Water tank diagnostic FAQs:

this article provides answers to frequently-asked questions about how to diagnose problems with the water pump or tank supplying building water pressure & flow.

These questions help sort out the causes of water pressure problems and help determine if the problem appears to be at the water pump, water pressure tank, water piping, or water source such as a private well or water storage tank.

Well Tank Problems, Trouble With Water Pressure Following Water Pressure Tank Replacement or Relocation, etc.

How might a bad water pressure tank be related to water pressure or water supply loss symptoms

[Click to enlarge any image]

• A bad or defective water pressure tank or water tank bladder  can cause well pump short cycling which in turn is hard on the pump (damages the pump) and, especially with an older pump, might push it over the edge of failure.
  
  When the water pump fails the building will lose water supply completely (unless it is served by an artesian well).
• A water pump might be at end of its life and about to burn up but still work after a cool-down cycle (some pumps have a thermal overload that shuts them off and an automatic reset - especially one that is inaccessible such as a submersible).
  
  In this case water pressure and supply will return after the cool-down problem but the failure is likely to be recurrent.
• To review loss of air charge, water pump short cycling, water pump pressure control settings, and other water tank repairs be sure to
  
  see WATER PUMP & WATER TANK REPAIRS
• Also see  WATER TANK AIR VOLUME CONTROLS
  
  and   WATER TANK AIR INLET VALVE as well as more water tank diagnosis & repair articles at the end of this article.

 

Reader Comments & Q&A on Well Tank SNAFUs

On 2020-09-02 - by (mod) -

Linda,

Please use a search box just above to search for the phrase

Air discharge from Plumbing fixtures

And you will find our article that describes the common causes and cures for what you described

On 2020-09-02 by Linda

I recently had my water tank replaced. I am currently experiencing bursts of air (?) When running the water. I was told this is a well issue. Never had the problem before. Any suggestions?

On 2020-08-11 - by (mod) -

Rick

You're right that you ought not feel air leaking at the tank drain; That alone suggests that the tank drain itself is leaky and needs repair (washer) or replacement.

Separately, if the tank is empty of water the air pre-charge in the bladder is set to 2 psi below the pressure switch CUT-IN.

So try this:

Empty the tank of water

Leave the tank drain open.

Set the bladder pre-charge pressure to 2 psi below the cut-in pressure.

Wait 24 hours.

Measure air pressure in the bladder, using a tire gauge or dial gauge at the tank air charge valve.

let me know what you find.

On 2020-08-10 by Rick

I believe I may have a minor air leak in the bladder of my water tank. When I shut off the pump, empty the tank, and supply air to the valve at the top of the tank, I can feel air leaking from the tank's drain valve. Is this normal to avoid bladder leaks when there is no water opposing the air pressure, or do I have a small leak in my tank bladder?

On 2020-07-20 - by (mod) -

Carol

Sometimes the trades person is totally competent and accurate and honest but may not be clear Communicator. It's perfectly appropriate for you to ask for some details including please point to the problem show it to me and please explain to me why you were saying whatever.

I would surely have thought that even if the plumber heard a problem while working on your house, such as a short cycling water pump that can be traced to the water tank problem, that the public would have looked at the tank to determine a tank type, condition, and whether or not a trivial fix such as adding are is all that was required. But that's just a guess as I have not a shred of information about your situation.

On 2020-07-16 by Carol Albany

I had a plumber come to repair a leaky pipe under my kitchen sink. He never left my kitchen, and within 10 minutes he gave me a $2,000 estimate to replace my "bad" well water tank. How did he know it was bad? I'm getting ready to ask him the question. He's also charging me $350 to repair the leaky pipe, and wants to replace a "filter" under the sink for an additional $250. I've already said, "No," to the filter replacement.

The plumbing company was recommended by my next door neighbor, it has an A+ BBB rating and great online reviews. However, I'm now skeptical about this guy's quick action to tell me I need to replace my well water tank without actually looking at it. Any feedback would be appreciated.

On 2020-07-11 - by (mod) -

That does sound odd,
But first, where is the pressure control switch in relation to the water tank?

