[mccaw]

Here is my problem - The pressure gauge is reading 47 PSI when no one is asking for water.

I turn the water ON and the Pump comes on and the gauge slowly drops to 20 PSI and will stay at 20 PSI until I turn the water off. I have always had low pressure.

I turn the water OFF and the Pressure gauge goes slowly back up to 45 PSI, the pressure switch clicks and shuts the pump off.

My question - Does the pump normally come on immediately every time one turns the water on?? I would think the water would come from the 80 gallon tank initially and when the tank gets low the pump would bring the tank back up to pressure. I do not want to wear my pump out. Has my tank gone bad ?

I just replaced the Capacitor in the Webtrol pump control box, also inspected the Pressure Switch for clogs (clean) and sanded the contacts.

Would appreciate some help!!
Thanks so much
Art

[hkstroud]

There is usually a 20 lb pressure difference between cut on and cut off. Assuming that your pressure switch is set at 30-50, the pump should not come on until the pressure drops to 30 lbs.

If the pump comes on as soon as you open a faucet that indicates the possibility of a water logged tank.
You cannot compress water. As soon as you open a faucet the pressure drops dramatically and the pump comes on. The reason the pressure gauge would slowly decrease would be that the some pressure is being provided by the pump but it can't keep up with the faucet.

What type of tank do you have, galvanized pressure tank or painted bladder tank with air valve on top.
If bladder tank, press the valve stem and tell us if you get air or water. If you have bladder tank and get water out the air valve, you have a ruptured bladder.
If you have galvanized pressure tank, tank is water logged and needs to be drained.

[speedball1]

Does the pump normally come on immediately every time one turns the water on ?

No! That's what bladder/pressure tanks are for. If the membrane on a b ladder tank's ruptured or a pressure tank's waterlogged it will give you the same as you describe.
Check your tank. It sounds like it's failed. Good luck. Tom