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    Manythanks's Avatar
    Manythanks Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Dec 5, 2010, 11:53 AM
    Steady pressure drop on water system
    Hi yer everyone,

    Our previous air tank died about 14 months ago and was duly replaced - few months ago I noticed that the pump was coming on rather frequently - about every5 minutes or so - without any taps/toilets etc being used - I surmised that the bladder on the tank was faulty - our water here is full of iron and things don't last that long (I'm told). Anyway tank did actually fail - pump permanently running and no pressure on gauge or water in taps etc. Replaced tank yesterday but when pump refills tank (switches off at 50 psi and on at 30) but the steady drop in pressure is still there - there must be a leak of water and/or air I'm guessing for the pressure to drop so steadily but nothing leaking within sight and tilets not running or taps dripping.
    Could his be a fault with thepump or gauge system or a starightforward leak somewhere else in the house ( which is 93 years old, using a dug well and a mixture of copper and a little pecs pipe work).
    Look forward to any advice you can offer. Many thanks
    jlisenbe's Avatar
    jlisenbe Posts: 5,020, Reputation: 157
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    #2

    Dec 5, 2010, 02:27 PM

    It is definitely a leak. The question is where? To answer that, turn off (if possible) the water from the tank to the house. Does that fix the problem? If so, then you have a leak in that direction. If not, then you likely have a leaking check valve.

    The pump and gauge are not likely to be your problem.

    "pump permanently running and no pressure on gauge or water in taps etc." That would not likely be a tank problem.

    Where is your pump, above ground or in the well?
    Manythanks's Avatar
    Manythanks Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Dec 6, 2010, 09:09 AM
    THANK YOU jlisenbe!!

    Turned off supply and pressure still drops -could it be a valve in the pump allowing water back through ? Very grateful for your time and help.

    Phil NS Canada
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #4

    Dec 6, 2010, 12:17 PM

    could it be a valve in the pump allowing water back through ?
    BINGO!
    Sure sounds like a faulty check/foot valve to me. Have it checked and replaced if necessary, good luck, Tom
    jlisenbe's Avatar
    jlisenbe Posts: 5,020, Reputation: 157
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    #5

    Dec 6, 2010, 12:22 PM

    Yes, sounds like a checkvalve/footvalve problem. Again, is your pump in the well or above ground?

    If it is a CV problem, you should be able to stand there and watch pressure fall on your gauge even though no water is being used.
    Manythanks's Avatar
    Manythanks Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #6

    Dec 6, 2010, 12:52 PM
    Hi fellahs - pump is in basement next to air tank - checked out well and pipe is about 2 feet under water after all the recent rain / snow - will have to wait!!

    - will update in due course.Really appreciate your time.

    Regards

    Phil
    jlisenbe's Avatar
    jlisenbe Posts: 5,020, Reputation: 157
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    #7

    Dec 6, 2010, 05:33 PM

    Water system check valve location & purpose - private pump and well system do-it-yourself repairs

    Check out this site. You might be able to solve your problem by installing a check valve between the pump and the wellhead.
    Manythanks's Avatar
    Manythanks Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #8

    Dec 9, 2010, 12:35 PM
    That's great THANK YOU ! I went to tighten a redundant pump switch that had started to leak and ended up with that erupting in my face as it gave way and spent another 4 hours stripping everything off and fitting a new tee and fittings - plumbing eh - love it!!

    Thanks again - very much appreciated

    Phil
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