On 2020-07-10 by James

I had my pressure tank and cut off switch moved into my house as it needed replacement and it was buried. The plumber tied into the cold water line coming into the hot water tank then ran it to the pressure tank. The problem I'm now having is when the pump kicks in I lose all my hot water when using the shower. I believe it should be run into pressure tank 1st then to hot water heater.

On 2020-06-17 by danjoefriedman (mod) - replace pressure switch that has to be tapped or rapped-on to run

Jeffrey

I would replace the pressure control switch - suspecting that it's debris clogged. Also be sure the tube or pipe conducting pressure to the control is not blocked.

On 2020-06-17 by Jeffrey Rasel

I have to tap on the spring area of the pressure tank almost daily to make it come on and water to flow again.

On 2020-05-26 - by (mod) -

Right, the water tank air pre-charge, when there is NO water pressure in the system and the pump is OFF, should be 2 psi below the pump CUT-IN pressure.

Of course you may also have water running somewhere such as a leak or a running toilet.

Yes you can add air to the pressure tank.

see WATER TANK AIR, HOW TO ADD https://inspectapedia.com/water/Water_Tank_Air_Charge.php

On 2020-05-26 by Erin

We have started noticing a drop in water pressure. I checked the air pressure compared to the pressure gauge and they were the same when the tank was full. I then released the pressure in the tank and checked to with a tire gauge again and the psi was 12. I thought when the pressure was released from the tank you should still get a psi reading of about 28 (or 2-3psi lower than the cut in pressure)

The pressure tank is cutting in at 30 and out at 50. We don’t seem to have water pressure for long at all in the house. Can I add air pressure in the tank To get a reading of 28 psi when the pressure is released?

On 2019-04-10 - by (mod) -

Dusty

The water pressure problem is not due to your pressure tank.

And unless you fooled with the pressure switch settings and dropped the CUT OUT way down, it's not due to your pressure control switch.

The water PRESSURE (or actually flow-rate at a plumbing fixture) is determined by

- the pressure to which the pump is capable of delivering water

- the diameter of pipes or their state: clogs, such as from scale can significantly cut the flow rate

- the available water: if the well runs out of water no pump, even a more powerful one, can give you faster flow rate unless you first build up a reservoir of water

Take a look at the water pressure problem diagnostics starting at WATER PRESSURE LOSS DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR - home inspectapedia.com/water/Poor_Water_Pressure_Diagnosis.php

and let me know what you find

OR you could just click right over to

WATER PRESSURE IMPROVEMENT at inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Water_Pressure_Improvements.php

On 2019-04-10 by Dusty rogers

I have a small home with one bathroom. My well is having issues.i cant flush the toliet and run the kitchen sink. Or if im doing laundry i cant run any other water. The pressure is terrible. I've replaced the water tank. The pressure switch.. all the plumbing in the well house ( body, control switches , everything) new filter housing and filter. Still no pressure.. what else could it be

On 2019-04-10 by (mod) - my water pressure is terrible

Dusty

The water pressure problem is not due to your pressure tank.

And unless you fooled with the pressure switch settings and dropped the CUT OUT way down, it's not due to your pressure control switch.

The water PRESSURE (or actually flow-rate at a plumbing fixture) is determined by

- the pressure to which the pump is capable of delivering water

- the diameter of pipes or their state: clogs, such as from scale can significantly cut the flow rate

- the available water: if the well runs out of water no pump, even a more powerful one, can give you faster flow rate unless you first build up a reservoir of water

Take a look at the water pressure problem diagnostics starting at WATER PRESSURE LOSS DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR - home inspectapedia.com/water/Poor_Water_Pressure_Diagnosis.php

and let me know what you find

OR you could just click right over to

WATER PRESSURE IMPROVEMENT at https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Water_Pressure_Improvements.php

On 2019-04-10 by Dusty rogers

I have a small home with one bathroom. My well is having issues.i cant flush the toliet and run the kitchen sink. Or if im doing laundry i cant run any other water. The pressure is terrible. I've replaced the water tank. The pressure switch.. all the plumbing in the well house ( body, control switches , everything) new filter housing and filter. Still no pressure.. what else could it be

On 2018-10-01 by (mod) -

George

We give the diagnostic steps you will need at NO WATER PRESSURE https://inspectapedia.com/water/No_Water_Pressure.php

On 2018-10-01 by George

I left my house earlier and had water when I came home I had no water and the the pressure gauge on my storage tank reads 0

On 2017-02-08 by JLD

My water has low pressure. Also comes in spurts when you first turn it on. It takes a while for the pump to kick on. There is water on the floor around the water tank but cannot find where it is leaking from. Any solutions other than a new pump and water tank?

