Private well water problem diagnostic questions & answers.

These FAQs can help diagnose and cure weak water pressure or no water pressure from a private well and pump system.

This article series explains how to diagnose poor well water pressure or total loss of water pressure from all sorts of causes.

Well Water or Pump Water Pressure or Flow Diagnostic FAQs

These questions & answers on troubleshooting water pressure and flow problems were posted originally

at WELL WATER PRESSURE DIAGNOSIS - topic home.

Be sure to review the diagnostic and repair help given at that page.

More-recent FAQs on private well water diagnosis and repair are at WELL WATER PRESSSURE DIAGNOSIS FAQs-2

Significant drop in cold water flow, hot water flow is fine

I am on a well with a whole house sediment filter. Recently, I started seeing a drop in flow only on the cold side. Running a single faucet is fine but opening another faucet or flushing a toilet causes a significant drop in flow.

I don't see the same problem on the hot side. The well pump seems OK, turn on-turn off are still at the proper pressure settings. Well reservoir tank pressure is set to 4 PSI below well pump turn on pressure.

My guess is that I have an obstruction somewhere in the cold water distribution.

The house is plumbed with CPVC. Any advice on locating an obstruction? Any other possibilities? On 2023-04-02 by john m -

Suggestion by (mod) -

Please find our discussion and your photos now

at CLOGGED SUPPLY PIPES, COLD WATER

Why did our deep well stop giving water?

We have 190' well. Added a 100 yard line to an outbuilding that worked fine for years.

It is just a line with a shutoff valve in shed. It stopped bringing up water.

We can prime it but it doesn't hold water once valve is shut off. What changed?On 2023-01-12 by Marja

Diagnostic questions by InspectApedia Publisher (mod) - when priming the pump doesn't work

@Marja,

I need a more-complete understanding to try to come up with a useful answer.

Why are we "priming" the 100 ft. remote line to the outbuilding?

Do you have water everywhere else on the same system, just not at the outbuilding?

Have you checked for a broken or damaged or clogged 100 yard pipe (that's a rather long run) between the pump and the point of use?

More details by Marja - water pressure lost after plumber moved the pressure tank

A person moved our basement air pressure tank to a higher location and also moved our hot water tank. That is when we lost pressure to the outbuilding. He said he could fixed it from the inside but left and never came back.

Yes, I should have mentioned that before. We primed the outbuilding line with a garden hose and got lots of water. When we shut off valve and opened the valve again we had no water again.

Out house waterline has not been affected at all. Problems with outbuilding line only.

The secondary line is 6 ft under ground. I do not know how to check for a damaged line.

Advice for next steps by InspectApedia Publisher (mod) - is pressure tank too far from pressure control switch?

@Marja,

I don't know any details of your system so my guesses may be way off, but

- the pressure tank needs to be close to the pressure control switch that turns the pump on and off

- in a typical pump and well water system the pump develops pressure to push water through the piping. You might have to prime the pump or prime well pipes between pump and well, but you wouldn't need to "prime" water pipes on the outlet side of the pump - between pump and your outbuilding.

So if you put water into that line I expect that the water you got back out was just the water you put in.

I'd start by getting an experienced plumber on site to straighten out your water pressure tank, pump control, and then to let us know what else was needed.

by Marja

@InspectApedia Publisher, Thank you

 

How to diagnose a pump control switch that turns off when we run more water

I had an automatic pressure switch (40/60) with bladder at 38psi (empty) about a week ago had no water checked volts/amps and capacitor (typical me being an electrician LOL) all good, cleaned contacts and unit worked for a few days,

quit again so purchased another pressure switch manual start one as no auto ones available. I also replace short brass pipe to switch and installed new switch and turned it on then checked setting for 40/60 all good.

Now here is the strange thing I can run shower, sinks and toilet separately but now cannot flush and run sink at same time without pump switch kicking off.

Sat at tank and watched as my wife operated sink and toilet , ran sink 1st pressure went to 40 kicked on and then kicked off at 60 so both together pressure got to 40 heard something like a sucking sound and switch kicked to off position.

Have I missed a step, should I switch back to an auto type switch ? Any insight with be appreciated. On 2022-03-24 by Richard

Diagnostic questions by Inspectapedia Com Moderator (mod) - pump kicks off too often or too soon

@Richard,

If I've got this right, the "Auto" version of a pressure control switch should be one that doesn't have to be manually re-set if the switch turns off the pump when the pump seems to be drawing air rather than water.

