[pmkipp]

This just started happening. 30 year old house, well water, pump under 10 years old. No softener, but an acid neutralizer/filter with backwasher is in the system (this is under 3 years old and is working as it should). Always has had adequate water pressure with a little bit of noticeable change during a shower when the pump would kick in, but nothing dramatic. This week when water is run anywhere in house the pressure will completely disappear for a couple of seconds then kick back in with great force. Usually happens soon after turning on the water (about 30 seconds or so), then is fine for the rest of the time the water is on. Occasionally it might happen twice (I would think when the pump kicks up again - seems like that kind of rhythm). I looked at the pressure tank and the pressure was at 43 lbs, and there was plenty of air in the tank (about 2/3). Two things I haven't tried yet but will later are: by pass the filter/neutralizer and see if that has any effect or run the water out at our barn which comes just off the well and bypasses the house systems. It would not seem to be the filter given the symptoms. If it happens at the barn spigot, I will assume it is the valve at the well head or the pump. Any other things I should look for? Thanks.

[jlisenbe]

The two actions you mentioned would be a good place to start. I would also want to watch the pressure gauge on the tank while someone else turns on water to see what the tank pressure is doing during these episodes.

Is your pump in the well or above ground?

[pmkipp]

Pump is in the well. I turned on the washer to fill and went to look at the pressure tank. It started at around 43lbs, then slowly dropped while the washer was filling. At around 24lbs the needle suddenly dropped to zero, I heard a click, and it jumped back up to 24lbs and started recovering and went back to 43lbs. Another click and it started slowly going back down again, then the washer finished filling. What should I be testing/looking at?

[hkstroud]

Pressure tank or bladder tank?

At what pressures is the pump set to cut on and cut off?

[jlisenbe]

Sounds like your pump is cutting on at 24#. Your tank pressure should be set at 22#. To do so, turn off the system and drain the pressure to zero by opeing a low level faucet. Use the air pressure valve at the top of the tank to adjust the pressure. When the pressure is set properly, turn the power back on.

The click you are hearing is your electrical switch turning the pump off/on, which is normal. If that switch, which is likely a little grey box, has a leer on the side, you might have to reset the switch after turning the system back on by simply pulling the lever.