On 2016-12-20 by (mod) -

Dan please take a look in our ARTICLE INDEX for WELL PUMP RUNS for NO REASON, or search for INTERMITTENT WELL PUMP CYCLING to read how to diagnose and fix the problem you describe.

On 2016-12-19 by Dan

Occasionally my water pump will kick on to pressure tank backup when we are not using any water have heard it in the middle of the night. What could cause this?

On 2016-11-08 by (mod) -

If no air and no water came out of the air charge valve AND the tank gauge shows pressure, I suspect the tank bladder could be stuck to itself or torn and the tank flooded.

On 2016-11-08 by Al Fanelli

I have a Control switch that is short cycling. I've been told the bladder pressure tank may have a bad bladder and the switch may be bad. They are both about 11 years old. I thought if I pressed on the schrader valve pin either water or air would come out. Neither happend. The tank is full of water. Any idea of what is going on?

Question: my water system has a pump but no pressure tank, now my pump is losing pressure ...

I don't have a tank so the water comes out by the pump so the pump runs the entire time I use my sprinkers. The pump runs but doesn't seem to run as high as it usually sounds so my water doesn't keep coming out. Do I need a new pump? I replaced it 4 years ago. - Debbie 4/16/12

Reply:

Debbie, if you run a well pump with no pressure tank to make the pump's life easier, you have to expect a reduced pump life.

Your pump may have a worn internal bushing, damaged impeller, or a similar mechanical part damaged.

SPECULATING, I could imagine also that the rapid on-off cycling of the pump (that's what typically happens if you run a pump on a water system with no pressure tank) might have even burned electrical contacts on a switch. Normally I'd expect the switch to just top working, but maybe instead you're seeing increased resistance and/or low voltage in the system.

Question: We relocated our water pressure tank and now can't get any water - what's wrong?

We moved our fresh water tank at the cabin from our driveway above the cabin to under the cabin. The pump has always been located under the cabin. Now the tank sits a few feet below pump level and we cannot get water to the cabin. The tank water level is slightly below the pump. - Pat

Reply: Provided the water pressure tank is not too high above your jet pump the problem is not moving the tank it's more likely a plumbing mistake or pump/pump control problem.

Pat: even a one line jet pump can lift water about 25 feet. So I suspect your pump needs replacement. If that's not the problem then it's lost prime or there is another issue.

Question: Water pressure at shower drops and water temperature varies just after we replaced our bladderless steel water tank with an internal-bladder model

I just replaced my old style steel cold water tank with a pressurized tank. I have a 40-60 jet pump that worked fine with the old tank. Now, when the I turn on the water at the shower, when the pump gets to 40 psi, the pressure drops way off and the water temperature oscillates between hot and cold. The system did not do this before I put in the pressurized tank. - Mike Barber

Reply: Things to check when water pressure behavior is odd following water tank replacement

Mike, This is an tough water pressure diagnosis question for which I have to guess at some things that are worth investigating further, as I'm not sure exactly what's wrong.

Check the operating pressure cycle of the pump and tank system by running water while watching the pump, tank, and pressure gauge.

Note the gauge pressure at which the pump cuts in and out. Typically the range is 20/40 or 30/50 cut in and cut out.

Assuming your pump pressure control switch is set (factory) to 20/40, if the the pressure gauge reads 40 just when the pump cuts OFF then the pressure, switch, and system look normal - so far. (If you run water too fast at a nearby fixture the pump may never reach its cut-off pressure, in which case once the pump is running then turn off the water running in the house so we can see the cutoff pressure).

Watch out: debris or other problems can lead a water pressure gauge to give inaccurate water pressure readings. Try tapping gently on the gauge if it is not responding to the pump turning on and off, and see WATER PRESSURE GAUGE ACCURACY for details.