Give me the brand and switch model so I can be sure we're on the same page.

Your comment

I can run shower, sinks and toilet separately but now cannot flush and run sink at same time without pump switch kicking off

OFF sounds as if the pump is sucking air from the well and the switch turns it off to avoid damaging the pump.

So there may be a problem of loss of well-water (flow or recovery rate have reduced) or a leak in well piping;

Take a look at AIR DISCHARGE at FAUCETS, FIXTURES

and at

WATER PUMP PROTECTION SWITCH

and in the Article Index you'll find other diagnostic articles such as how to check the flow rate of your well and its recovery rate.

by Richard - bad new pressure switch?

@Inspectapedia Com Moderator, so had an hour to spare and removed contacts from the auto (no lever) switch and replaced them with a new set I found at local hardware store, re-installed auto (no lever) switch, we can flush toilet - run tap and shower and the switch kick on at 40psi no hesitation and off at 60 psi.

I'm wondering if the lever style switch i purchased might have been faulty?

by Inspectapedia Com Moderator (mod) - types of water pressure control switch failures

@Richard,

Possible, of course, though we don't have any scholarly data on pressure control switch reset control failure rates.

Most of the controls switch problems are

- burned or pitted contacts

- improper adjustment

- underlying well problems like low water, poor recovery rate, waterlogged pressure tank leading to - short cycling pump adding to contact wear

- debris clogging of the switch sensor port

Why is it that water pressure doesn't drop on gauge, but actual falls to 5 psi

200' well with 60gpm water flow, column 15 feet from top;14gpm pump with one inch line 170' down replaced 6 months ago; 100 yards to house twenty feet elevation, 86t treasure tank, 7gpm air injection filter and salt, new 40-60 pressure switch clean pipe stem works house perfectly.

30 yards from well head 1" line tees fifty yards to tee into barn, three hydrants on trunk line full pressure inside barn are two hydrants w/full pressure .3/4 line tees between two barn hydrants into tack room with 5gpm air filter system plus second 86t tank for volume.

Here is the barn problem: pressure gauge outgoing side of filter over night reaches 90lbs.

Turning on a filtered 3/4 inch water line to fill buckets running 15 minutes will drop pressure to five pounds and a trickle. Shut off the line pressure goes to 30 and holds until demand and will drop to 5 pounds; replaced the gauge!

I have checked the house gauge and pressure switch when barn is five pounds pressure is holding steady 40-60 and not dropping off to fill barn needs.

Replaced the tank in barn ( bad bladder), with both pressure tanks drained of water air pressure is 38 at house and 30 at barn.

Here is the question: what could cause the pressure to drop off to five pounds or cause it to rise to 90 and second not recovering and staying anywhere near 40-60? On 2021-09-22 by Andrew L -

Answer by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod) - debris clogged pressure control switch

@Andrew L,

The most common cause I find for problems like the one you described is debris clogging of the sensor port on a pressure control switch.

See our diagnosis and repair steps for this problem at

WATER PUMP PRESSURE SWITCH REPAIRS 

A procedure for measuring pressure via garden hose?

Point in time drop in well pressure (60-40 lb). Pressure tank bladder checks OK. I isolated and checked different runs of the system for constrictions - all read and hold 40 lb. I checked pressure at the well head and it holds 85+ lb.

Finally I ran a 50ft. garden hose from the well head and checked the pressure at the end of the hose - 40 lb. What gives? On 2020-10-05 by Greg B.

by danjoefriedman (mod) -

Greg

How are you measuring water pressure? Always by the same independent gauge? And always at the same point in the water pump on-cycle?

If so the pressure will normally be the same everywhere if no water is running anywhere in the system AND if there are no leaks.

What happens when we leave water running for much too long?

OK, this is my problem. Woke up on 4th of July with very low water pressure. Could not find a leak. Shut off power to well and called a well man. Did a pressure test at the wellhead and said pressure was slowly rising but struggling from a possible leak. Fast forward, found a hose to the end of the property got turned on and ran all night from around 7 pm to 10 am.

Pressure came back up and cycled like it should. Well man said to let it rest for a couple of hours. Actually let it rest for a couple of days. Before all this, had great water pressure, could run a full washer and water pressure would be up. Now, water slows down to a trickle when filling the washing machine.

