I have a well issue that I will explain.

I replaced my pressure gauge so I could see what was going on, it was not functioning. The switch for the well is preset for 30 to 50, and when I watch the meter it actually goes between 27 to 53. The tank pressure was only 21 so I brought it up to 27.

The problem is that when the water pressure drops to 27, it pauses for a second, drops down close to 0, then returns back up to 27 after a few seconds. The pressure then builds back up until it hits 53. As you can guess, the water in the house stops when the pressure drops until it starts going back up. The pressure in the tank did not change anything, 21 or 27, it did the same thing.

I saw somewhere that suggested replacing the check valve, but is that really the issue?


Thanks for your input.
Seth

Where are you measuring the 27 psi system pressure from? It sounds like the nipple the pressure switch is attached to is clogged or the switch is bad.

Steve,

The holding tank is what I increased to 27psi, it was down to 21 when I checked it with my air compressor. The tank does not show any rust on it, but I know it is at least 10 years old. The whole system sits in my crawl space. The pressure gauge went bad and that was an easy swap so that I could see the pressure change. I guess I should go and check the pressure in the holding tank again, but if it was leaking it would not have even stayed at 21 before I brought it up to 27.

You mention a possible clog, but wouldn't a clog effect the water all the time? This is only an issue when the pressure drops to the minimum setting, around 27. The switch says the default setting is 30 to 50, and I am seeing 27 to 53 on the pressure gauge. If the switch were bad, would it just drop from 27 to 0 like it does?

Thanks
Seth

If you have a nipple like this, it often times will get clogged with rust and can delay the turning on of the pump.

I do have the nipple just like in your picture. Since the switch is over 10 years old, should I just replace both the nipple and the switch? To try and clean out the nipple I would need to take it all apart anyway.

I read somewhere else that I could be the check valve. Are you counting that out?

Thanks. Seth

I would check the nipple and replace it with a brass one if it is clogged. Switches are pretty inexpensive, so replacing it would be low cost preventative maintenance.

Thanks for your help Steve. Finally got it all completed today. Had to make sure the pressure in the tank was holding, and to adjust the switch to proper levels, but then the pump worked as it should. Thanks. Seth



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