If the pump cuts off at 40 as above and the gauge reads 40, you should have a fully pressurized water pressure tank with a normal dose of water in the tank. You can confirm this in part by gently rocking the water tank - it should be heavy and not move easily. Don't push around so much as to move pipes and start a leak.

Now turn ono water at the shower. If you do NOT have good water pressure and flow, then I suspect that there is a blockage somewhere in the system. Check pressure and flow at other fixtures. If ALL plumbing fixtures have poor flow, then the blockage is at or close to the water pressure tank.

Some pressure tank bladders can sometimes stick or collapse or tear, interfering with water pressure leaving the tank. Under the conditions above, if the pressure in the house is poor at pump cut off I suspect that may be the problem and some tank diagnosis, a tank installation problem, or a tank bladder defect are worth pursuing. A Minnesota plumber told me they sometimes free up a stuck tank bladder by briefly holding the pressure switch down to force tank pressure 10-20 psi above normal

Watch out: excessive water tank pressure beyond its design pressure can burst the tank and injure someone.

This is particularly true if no one installed the necessary pressure relief valve at the water pressure tank. See WATER TANK RELIEF VALVE

If the water pressure drop is just at the shower I suspect debris blocking at the shower head or piping.

The fluctuating "hot and cold" temperature is another important clue to consider.To me that suggests that cold water flow in the whole system has at that point become intermittent but not through the entire system.

By that I mean if pressure leavinvg the water tank were itnermittent then because cold water is flowing BOTH to the hot water tank (where it pushes hot water out to the plumbing fixture) AND to the cold water deliver lines in the home, THEN both hot and cold pressure would fluctuate together (I'd think), so the water pressure would vary at the shower but the temp would vary less as hot and cold are both flowing through the whole system at same rate.

The implication of the case you describe (temperature varies significantly at the shower) implies to me that cold water is being blocked somewhere else than right at the water tank - because you're seeing more cold flow blockage than hot flow blockage.

Another reader found a solution to this problem at a debris block in a piping elbow in a cold water line.

Finally, if your pump pressure control switch is not behaving properly, say not turning on the pump at the CUT IN when it should, I suspect that there may be debris blocking at the pressure control switch. Sometimes changing out a water pressure tank can stir up debris in the whole water supply system, exacerbating a problem with the pump pressure control switch or piping.

This problem is more likely if the water supply suffers from clay or silt or other debris or if the building piping includes rusty iron pipes. A solution is to check and perhaps replace both the pressure control switch and the small diameter pipe nipple that mounts the switch body to the building water piping or pressure tank.

Please look into these possibilities and let me know what you're finding - what you learn will help other readers. And I'll think about and research this question further and add what else I can come up with.

Reader Follow-up from Michael Barber

I finally have gotten the time to get back to my water pressure problem. I replaced the old style steel tank with a "bladder" tank.

My pump is a 40/60. I opened the drain line (I added this to the main cold water line going into the house so I could run the water from under the house where the pump and water tank are) and have set the pump pressure switch so that it shuts off at precisely 60 psi and starts at 40 psi.

With the water line open the pump turns on right at 40 psi, then the pressure drops rapidly to about 20 psi and then slowly drops to between 8 and 12 psi where it stays until I close the water line. I set the tank pressure at 38 psi with the pump off after having drained the line.

When I use the shower, or any other faucet for that mater, the pressure is great for the first 3 to 3.5 mins but then drops off significantly and only partially returns to full pressure (consistent with what I see on the gauge under the house).

The problem I am having is that the water pressure did not act like this prior to replacing the tank.

Is this normal for these types of tanks? If so, should I just have my old tank welded up a reinstall it? I posted this on the site a few days ago but haven't had a response. At least that I could find. Thanks, - mike barber

Reply:

Thank you for the added details. Below I offer some diagnostic suggestions and comments:

Steady state water pressure at maximum flow rate:

It is normal for the water system pressure to remain at a much lower number (8-12 psi in your case) than the pump pressure control switch cut-off number (60 psi) when you are running a faucet and pipe wide open; The pressure you are seeing is the steady-state water pressure that the pump is capable of delivering continuously - a function of the pump horsepower, total lift, pipe lengths, diameter, bends, and other obstructions.