I don't know how old the pump, or pressure tank is, was here when I moved here 13 years ago. New pressure switch approximately 5 years ago. Tank is under house and can't exactly reach it to check the tank. When you take a shower now, you can feel the water pressure kick on which it didn't do previously.

Meaning, I can feel the well kick on because water pressure goes back up. I can hear the pressure switch short cycling, which I never did before. I can by pass all of this if it's the tank. I have a new setup, which includes a CSV (cycle stop valve) and a new small bladder tank. I just need to know if it's my pump. Like I said, don't know the age of it.

The well guy who was here cost me $300 for the hour and a half he was here on the holiday. If it is the pump, need to find a reasonable well company that isn't going to charge me 5K to change the pump. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks On 2020-07-14 by Audrey

Answer by (mod) -

Audrey

From what I can read in your note, we have the following concerns:

We surely would agree that if you've given the well plenty of time to recover its water and you still have poor or no water pressure then most likely there's something feels wrong.

It's not the most common but one possibility is this: On occasion we can exhaust a well and it does not recover - for example the water table has dropped. To continue this digression I've seen that happen in Mexico when a large factory farm moved into an area where they were small farms.

The factory farm pump so much water and drop the aquifer so far that the local Wells all simply with dry. You can drive down the highway and see all the dead trees.

It's also the case that you could still have a leak or water running somewhere that you haven't found

But the most likely explanation is the running your pump continuously for a very long time may have damaged the pump impeller or motor so the pump simply can't deliver water under is fishing pressure. On occasion the impeller can be cleaned cleared or repaired. Or the problem could be with the pump motor itself.

See also WATER PUMP SHORT CYCLE STOP VALVE

Water flows but pressure is not increasing in the water tank

New pump water is flowing but tank not getting pressure straight tank not a bladder On 2020-06-17 by Said

Solution by (mod) -

Said

Here are a few things to check.

First let's see if the tank happens to be waterlogged or filled with water.

If a tank is very light and easily moved it's probably not but if it's heavy and you can't juggle it even the least bit it may be filled with water and have lost its air charge.

Next if the tank was working normally before your new pump and is not accepting water now it's possible that a valve between the pump outlet and the tank has been locked closed.

Although we've discussed this with pressure tanks that use an internal bladder and we've set the bladder can become stuck to itself it's also possible that there can be a debris clock or blockage of the inlet to a non bladder type pressure tank such as yours.

When you say that the tank is not receiving any water, is there an air valve on the tank itself that you can use to check the pressure in the tank at that time?

See our step by step diagnosis and repair for your problem found

at WATER TANK BLADDER STUCK to ITSELF 

Explain why water pressure falls off when running water

Hi I need help, I live in the Philippines, and currently because of the Virus, very very difficult to find help, and parts, really at anytime, however as an Engineer and a DIY retired person, I had to tackle the problem myself.

For a few months we had been experiencing continual running pump which would not reach max pressure, so after a few very high Electrical bills I decided to tackle the problem.

System Single line deep well system horizontal 1hp pump, 2" main line pipe with single line inside, before I started I had no idea the diameter of the inside pipe, or what was on the end, check valve of Jet foot valve, after I started to work I found out it was 1" internal steel Pipe, and I think only a check valve, as we never got it out of the hole, because of the Leather washers, which as you know it is almost impossible to remove those once installed, mind unless you can tell me a way to do it.

My diagnostics to my original problem, showed either a problem on the pump, or foot valve/check valve.

Before I started the whole system in the house was checked, everything in the house worked good, no leaks, pressure ok. So I decided to take it apart,

Pump had a cracked blade in the pump, also very cheap pump, so I decided to pull the pipe, very very very difficult, as I think you will agree,those dam leather washers, after two days I finally got the pipe out, but lost the Foot Valve/check valve.

FYI I welded an extension to the pipe, and knocked the valve down into the well.

I replaced the Pipe with 11/4" PVC pipe with a Packer Jet foot valve, and a Gould 1HP J10+ Pump, very expensive by Philippine standards.

Now here is my problem pump works good, goes to 40/50psi no problems, holds its pressure good, But everything in the house and the garden, turn on for example the shower, tons of pressure, works good but slowly the pressure drops off, turn the shower off, wait a few minutes and try again works good, so go out to the pump, check the pressure, its good 43psi, run the garden facet, which is beside the pump house, starts great lots of pressure, but like the shower slowly looses pressure,

BUT the tank is still holding at about 20/30psi, if you let it run long enough it will go down to about 5/10psi, close the facet, and quickly goes to 40+psi.and switches off, and holds.
Any ideas? - On 2020-05-13 by Geoff Gee.

