[thealct]

Am looking for some guidance here. Have a well system, house built in 1992, and during inspection the water pressure was great. Fast forward 2 years, the pressure has dropped considerable. So what changed. We added a Culligan Water softener. A slight pressure drop was to be expected but over time that "slight" is now annoying . I take a shower very early and it starts with pressure which is OK and then starts slowly dropping. Its not a trickle but does not feel like a strong shower either and am looking for a root cause. This is for 3 baths across the house.

Changes done - When we bought the house (2012) there was no UV filter. The house failed water quality test prior to closing and the previous owner had to installed a new UV but we did not test the water pressure after that install. As I see it installed as a rectangle with too many bends. Culligan was installed next. Please note the first floor pressure at faucets is good it's the second floor showers impacted.

To resolve following actions were taken

1) Culligan contacted, sent a support guy who confirmed Culligan system was functioning normally and due to high iron content it's the filter ($44) was causing the drop and needs to be replaced on a monthly basis!! A new filter really did not change much.

2) Well Water expert mentioned the pressure drops because the demand is greater than well water pump can supply, It is now old and weak due to high Iron. It cannot keep up, and wants $2200 to install new pump + labor

3) Had the WELLTROL checked as well and appears it is doing its job and in great shape. I can hear the pressure from the Welltrol into the Culligan as when I open the valve after changing the filter.

Read several recommendations to turn the bolts on the pressure switch to 70 but that's like curing the symptoms rather than solving problems. Kindly advise where the problem could lie in this scenario. Thanks

[jlisenbe]

Should be able to engage the bypass valve on the filter and see if the filter is the problem. If engaging the bypass valve solves the problem, then you have your answer.

As far as the well goes, you can check for yourself. Run a water hose until the switch "clicks" to turn on the pump. You can then use a five gallon bucket to see how much water you are getting a minute. Time a minute and see how many gallons you get. It would be good to get at least five or six gallons. If it is less than that, then the well pro probably has a good point.

The pump is now over 20 years old. That can be significant.

Another thing you can do. Turn on a shower and then go out and watch the pressure gauge. When it drops to the cut in point and you hear the switch cut the pump on, then it should be able to slowly build pressure back up to the cut off point with the shower running. If it can't do that, then the pump becomes a "suspect".