Steady state water pressure at single fixture flow rate:

When you do not have any other plumbing faucet wide open but are running a single fixture such as a shower or sink, and when you report good pressure for the first three minutes, most likely that pressure is being delivered by the water pressure tank that is starting at 60 psi and falls to 40 psi when the pump then turns on.

After that point we have exhausted the stored energy/pressure in the water pressure tank. Thence the water pressure we see in the system is strictly the pressure capability of the pump and piping properties I outlined just above.

Improving steady state water flow rate & pressure:

When the single fixture (or for that matter even multiple fixture) water flow rate is inadequate there are some things to check to fix the trouble. If the poor water system steady state flow rate/pressure has been present since installation or for a long time or developed slowly over months or years, we suspect limitations due to

• a weak well pump or an electrical problem not delivering full voltage to the pump
• poor water flow rate into the well (the pump doesn't have more water to deliver and is also protected from running dry by a low water flow rate device in the well)
• clogged piping or excessive bends, length of piping, or small diameter piping
• a clogged water filter
• other problems such as an increasing leak rate in well piping between well and building

see WATER PRESSURE PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS TABLE linked-to in the article above for a more complete list of diagnostic suggestions

When a poor water flow rate and pressure problem has developed suddenly we suspect:

• a damaged well pump or electrical wiring not delivering full voltage
• a control valve partly closed in the main supply piping system
• a solder blob or other similar blockage in newly installed piping
• stirred debris that has clogged a water filter or a stop valve in the piping system
• some other problem listed in the table given by the link above

Keep in touch - what you find will help other readers. - Daniel

Question: we have a driven point well with a pump that won't stop running until I turn off the water

I live in a mobile home with a point well system (2"). Today the pump kept running while I was sprinkling the garden. It did shut off when I turned the water off. Usually it cycles on & off while the water is running. Any suggestions? - Sharon 8/31/ 12

Reply:

Sharon

When a well pump keeps on running - just won't stop on its own, you will want to follow the well pump diagnostic steps at WATER PUMP WONT STOP RUNNING. (Search InspectApedia for that title if necessary)

When the well pump stops running when you turn off the water, then the problem is not likely to be the pressure switch, and more likely is instead a problem with the ability of the pump to deliver water fast enough for your usage rate. Since the pump used to be able to "get ahead of" your water demand when the only thing you were doing was running a garden sprinkler, here are some things to check:

• Check that no water is being used elsewhere at the same time - e.g. running toilets, laundry washing machine, faucets, etc.
• Check that there is no leak in the well piping or house piping system
• Check for a damaged pump impeller, or other pump problems such as low voltage to the pump
• Check for a well that has deteriorated in the well flow rate or yield

Question: Submersible well pump giving a big drop off in pressure, recovers only briefly, good pressure at the water filter cleanout valve

I have an in well pump, and what I'm getting is a big drop off of pressure in the house. It recovers after a while but does not last long ( bout a minute)then its just a trickle. I get good consistant pressure on the filter clean out valve but not in the house. When water is running in the house, the pump cuts on & off while water is running but never the pressure it should.. Any ideas would be appreciated - Rob 9/4/12

Reply:

Rob:

Rob it sounds as if your water filter may be clogged. Or the valve that temporarily bypasses or shuts off the water filter (to allow service) may be damaged, shut, improperly set. Also check for a waterlogged pressure tank - lost air charge.

Question: water pressure cycles between strong and weak; can it be the pressure tank?

i have a ground pump and of late i've noticed my toliets when flushed make a fill pause fill pause fill sound. Today i showered and could fill the water pressure strong and weak, then go strong again?

Can you tell me if it is the pressure tank under my house or the under ground water pump, which i replaced the wiring to the pump with the pipes. We do not know how old the pump or pressure tanke are.

This house is at least 18 years old. any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. How do i know when i need a new pump?

It is a 3 ft wide, 80 ft. deep well? Please any comment would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much a concerned mother of 2 youngions :) sk - Suzette Kerr 9/13/12

Reply:

Suzette, it sounds like a waterlogged water pressure tank.

In the ARTICLE INDEX see SHORT CYCLING WATER PUMP using the search box just above to diagnose and fix the problem.