Help by (mod) -

Geoff

I'll be glad to assist;

Let's start with a step through the diagnostics at WATER PUMP WONT STOP RUNNING

as that offers a more-orderly and more-complete set of diagnostic steps than if I try to invent that information again from memory.

Please take a look, let me know what you think, try some of the basic diagnostics like checking voltage and checking pump operation and looking for leaks, and looking at the actual water level and flow rate in the well, and the depth of the static head in the well, and we'll continue from ther

Can't prime shallow well pump

Just installed a new shallow well pump. I have no footvalve but a check valve between well & suction.
I cannot seem to get water up to the valve - prime the pump.
Help! Thanks :) On 2020-04-22 by Brian

Suggestions by (mod) -

Brian

The most common problems will be

- loss of prime - leaky check valve

- a leak anywhere in the piping

- you are trying to lift water more than 25 ft.

Our diagnosis and repair procedures are

at

• PRIME the PUMP using a GARDEN HOSE
• PRIME THE PUMP BY PRIMING PLUG OPENING

Why is water pressure good in some areas of the house and not others?

My water pressure in the kitchen is great but my end of the house the toilet sink or shower none work however on the other end of house it's fine.. it's like the pipes on my end don't even try to draw any water..Pls help On 2019-12-30 by Anonymous

Suggestion by (mod) -

If the elevations are all the same then the difference is more likely to be due to clogged pipes or a partly closed valve or clogged elbow in piping.

On 2017-06-01 by Michael Plugged line to the gauge and pressure switch caused pressure switch to work improperly

Figured it out. Plugged line to the gauge and pressure switch.

...

We are on a well with a 40/60 pressure switch and a 44 gallon pressure tank that was at 38psi. Just recently we've started seeing our pressure steady from 60psi down to about 48psi then it falls off rapidly.

Water actually stops flowing for up to 20-30 seconds at around 42-44psi and then the pump kicks in at 40 psi.

I adjusted the cut in pressure to 42 psi and adjusted the pressure tank to 40psi with no discernible change. This happens both inside the house which has 2 pre filters and a whole house Aquasana system as well as at our hydrants being fed directly from the pit so dirty filters are unlikely. We changed them any way with no change in the house.

Could there be an issue with a clogged pipe feeding the pressure guage and pressure switch? What other cause could there be? Pressure tanks maintains its precharge, the pressure switch cuts in and out at the pressures indicated by the guage, and the pump kicks in as expected with great flow.

On 2017-06-01 by Anonymous

Thank you for the follow-up Michael, your results will certainly be helpful to other readers and I'll be sure that we keep your information in the data we present.

On 2017-05-06 by DavidG Our house has plenty of water but I never hear the pump turning on

Is it possible for the house to still have water if the submersible well pump is not working . I never hear the pump turn on. The recovery pump turns on but not the well pump

by (mod) -

David,

I'm not sure what you mean by recovery pump know how that pump is being used. It would help me if you could explain that.

There are systems in which a building might continue to have water pressure, such as buildings that use a rooftop water tank or a very large water pressure - storage tank. Of course an Artesian well will also continue to deliver some water pressure.

I wanted to add that when a well pump is a submersible unit, you won't hear the pump motor running.

But if your pump is a submersible unit (it's in the well) while you won't hear the pump itself you might hear the pressure control switch relay click shut to turn on the pump and click again to turn off the pump when you turn water on at a fixture and then back off.

by DavidG

So if submersible pump stopped working completely is there any chance we would still have water pressure inside the house

by (mod) - if submersible pump stopped working completely is there any chance we would still have water pressure

Not with a typical residential submersible pump and well system, at least not after the pressurised water in the pressure tank itself has been consumed.

Just how much of that water you'll get depends on the size of the pressure tank; typically that's 5-20 gallons but with very large water storage tanks used at some properties it could be hundreds of gallons.

 

 

On 2017-04-25 by David smith

I fix everything on my well new pump new switch. New pressurer guage and new foot value and the water doesnt come out strong and the water shut off please tell me what could be wrong

(mod) - water doesnt come out strong and the water shut off

David

If you primed the pump properly but still get no water, is there water in the well?Your well could be running out of water. Check also for clogged faucet strainers or shower heads.

