[dsanders]

I am experiencing fluxuations in water pressure but it seems to be consistently lower. We are on a well and in a neighborhood. What could be causing this problem?

[jlisenbe]

Are you on a well by yourself or do you share a well with one or more neighbors?

[dsanders]

It is a private well and I believe I had 40 lbs. of pressure coming in before the pressure tank. I'm not sure what the flow rate is but I do on occasion get air in the line as well. The lot is an acre and a half but I have neighbors on either side and in front of the home across the street in an enclosed neighborhood. I don't believe any of the surrounding neighbors are having any problems.

[jlisenbe]

Water pressure with a well is a fairly simple proposition. You have an electrical switch connected to the tank (or on a line very nearby) which cuts the pump on at a certain pressure and cuts it off at a higher pressure. You will need to watch the switch and see at what point it cuts on (audible click) and then cuts off. This is especially true when the pressure seems down in the house. Quite naturally, you will notice fluctuations in pressure in the house since, as you use water, it leaves the pressure tank and the pressure begins dropping until the switch cuts the pump on. It will then rise until the pump cuts off. If you are not accustomed to a well, this will really jump out at you.

If you feel the pressure is generally too low, it is a simple job to raise the cut in/cut out pressure points on the switch. Let me know if you want to do that. As far as flow rate goes, you should be able to get five to six gallons a minute.

Having occasional air in the line is a little strange. I don't have a clue on that one.

[dsanders]

Thanks, the information was very helpful. I actually ended up replacing the pressure tank. The bladder was bad causing the drop in pressure. It seems to have recovered now but I just did it this evening so I'll watch it for a while.

[jlisenbe]

Great! Hope it works out for you.