Hello All -
Here's the deal - I have a well and pressure tank as well as a low pressure switch.
Every morning I have to go downstairs and reset the pressure switch to "turn on" the water pressure. This will usually give me water for half of the day.

In the afternoon I have to do the switch again but the water pressure only last a couple of hours.

It seem if I leave the water running it will last a long time - but when I turn the water off the pressure goes down to nothing and I have to go down and rest the pressure switch.

Here is what is weird - The problem get worse in the evening.

I thought it was just low water levels at first but now the water level in the well is high.

I replaced the pressure tank and the switch - a low pressure switch.

Any suggestions?

THanks

The reason you are having to reset the switch is because when the pressure drops to 10# or more below cut in pressure, the switch "thinks" the well is dry and, in a sense, turns itself off. That is when you have to reset it with the reset lever on the side. From what you describe, that the pressure quickly drops to zero when you pump cuts off, it sounds like your checkvalve is not working. This valve is simply a one-way gate that allows water to flow up the well pipe when the pump is pumping, but does not allow it to flow back down the well pipe once the pump cuts off.

"It seem if I leave the water running it will last a long time " That probably would be because the pump does not cut off while you are using water. ONce it cuts off, the pressure goes to zero and the swtich cuts itself off until you reset it.

Is this a submersible pump?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jlisenbe

The reason you are having to reset the switch is because when the pressure drops to 10# or more below cutin pressure, the switch "thinks" the well is dry and, in a sense, turns itself off. That is when you have to reset it with the reset lever on the side. From what you describe, that the pressure quickly drops to zero when you pump cuts off, it sounds like your checkvalve is not working. This valve is simply a one-way gate that allows water to flow up the well pipe when the pump is pumping, but does not allow it to flow back down the well pipe once the pump cuts off.

"It seem if I leave the water running it will last a long time " That probably would be because the pump does not cut off while you are using water. ONce it cuts off, the pressure goes to zero and the swtich cuts itself off until you reset it.

Is this a submersible pump?

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jlisenbe,

Thanks For the info. YES it is a submersible pump1

If it is a check valve - Can that be fixed or would purchasing a new ump be needed?

THanks again for your comments!

It can be replaced without replacing the pump. However, the rub is where is it located? It is hopefully between your tank and the wellhead. It is not difficult to locate nor is it difficult to replace. Check these sites for a view of what it looks like. As you can imagine, if it is in the well, above the pump, then the pump will have to come out... bummer.

Brass check valves keep the water supply line full of water at all times, eliminating air in lines.
Water system check valve location & purpose - private pump and well system do-it-yourself repairs