Question:

The pressure sensor on my water pump has a rubber cap. There is a little drip from the small tip which accumulates in the rubber cap. Now I am loosing water pressure to 10 instead of the usual 30-50. I removed the rubber cap and re-seated it with return of the pressure but I am sure this is not a permanent fix as the leak is still there. What do I do now?? - Sandra 9/25/12

Reply:

Sandra,

Tell me the brand and model of switch so that we can review the manufacturers specs, and send me a photo of the drip problem el that I better understand where water is coming from.

Question: Issues with well water system: noisy pump, humming, pump keeps running;

Over the last few days I have had a few issues with our well after system.
Initial symptoms was a noisy pump (droning sound through out the pipes...

Like hum hum hum hum), constantly running pump ( noticed recently) Reset pump once or twice and system ran quieter for a few days.

Noise returned and reset the switch and noticed the contacts were a little dodgy

. A few days later the pump wasn't on (no pressure) and checked the contacts, cycled switch and all returned to normal.

Contacts looked loose so I replaced the switch and checked the pressures again. Noise at the at switch and gauge area where the pump line comes in is still there but not through the whole house. Pressure is 40 cut in 55out. I wanted to adjust the out up to 60psi but noticed the spring had no pressure on it.

I drained the system and checked the tank static charge pressure and it was very low. Went and bought a little air pump and charged to about 38psi. Checked operation and it functions well but noticed the pressure cut out is still 55, (played with cut out and still 55) and pressure drops off fast.

At this point I am still suspecting the check valve but I don't see it by the switch, I thought I would see an obvious fitting that has a direction arrow or something to denote a check valve.... Maybe on pump? So either pump or check valve with pump running all the time and not reaching 60 psi?

This morning no tap pressure or flow, pump shows 20psi. I flicked the switch on and off to the pump and the pump fired up, built pressure to 55 and cut out.

After a few cycles the pump I'd back to running all the time and not kicking out at all... Runs about 50psi.

Just short of cut out of 55 that it was previously cutting out at which should be 60 but I can't adjust the cut out up as the pressure isn't going that high and I can't lower it to cut out at lower pressure as the pressure is lower than what the minimum pressure cut out setting can be.
It held pressure. So pump runs all the time, and doesn't build pressure past 50.
Pump failing? - Chris 9/26/12

Reply:

Chris,
I don't fully get the picture, but offer that

- you can for the moment set the cut in to 20 and cut out to 40 psi so the pump should be able to reach the cutoff pressure.

- several problems can cause the pump to keep running (search InspectAPedia for

Pump won't shut off

Examples are a damaged pump impeller, a well with poor recovery rate, and a leal in well piping

Reader Follow-up:

Hi Dan,
The pump isn't reaching the minimum pressure for the max setting to be set. The low setting has a min and max setting it will work at and so does the max side. The issue here is that the pump does not reach the lowest setting the cut out high side works at. It must be about 55 is as low as the cut off setting will go.

Today the pressure was bad again and was around 20psi. I turned off the pump and turned it on again and it went up to about 40psi..still too low to set the cut out pressure.... Enough to have a shower though :)

I will say when the pump is turned off the water in the pressure tank empties. You can hear it...and it's odd that when I turn it back on again the pressure runs higher.
Maybe by switching it off, the water runs back through the check valve and pump and washes the impeller or valve clear?
I have read the section you refer to but not sure the symptoms are consistent.
I don't think a leak is the issue as switching the pump on and off shouldnt change the pressure..especially increase it.
Not sure a failing pump would either but it might be weak?
A stuck open or partially open check valve sounds right? Are these on the pump as I don't see it by with switch?

Maybe I could lower the cut in pressure and that would lower the cut out min pressure too?
So I go switch it on and off a few times and it builds back to 55psi and holds pressure for 30 seconds or so(that's long for this system) and cuts out.
Do that once more and only build to 40 and keeps running. Weird.

Time to call the guys who service and installed the system and see what they say.

Reply

Chris,

For now I would lower the cut-out pressure to be sure the pump won't burn itself up; but we need to find why the pump doesn't reach cutout pressure and address that. If the cutout is not set to some level that a pump simply cannot reach (say over 60 or 70 psi for some pumps) then more likely the problem is

• low water in the well
• a leak in piping somewhere
• a damaged pump impeller
• water is running somewhere fast enough to keep the pump going.

