[9fred9]

My well pump usually - but not always - starts with a major BANG! We had a new Goulds 7gpm pump installed a year ago. Several months later the water would stop flowing for a second, as the pump took too long to cut in after the low pressure trip point was reached.

No air is getting into the system. The well pump is about 350 feet down.

I called in the plumber that replaced the pump. He changed out the contacts on the pressure switch, which was operating normally (40-60 psi on-off). Made no difference. Then he bled air from the tank. Lots of air. After that the water flow was continuous, but when the pump starts up, the system bangs like it has been hit by a sledgehammer. I also noticed that when the pressure switch trips on and power goes to the pump for 2-3 seconds before the system begins to re-pressurize. Is that normal?

He then replaced the check valve. It made no difference with regard to the initial BANG (which happens about 75% of the time) but now it rattles like hell while the system re-pressurizes.

Any expert insights would be appreciated.

Fred

[speedball1]

I think I know what the problem is but don't have enough details to be sure.
What type of tank do you have? A bladder tank or a galvanized pressure tank? Regards, Tom

[9fred9]

Thanks for your reply, Tom!

The tank is a Well-X-Trol WX250 bladder-type. It's 8 years old and is original to the house.

I'm anxious to hear what you think the problem might be. Thanks again for your help!

[speedball1]

Thanks Fred,
I think your plumber threw the tank adjustment off when he bled the air from your bladder tank. The air pressure on your tank should be set at 2 PSI below the cut in point of the control box. In your case 28 PSI. Turn the pump off at the breaker box, open a hose bib to drain off the pressure and charge the tank when the pressure drops to zero. There should be no water come out when you "test bleed" the snifter valve. Now pressure the systen back up and see if your "bang" hasn't disappeared. Let me know. Tom