well tank issues

I have read some posts on this website that are helping me alot, but like always, we all need to ask again in our own words so that it makes sense. So I apologize in advance.

First off, just moved in our new house with a well system. And so far we have a 1/2 hp jet pump and a Well Rite water tank and an unknown hot water tank(not an issue). But the pump was extremely loud and rusted up( even some mold) and with that pump, our pressure was horrible. It came on frequently while showering, etc. So my great idea was to replace the pump(3/4 hp), lose the noise and gain some pressure. But we all don't live in a perfect world with gum drops and chocolate rivers. My pressure was relatively the same and noise was just as loud.
So next, my friend and I went to the holding tank to check pressure with a gage. I found that it was at about 44psi ( cut in at 38), so we increased the pressure but all that happend was the pump came on and SHUT right off within a second. It did this for about 8-10 times before I said to myself something's wrong. So then we lowered the pressure to 36 as recomended and the pump started working just fine, going on every so often like I expected. BUt low pressure. So I went online to talk with the Well Rite people and they told me it has something to do with changing the pressure switch? to accomadate a tank of 58 psi.
Now, 58 psi to me seems out of the question with what I went through with the pump acting up. But he said you need to adjust the switch? And I read on these forums that there is a 30-50 / 40-60 switch or something like that. And that that might be an issue? What is 30-50 / 40-60, I think that this might help me understand why I have low pressure. I am not sure if I helped anyone answer my questions, it is a little confusing for me but thats my comfort zone, I love to learn. And before I get an 80$/hour plumber out here, I like to see if it something as simple as screwing something in or flicking a switch. Thank you in advance for your help.

40/60 means the pressure switch starts the pump at 40 and off at 60 PSI. The question is, will your pump build up to 60 PSI? With the power turned off (240V Be Careful), and a regular Squre D switch, one full turn of the large adjustment screw moves the on and off settings at the same time about 3 PSI. Tighten the large adjustment screw to increase the pressure. If it won't build up to 60 and shut off in a couple of minutes, loosen off on this adjustment until the pump does go off. Working at the highest pressure the pump can build can keep it from shutting off, which will melt down the pump. Find out what pressure the pump can build, then back off a little.

""and a regular Squre D switch, one full turn of the large adjustment screw moves the on and off settings at the same time about 3 PSI"" What does this mean? And also with screwing, is this on the pump or the tank box? Does my tank indicate how many pounds it can reach?

The pressure switch is probably on the side of the motor, where you hooked up the electric lines. 240 volts!!!! Do not touch anything until you are sure the power is off.

the newcomer said:

So next, my friend and I went to the holding tank to check pressure with a gage. I found that it was at about 44psi ( cut in at 38), so we increased the pressure but all that happend was the pump came on and SHUT right off within a second. It did this for about 8-10 times before I said to myself something's wrong. So then we lowered the pressure to 36 as recomended and the pump started working just fine, going on every so often like I expected. BUt low pressure. So I went online to talk with the Well Rite people and they told me it has something to do with changing the pressure switch? to accomadate a tank of 58 psi.

Click to expand...

When you check air pressure in a tank, the pump has to be turned off and tank has to be empty. Otherwise you are measuring water pressure and the reading will match a good water pressure gauge.

You need to set the air pressure in the pressure tank to 1-2 psi less than the turn the pump on (cutin) setting of the pressure switch with no water in the tank. I.E. 30/50 (on/off) gets 29-28 psi with no water in the tank.

Then you adjust the switch so it comes on at 30 and off at 50. Tightening the tall screw's nut raises both the 30/50, loosening decreases, and the short one increases/decreases the cutoff only.

I wonder if you bought a plastic pump usually made by Sta-Rite. They are sold by Sears, HD and Lowes among other places. They are noisy out of the box. A cast iron pump on the other hand is quiet in comparison.

If you got no improvement in pressure and bought one of those pumps, you probably actually bought another 1/2hp pump. They tend to over rate their horsepower.

Usually a short piece of rubber hose between the pump and house plumbing will help with the noise.