Question: water pump kicks on immediately every time we turn on the water

pump kicks on every time you turn water on? - Debra 10/2/2012

Reply:

Debra

If the pump turns on immediately whenever you turn on the water at a fixture, most likely the water pressure tank is waterlogged - it has lost its air charge.

Question:

We have replaced the pump switch recently, and the problem is getting worse if two things are running at the same time (i.e. toilet flush and washing machine) the pump(?) won't catch (when it hits the certain spot it's supposed to) and we have to manually go downstairs and reset it to get the water going again. What is the problem?? Please help before this problem gets worse!!!

Reply:

Adrienne,

Check for a debris-clogged sensor orifice on the pump pressure switch OR a debris-clogged tube that feeds water pressure to the switch.

Question: Water pressure stopped for 20 seconds at a time - problem traced to iron-clogged pressure switch; is this a water quality issue or a wear and tear issue?

We had an issue with water pressure ( water would stop flowing for 20 sec at a time) in a house we are renting. The owner called the local well drilling co. They replaced the pressure switch which was clogged with iron. Is this a wear and tear issue or a water quality issue or something else. - Sue Sue460@ptd.net - 9/7/2012

Reply:

Sue, thanks for the important question - it gives us a chance to clarify the problem with debris clogging at well pump pressure control switches and pressure gauges.

Debris in the water supply or sometimes rust in water piping can clog the small pressure sensor port on the bottom of a pressure control switch, causing it to fail to operate properly - that is, the debris prevents accurate sensing of actual water pressure so the switch may fail to turn a pump on or off as it should. In the "turn-off" case the result could be very dangerous as overpressurizing the water system could burst a pipe or even a pressure tank, injuring a bystander and flooding a building.

Similarly, the same problem can cause a water pressure gauge to fail to properly register water pressure accurately. Often we can detect this by tapping the gauge and seeing its pressure reading suddenly change, after observing that the gauge reads an abnormally low pressure or when the gauge pressure reading simply doesn't change.

While these problems can be repaired by replacing the clogged pressure control switch or pressure gauge, the root problem is debris or rust in the system - a problem that can be addressed by installing water filtration ahead of these components.

So in response to your question, the underlying problem is a water quality problem combined with inadequate water filtration, not a wear and tear issue - in my OPINION

Question: loss of water pressure after a power failure

(June 20, 2014) Bill said:
I have a submersible well pump, 3/4hp 190ft deep well. over the years I have replaced the pump,(5 yrs) the pressure switch, and the pressurized tank (85 gal.) 2 weeks ago we had an electrical outage. when power was restored I had to move the little handle on the pressure switch, to close the contacts for the well to start. everything was fine the water pumped up to 60 lbs on the guage and we had water.

Oover the last two weeks we have noticed it the washing machine, dish washer, is running or if a toilet is filling, there is very little pressure any where else in the house, until the pump kicks on. In the last two weeks I have replaced the pressure switch and the pressure tank with no improvement....T well seems to be operating as it should...

watching the guage it kicks on right at 40lbs and kicks off at 62lbs, just as it should..then you can watck the pressure gauge slowly decline and the pump kicks on st 40...It takes less than a minute for the pump to fill the tank...yet we still have the same pressure loss in the house..

.I have removed all th piping from where the plastic pipe from the well to the tank cleaned and replaced it all...there was less sediment in the piping than expected....I don't know what to do next?

Reply:

Bill do you thins there could be a probled with debris clogging of a filter ?

Following that check for loss of prime.

Following that check for lightning damage to the well pump, wiring, casing, piping.

Question: pressure tank fails to fill

(Aug 30, 2014) pressure tank fails to fill said:
pressure tank fails to fill

Reply:

Pressure

Check for a collapsed or damaged tank bladder or debris at the tank inlet.

Question:

(Sept 8, 2014) Brian said:
I live off-the-grid, so electrical consumption is especially important to me.

The house came to us with a WellXTrol 87 gallon pressure tank and an additional Well Mate 85 gallon tank, which the previous owner had purchased to place in line with the other tank, adding capacity and thus decreasing the number / frequency of pumping cycles and the accomapanying start up surge from the pump. I recently connected it as he had suggested (the pressure switch is equidistant from each tank), but am experiencing a problem… two, actually.

