[bjaybird64]

I had a problem with the water. When we would use it the water would shut off after 5 min. and then start back up after 5min.. So I replaced the perssure switch and now the well will not shut off when it reaches the correct pressure. What can I do to fix this?

[jlisenbe]

When you replaced the switch, did you also replace or clean out the little pipe leading to the switch? They clog easily and can cause the symptoms you are describing. In the meantime, two questions:
1. What are your cutin/cutout pressures?
2. Is this pump submersible or above ground?

[bjaybird64]

When you replaced the switch, did you also replace or clean out the little pipe leading to the switch? They clog easily and can cause the symptoms you are describing. In the meantime, two questions:
1. What are your cutin/cutout pressures?
2. Is this pump submersible or above ground?

40/60 but the few times I have seen it shut off the pressure gauge was reading 95 until it cut off. Then it went to 60. The pump is submersible but I think I'm hearing it suck air. I have a bladder tank, is there a presusure reading on it. If so what should it be?

[jlisenbe]

The pressure at the top of your tank should read 38# with the tank empty. That is because it is supposed to be 2# below the cut in pressure.

How about the little pipe leading to the switch?

Be aware that 95# is awfully high. You might be approaching the failure pressure of the tank. You really don't want to be there if that happens. As well, you should have a pressure relief valve popping before that point.

You can double check the pressure gauge by measuring pressure at the top of the tank. It might be that the gauge is defective.

[bjaybird64]

Sorry I tried to send back info but this was the only way. I hope you get this so. The pressure switch checked out, the tube was clean but the pressure gauge is bad. I think that the pump itself may have a leak. I thought I could hear it sucking but I think that it may be water coming out of the line coming up from the pump. The only way to check this is by pulling the pump correct. I thought maybe you might know a way to check without pulling it!!

[jlisenbe]

Hello, BJ. Now that you have a good pressure gauge, you will want to look at several things.

1. At what pressure does the pump cut on?
2. At what pressure does the pump cut off?
3. This is a biggie. When the pump cuts off, does the system hold pressure, or does the pressure tend to leak down?
4. Do you have a check valve between the tank and the well head (where the well pipe exits the ground)?

[bjaybird64]

Hello, BJ. Now that you have a good pressure gauge, you will want to look at several things.

1. At what pressure does the pump cut on?
2. At what pressure does the pump cut off?
3. This is a biggie. When the pump cuts off, does the system hold pressure, or does the pressure tend to leak down?
4. Do you have a check valve between the tank and the well head (where the well pipe exits the ground)?

The cut off is 40/60 but with the pressure gauge not working I'm not sure of the pressure. The gauge reads 45# when I removed it from the well. Then the reading goes up to 85-95# and if it is reading correct #s then it only has about 50# of pressure. This means it will not shut off.
The check valve is working fine no pressure loss.
I only have 1 pressure gauge and it is on the up stream side of the check valve. The tank does not have a pressure gauge just the air valve for adding and removing air pressure.

[speedball1]

Have you replaced the faulty pressure gage so that you can answer Jlisenbes questions #3 and 4. With a good pressure gage installed does the pressure bleed down after the pump shuts down? Cheers, Tom

[jlisenbe]

SB is correct. The only purpose for the pressure gauge is maintenance. You must have a working gauge to go any further with this, short of pulling the pump and giving it a visual.