 

On 2017-04-21 by dan New pump runs but we don't get any water

I just changed 1 and 1/2 hp pump and I attached it to same pipe coming out of the ground just 2 yards from new pump turn the power on and pump starts running so quietly compare to old one , but no water coming out -so disappointed- why? Anyone can advice?

by (mod) - no water, need to prime the pump

Dan:

Check that the pump has been properly primed.

See our pump priming instructions

at WATER PUMP PRIMING PROCEDURE

On 2017-04-18 by Segun Pump runs & we get water but no water enters the presure tank

my pumping machine pump water, but the water did not enter the thank, please what could be the cause

by (mod) - signs of a stuck tank bladder

Segun

Typically a bladder stuck to itself blocking tank inlet. Use the box above to search InspectApedia for WATER TANK BLADDER REPAIR or see WATER TANK BLADDERS & CAPTIVE AIR

On 2017-04-15 by elizabeth

We have plenty of water and plenty of pressure but there is surges in the water as we use it --flush the toilet is sounds like its going from high to low gear ---below ground well pump --- had this problem after changing relay switch

by (mod) - Surging water pressure

Surging water pressure is usually traced to a well pump short-cycling problem that is usually traced to a waterlogged pressure tank.

See WATER PUMP SHORT CYCLING CAUSES

On 2017-04-03 by Anonymous

bladder replaced 4 months ago had heavy usage the day before problem

well motor working no water being pumped not submersible

by (mod) -

Anon:

Your well may be exhausted, or your pump may have lost prime, perhaps due to a bad foot valve; it's also common that when a pump has been run dry too long it suffers internal damage and can't develop pressure. Those are some things to check.

• WATER PRESSURE TABLE 1: PUMP WON'T RUN, WON'T STOP, or CYCLES
• WATER PRESSURE TABLE 2: PUMP RUNS, WEAK or NO WATER PRESSURE
• WATER PRESSURE TABLE 3: PUMP RUNS, NO WATER or INSUFFICIENT WATER

On 2017-03-22 by Amy

My well electric and pipe an tank were blown over in a storm. I have fixed everything all new pump switch and gauge. Tank is charged to 38. The gauge is a 30-50. When power turned on gauge raises to 30. Turn on faucet fast and water stops and gauge drops to zero. What should i do?

by (mod) - water pressure problems after a thunderstorm damaged components

Amy

This is a submersible pump, right?

It sounds as if the pump is delivering limited pressure; possibly the pump itself is damaged, or its wiring; for example some 240V submersible pumps will pump weakly on 120V.

But start by correcting your pressure tank air pre-charge. If your pressure control is a 30/50 switch, then the air precharge pressure in the tank (when water has run until no more comes out while the pump is switches OFF) should be 2 psi below the cut-in pressure. That means your air pre-charge needs to be 28 psi.

When you set the tank pre-charge pressure ABOVE the pump CUT-IN (38 is above 30) then the switch thinks there's plenty of water and it'll never turn on the pump.

Keep me posted so I'll know if my smarty-pants answer works for you.

 

On 2017-02-13 by Alton Stewart

I have a submersible pump in my 7 year old drilled well, we lost water and found that the contacts were not working on the switch to make pump come on.

Replaced it and that's working now, can hear the pump running in the well and I have 30lbs of pressure in tank. Gage reads 0 on gauge on water line. Still no water??? Any ideas ?

by (mod) - pump runs, no water delivered

If the pump runs but no water is delivered I suspect any of several causes such as a damaged pump, leaks in piping, no water in the well, even a closed valve. TURN OFF THE PUMP in hope we can avoid ruining it.

Then search InspectApedia for WATER PUMP WONT STOP RUNNING to read diagnosis and repair details.

 

On 2017-01-18 by Marilyn :

pump runs on and off in short bursts, weak water pressure My pump has started to run for a short time then cut off then run again. Have less water pressure than before. Suspect there is air in the line. Hear noises when pump is not running.The pressure has dropped and I am getting only a small amount of water than I had before.

My pump has started to run for a short time then cut off then run again. Have less water pressure than before. Suspect there is air in the line. Hear noises when pump is not running.The pressure has dropped and I am getting only a small amount of water than I had before.

by (mod) - pump runs on and off in short bursts,

Marylin

As we don't know what sort of well and well pump you have installed I can but speculate:

If the well runs out of water you might see air discharge at faucets, or worse, if the pump runs dry it can be damaged so that later it won't pump water or won't pump to the same pressure level as before.

