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LayneG · Dec 18, 2011, 02:55 PM

I need to increase water pressure. I have a Water Ace model# RTS5 pump 1/2hp,volts 115/230, phase1, Hz60, Amps 8.4/4.2,Time rating- cont. Ambient 40c with a Challenger diaphragm tank, model# 185-PC266 total tank volume 85gal, Max pressure 125psi, tank pre-charger 38psi, downdraw 40/60psi=23gal.

I don't know what the psi is coming out of faucets but it ain't enough. The gauge seems to read constant 56-57.

Thanks

ma0641 · Dec 18, 2011, 06:08 PM

Do you have a filter? Clean all the aerators on the faucets. I need to keep a filter on my well or the iron clogs the aerators.

LayneG · Dec 18, 2011, 06:14 PM

No filter and there is a lot of calcium build up. I will try that, Thanks.

jlisenbe · Dec 19, 2011, 07:11 AM

A little puzzling. 56# should be good pressure, but you state it stays at 56 to 57, which I doubt. More likely you have a 40/60 switch, meaning it cuts the pump off at 60# and back on at 40#. If your gauge is staying at one reading, it is probably defective, so step one is to replace the gauge and see what your pressure really is. You can check it at the top of the tank where you will find a little air valve. Use a tire pressure gauge. See if that reading agrees with the gauge.

LayneG · Dec 19, 2011, 08:34 AM

I cleaned the aerators the flow is better pressure still very low. The 56-57 reading is the best I can read, the gauge is approximateley 4" from the ground so it is hard to get an accurate view/reading.

I will check the pressure from top of tank.

Thanks

Tire gauge reads 40psi from top of pressure tank. Gauge still reads about 57-58psi.

jlisenbe · Dec 19, 2011, 10:33 AM

Replace the gauge. You might want to add a 12" extension to get it up a little higher while you're at it. With a good gauge, check your cutin/cutout points and get back with us. BTW, it might be that, if there is a little pipe leading to the gauge, it is clogged.

LayneG · Dec 19, 2011, 10:39 AM

This would cause low water pressure? I am mechanicly inclined and can do repairs, I don't know a lot about wells just basic function, what is cutin/cutout points?

jlisenbe · Dec 19, 2011, 10:42 AM

Cutin/out simply means the pressure at which the pump cuts on (cutin) and the pressure at which the pump cuts off (cut/out). You will be able to find this by simply turning on a faucet, then watching the pressure gauge. As pressure falls, at some point you will hear a click. That will be the cut in point. Turn off the water, then watch pressure climb. At some point you will hear another click from the switch. That is the pump being cut off. If those two points are too low, then you will want to consider adjusting them up, which is a fairly simple undertaking. But as you can guess, you need a working gauge to be able to do this.