Over 698,000 strictly plumbing related posts
Plumbing education, information, advice, help and suggestions are provided by some of the most experienced plumbers who wish to "give back" to society. Since 1996 we have been the best online (strictly) PLUMBING advice site. If you have questions about plumbing, toilets, sinks, faucets, drains, sewers, water filters, venting, water heating, showers, pumps, and other strictly PLUMBING related issues then you've come to the right place. Please refrain from asking or discussing legal questions, or pricing, or where to purchase products, or any business issues, or for contractor referrals, or any other questions or issues not specifically related to plumbing. Keep all posts positive and absolutely no advertising. Our site is completely free, without ads or pop-ups and we don't tract you. We absolutely do not sell your personal information. We are made possible by:
Author:
Anonymous User
Can anyone explain to me how to properly set-up a jet pump and pressure tank?
We moved into our home just over 4 months ago now. The water pressure has always been a little on the low side. So this week I installed a new (larger) pressure tank. I also replaced the pressure switch and pressure gauge at the same time. The pump still won't get the pressure any higher than 32 lbs. I don't know what I've done wrong.
The details... New pressure switch set to cut-on 20 lbs cut-off 40lbs. I also installed a new Flexcon Industries pressure tank. Model # FXL144.OLC (44 Gallons). I followed the directions to set the air pressure to 2 lbs below the cut-on setting (i.e. 28lbs as I want to raise the on/off pressure on the pressure switch to 30/50lbs). I turned the water pump back on and it doesn't seem to be able to get any higher than 32lbs. I let the pump run for over half an hour and finally had to reduce the pressure switch to get the pump to stop. Long story to say that I still have the same problem. Still not enough pressure. With 31lbs pressure showing at the pump I get a reading of 33lbs at the pressure tank. Should I lower the air pressure in the pressure tank and raise the pressure switch setting? Or do I just add air to the pressure tank?
Any help that anyone can provide me on this will be greatly appreciated.
Marc.
|
Post Reply
|
Author:
Dunbar (KY)
Nothing you read at the tank once water is in the tank is not an accurate gauge.
Only the pressure side of pump.
There is a possibility in your system of a split in the piping somewhere that might be opening up around the 30 pound range.
Sounds ridiculous but there is a possibility of this.
I have had leaks occur in this way before.....but the pressure was much higher.
I always tell customers that have pump systems in thier homes to be aware of problems to arise if they have had a low pressure in thier homes and then increase water pressure. This can make joints leak that haven't leaked before...and splits in pipes sometimes expand like a balloon and won't leak until a greater pressure is applied.
Could also be a old fill valve on a toilet releasing and letting water fill tank when it raises above 30 psi too.
|
Post Reply
|
Author:
mikeinpa (VA)
You may have a problem with the jet itself ,possiblly the venturi ,part of the jet may be cracked or partially clogged ,not allowing strong flow to build pressure, or the pump itself may have a worn impeller , or clogged waterways .what brand pump is it.
|
Post Reply
|
Author:
Anonymous User
I'm with mikeinpa on this one. Sounds like a problem with the pump itself. Also, check the suction line for leaks. If the pump is allowed to suck in air it won't reach cutout pressure. Another place to check is between the pump head and motor, around the shaft. This is where water will leak out and air sucked in if the mechanical seal is bad.
If you decide to check out the pump further here is an exploded view of a pump:
[www.peekspump.com]
This will show you where the nozzle and venturi are.
Pumpman
|
Post Reply
|
Author:
Anonymous User
Thanks for your replies Pumpman and Mikeinpa,
I have checked the suction line and it seems to be ok. No air at the T on top of the pump. This is by no means a new pump, I was able to make out that it is a Red Jacket(?) pump with a General Electric motor attached to it. I was thinking of replacing the jetpump for a new one because this one looks like it's been there quite a while. Maybe this would be the time to do it and take this one apart, repair it, and have it as a back up? How long does a jet pump usually last? Does the fact that we have very hard water play a role on the jet pump at all? I'm not a plumber (as I'm sure you've figured out by now) but I am mechanically inclined.
I really appreciate the link to the exploded view of the jet pump, at least now I can visualise the workings of it somewhat.
Marc.
|
Post Reply
|
Author:
Anonymous User
Thanks for your reply DUNBAR PLUMBER (KY),
I'm fortunate that we have a small 3-bedroom bungalow with copper pipes. I can see all the copper in the basement except where it goes in the wall to the kitchen sink, dishwasher and bathroom. I'm pretty sure that if one of the pipes had split I would have found water in the basement by now. I checked to be on the safe side and everything is dry.
Marc.
|
Post Reply
|
Please note:
- Inappropriate messages or blatant advertising will be deleted. We cannot be held responsible for bad or inadequate advice.
- Plbg.com has no control over external content that may be linked to from messages posted here. Please follow external links with caution.
- Plbg.com is strictly for the exchange of plumbing related advice and NOT to ask about pricing/costs, nor where to find a product (try Google), nor how to operate or promote a business, nor for ethics (law) and the like questions.
- Plbg.com is also not a place to ask radiant heating (try HeatingHelp.com), electrical or even general construction type questions. We are exclusively for plumbing questions.
Search for plumbing parts on our sponsor's site:
Special thanks to our sponsor:
|