What you describe sounds like a pump system with a switch or other control intended from allowing the pump to run "dry" if it's not getting water - as that damages the pump.

Complicating the analysis, some wells contain a tailpiece in the well a the well bottom piping - a device intended to prevent a 2-line jet pump from running dry if there's no water in the well. If a tailpiece is installed the pump will run but it's recycling the same water down the smaller well pipe and up the large one back to the jet pump - and you will see no water or much less water pressure in the home.

 

On 2017-01-12 by Harvey Bell

- switch is not re-starting the pump My system water pressure decreases at the faucet, but the pressure switch doesn't restart the submersible pump.

Is this possibly the pressure switch or the bladder tank? The bladder tank shows 40# and the pressure gauge shows 40#, but the pump doesn't start even though the water pressure at the faucet is noticeably diminished.

by (mod) - My system water pressure decreases at the faucet, but the pressure switch doesn't restart the submersible pump.

Harvey

Once water pressure falls below the cut-in pressure on the control switch if the switch does not turn on the pump you should replace the switch - it's probably clogged.

WATER PUMP PRESSURE CONTROL SWITCH

 

On 2017-01-07 by bradley akins

- pump runs but we don't get water why would the well pump be running but no water pressure or water

On 2017-01-07 by (mod) - pump runs but we don't get water

Bradley

A number of reasons for loss of water pressure are at WATER PRESSURE LOSS DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR https://InspectAPedia.com/water/Poor_Water_Pressure_Diagnosis.php

they include things like:

- loss of pump prime
- no water in well
- well piping leak

 

On 2017-01-06 by Aleesha kiehl

- pump stops in cold weather Why would pump stop working everytime it gets really cold? Pipes aren't frozen.

On 2017-01-06 by (mod) - pump stops in cold weather

Aleesha:

Perhaps moisture in the pump switch or loss of water in the well or a line that's frozen that you've missed. I'm flying blind with so little info. Have you had anyone on-site to take a look at the system?

Wamda:
I'd look for a clogged valve or elbow or pipe section at a point after the hot and cold water pipes branch apart but ahead of all of the remaining plumbing fixtures and connections

 

On 2016-12-01 1 1 by Jtam - orange brown well water

We have a similar problem to Matthes. We installed a submersible well pump (over 200ft) and a pressure tank as well all new.

Everything seemed to be good except that the water was orange/brown. We bought a whole house water filter system and installed it. After installing it the water cleaned up, but now we have low pressure.

No water circulates into the pipes or fixtures. Could it be that there is a build up somewhere that is causing this? Or any other ideas that can help with finding out what it could be?

by (mod) Orange brown water:

take a test sample to your local water test lab so that we know what you're dealing with and thus what treatment or steps are needed to deal with the water's chemistry. It might be just sediment - in which case the reduced pressure you describe could simply be a clogged filter - if so you may need a higher capacity water filter installed so as to avoid having to keep changing it out rapidly.

Iron deposits can clog pipes and may be harder to remove from the piping system, that's why I suggested a water test. Of course you also want to know that the color is not due to some other unhealthy or dangerous contaminant.

On 2016-11-25 by eugene

- water only runs at one faucet at a time I have well water in my new home. the water only runs to one faucet at a time. so when I take a shower no other water is being distributed to toilets or faucets. do I need a new pump or something?

by (mod) - water only runs at one faucet at a time

Eugene I think you are describing a very poor water flow rate.

The problem could be clogged piping, low water in the well, a piping leak, or a damaged pump or even low voltage to the pump.

I'd start by checking the list of common causes in the article above - before replacing the pump let's get the right diagnosis.

 

On 2016-09-09 by jim

I recently had a new bladder tank installed in my well pit and upgraded wiring and other related items. later on I noticed from time to time I would lose the water pressure for a few seconds.

Usually after flushing the toilet or while taking a shower. Recently, I noticed a loss of pressure at the hose right at the well pit itself. Happens about 5 or 6 times a week at random times. Thoughts?

by (mod) - from time to time I would lose the water pressure for a few seconds.

Sounds like a pressure switch sticking, clogged, failing. See WATER PUMP PRESSURE CONTROL SWITCH

 

On 2016-08-16 by pbhill1978 - air sounds in water piping

System: Submerisible well pump PROBLEM: Have no water upstairs, only air sounds when you turn on and low water pressure down stairs. Replaced pressure switch box on well.