1) The new tank is not filling. I'm getting only a few gallons in the new tank (as evidenced by the condensation on the exterior of both tanks). I'm guessing it has something to do with the pre-charge in the air sections not being equal, but I'm not sure of the best way to resolve this.

2) I'm getting a lot of air "pockets" coming through when the pump is running. I get the sense that, because it is late summer, that my well (45' with a Grundfos submersible) may not be able to handle the draw down and I actually am sucking air. What is the learned consensus?

(Oct 6, 2014) Elizabeth said:
Hello, we have a pump in a "pit" that supplies water to our vacation property house.

We recently had some plumbing re-done and were advised to turn off the pump when we are not at the house. We did this and now when we turn on the pump in the pit, the pump turns on, but it does not supply water to the house. Any ideas on what might be the problem?

Reply:

Elizabeth

Most likely there is a leaky foot valve or check valve that allows loss of water in the pump and piping. Before you shut off the pump when the leak dropped water pressure in your system the pump came on and restored it.

After you shut off the pump the leak was able to lose so much water (and pressure) from your system that the pump lost its prime.

DO NOT keep running the pump in these conditions as it can be damaged or ruined if run dry.

See WATER PUMP PRIMING PROCEDURE At the ARTICLE INDEX at the end of this article on how to prime the pump to get water back.

But a proper repair will be to find and fix the leaky foot valve, check valve, piping or other leak that causes the trouble.

Question: small black specs in the water supply

(Nov 12, 2014) Susan said:
I have small black specks in my cold water, does the bladder wear out or breakdown?

Reply:

Susan one would think that since the pressure tank feeds both hot and cold building water piping systems the black specks would show up in both hot and cold water. Perhaps you've got corroding piping?

Question: Century jet pump not working, burning electric smell

(Nov 28, 2014) William said:
Hi we have a Amtrol well-x-trol water tank with a century jet pump (thats the info I can read anyway. This morning I have no water pressure or flow go into the house or any where. The pump makes a buzzing noise for about 5 to 10 seconds and stops and repeats the buzz 15 seconds later.

I shut off the pump as soon as I noticed this. The tank feels completly empty. It is a shallow jet pump, but i still checked to see if it has lost its prime, but it was full of water when I removed the plug. Reading as much info as I can on your site, trying to see if there is anyone else that may of had the same issue but it is kind of hard when everyone has different equiptment and issues that are not quite the same.

There was an electric burning smell at the pump when I first went to it this morning. Not sure if it is burnt or is on its way out. Seeing that its Thanksgiving, it will be hard to get someone out. Oh Happy Thanks giving to you. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks

Reply:

William it sounds as if the pump motor is not able to start - could be a failed motor, jammed impeller, or bad start-run capacitor.

In the ARTICLE INDEX found among the Continue Reading links at the end of this article you'll see more pump diagnostic articles beginning with WATER PUMP REPAIR GUIDE - home

Question: waterlogged pressure tank, now debris in the water

(Dec 20, 2014) u1024274 said:
My well tank was water logged. Plumber drained tank down and added air till it was at proper pressure. Tank is holding pressure and pump seems to be working as it should but water for last two days has been running dirty. Plumber says this will clear up. I'm wondering how to speed up the process.

Also it seems since the tank was fixed the water pressure at bathroom sink is way less than at tub spout in same bathroom. Is this an indication of a larger problem.

Reply:

(Dec 21, 2014) (mod) said:
You might clear up dirty water by flushing out the water heater, water pressure tank, and water piping. But first I'd check water coming from the well. IF the dirt source is there the issue is a different one.

...

Continue reading at WATER TANK REPAIR PROCEDURES or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see these

Recommended Articles

• WATER PUMP SHORT CYCLING CAUSES
• NO WATER PRESSURE
• WATER PRESSURE LOSS DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR - home
• WATER TANK REPAIR PROCEDURES

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WATER TANK DIAGNOSTIC FAQs at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

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INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to WATER SUPPLY, PUMPS TANKS WELLS & SPRINGS

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