have a water softner, but I switched it over to "bypass" mode and I am not currently using it.I just purchased this home and it had been sitting vacant for over a year.When I initially had the electric turned on the pump was kicking on and off, so I drained the tank and checked the bladder pressure, which was low, and I filled it to the recommened 28 psi and that fixed that problem.But could the bladder be bad?Thanks for your help.Rick
jlisenbe
Apr 28, 2011, 07:24 AM
You are describing a system that is losing pressure even though no water is being used. That points to a leak somewhere. It might be a leak between the well and the house, but you would normally spot that at some point. I'm going to guess you have a leaking check valve. That valve prevents water from the pressure tank from simply going back into the well once the pump shuts off. This site gives you a picture of a check valve. Do you see one above ground? Water system check valve location & purpose - private pump and well system do-it-yourself repairs (http://www.inspectapedia.com/water/CheckValves.htm)
Also, is your pump in the well or above ground?
rkinseypa
Apr 29, 2011, 06:04 AM
I believe that the pump is underground and that's probably where my check valve is.In my garage is the water tank plumbed with a 60/40 switch and it goes into the water softner and then into the wall towards my daughters bedroom? Wherever the pump is it is very quiet.I need to probably call a professional at this point.This sounds like its going to be pricy.LOL
hkstroud
Apr 29, 2011, 05:02 PM
First, it is possible to install a check valve on the line from the well to the tank.
Second, if your pressure switch is set to come on at 40 lbs, the air pressure in a bladder tank should be set to 38 lbs, not 28.