Pipes are all in the walls but no signs of wetness in the house.

Wet area under house under washing machine but washing machine installer didn't tighten the hoses tight and they leaked.

Seem like me are about to not have any water. How can we find out for sure if there is any leaks?

by (mod) - Have no water upstairs, only air sounds

Sounds to me as if your pump is not operating or the well has lost water.

See NO WATER PRESSURE for a by step diagnostic article

 

On 2016-08-02 by Larry

Have a deep well it will build up pressure to 20 and stay even when water is on and will not go above 20 when waters is off and keeps running

by Mod - pressure will not go above 20 when waters is off and keeps running

I would check for

- a damaged pump impeller

- low voltage

- well piping leak

Search InspectApedia for WELL PUMP WON'T STOP RUNNING to read diagnosis and repair details or

see WATER PUMP WONT STOP RUNNING

 

 

On 2016-07-12 by plumberd71@gmail.com

If more than 1 fixture turned on pressure drops to almost nothing. Great pressure using 1 fixture. New pump and tank. Plastic water lines sized correctly. Treatment system bypassed. Stenner pump for sulphur. Any ideas?

by (mod) - more than 1 fixture turned on pressure drops to almost nothing

Plumber

Typically we separate static pressure - what pressure do we read when no water is being run - from flow rate. People typically use "pressure" for flow rate but that's a bit confusing.

When your pump is able to pump up to 40 or 50 psi, that's adequate pressure.
But if the flow rate drops to poor when more faucets are opened, that suggests that pipes are clogged, under-sized, blocked by solder blobs, or a valve is partly closed.

In the More Reading links see WATER PRESSURE PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS TABLE

 

 

On 2016-06-30 by MJ

Using shallow well for yard watering.. turn well on water strong lots if pressure and dirty water. ..after 5 to 6min water clear but water comes out very little and no pressure...if i close faucet it builds up thw drops again cant not with sprinkler...please help

by (mod) -

OF course, MJ because if your pump and water use flow rate exceed the well's recovery rate, you'll run out of water again.

Sounds as if you need to check with a local well driller, inspect the well and piping to be sure that's intact, get the well specifications, depth, static head, recovery rate or flow rate, and compare that with your experience.

 

On 2016-06-30 by Ricki

Was using sprinkler in yard for less then 15 minutes when we lost water. Immediately turned off pump. Turned in a short time later and the pump pumped water from the well but would not gain proper pressure. Since we have changed the pressure switch and gauge.

The pressure still would not raise above 25lbs. Pressure tank has pressure. We took the pump to be checked by a repair shop who cleaned it, serviced it, replaced a seal, and tested it.

When we hooked it back up it went to 20lbs then dropped all pressure. Pressure tank remains the same pressure and pump does not lose it's prime.

by (mod) - The pressure still would not raise above 25lbs

Sounds as if the well was exhausted; it's also possible that the sediment/debris has clogged faucets or other items in the water piping pathway.

 

On 2016-06-26 by Terry

A fuse blew on my well and all water ran out of my house. I change the fuse and now I'm still have no water coming out

by (mod) - A fuse blew on my well and all water ran out of my house.

Terry, chances are your system lost prime, perhaps because of a leaky foot valve. Search InspectApedia for WATER PUMP PRIMING PROCEDURE

 

On 2016-06-03 by Art

Lose water pressure after I wash clothes

by (mod) - Lose water pressure after I wash clothes

Typically, Art, that's happening because the water demand is exceeding the well flow rate.

 

On 2016-05-28 by Percy

My home runs on a private well. The cold water has really low pressure in the showers, kitchen sink and both bathroom sinks hardly have any hot or cold pressure what is the problem?

My kitvhen sink also has a gas smell that comes up through the drain certain times of the day?

by (mod) - weak water pressure, suspecdt the pump, gas smell

Percy,

Using the search box above or at page top, or see DIAGNOSTIC TABLE for WATER PUMPS or search for these articles: WATER PRESSURE PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS TABLE or see WATER PRESSURE IMPROVEMENT

Watch out: Also search InspectApedia.com for METHANE GAS ODORS to read some important safety warnings. Methane gas can be from a dry sink trap, slow drain, bad plumbing vent and explosive sewer gas leaks back into the building. Methane is occasionally also found in the water supply in some areas.

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