Bought this house a year ago. Water would intermittently stop flowing for just a few seconds, and then start back up a few times a day. No biggie, just a hiccup. We could live with that.
Started getting longer before it turned back on, so we called a plumber. He said it was the pressure switch, replaced it, charged us $200, and left. It worked for about 45 minutes. Same problem came back.
So, we researched a little more, and all I can find is that it's the pressure switch. We opened the box that covers our well, took off the cap, ran the water, and watched to see what would happen.
*Turn water on. Pump not running. 45-50 lbs on gauge.
*Water stops flowing. Pump doesn't turn on. 40ish lbs on gauge.
*Wait a while (10-20 minutes), pressure on gauge doesn't actually move at all. Pump turns on and water pressure immediately returns. Pressure slowly rises to 50-55.
*Pump shuts off and pressure continues.
**Repeat the process, except flick the switch when water stops flowing. Pump kicks on, stays on until pressure comes back to 50-55. Water stops flowing at about 40ish on gauge.
If we just leave it alone, we lose water pressure in the house 6-8 times a day, for 20ish minutes at a time.
If it matters, we believe our pressure tank is underground. There is a Schrader valve sticking up out of the ground on a copper line. We cannot put air in nor get it to release pressure by pushing down on the valve stem.
Started getting longer before it turned back on, so we called a plumber. He said it was the pressure switch, replaced it, charged us $200, and left. It worked for about 45 minutes. Same problem came back.
So, we researched a little more, and all I can find is that it's the pressure switch. We opened the box that covers our well, took off the cap, ran the water, and watched to see what would happen.
*Turn water on. Pump not running. 45-50 lbs on gauge.
*Water stops flowing. Pump doesn't turn on. 40ish lbs on gauge.
*Wait a while (10-20 minutes), pressure on gauge doesn't actually move at all. Pump turns on and water pressure immediately returns. Pressure slowly rises to 50-55.
*Pump shuts off and pressure continues.
**Repeat the process, except flick the switch when water stops flowing. Pump kicks on, stays on until pressure comes back to 50-55. Water stops flowing at about 40ish on gauge.
If we just leave it alone, we lose water pressure in the house 6-8 times a day, for 20ish minutes at a time.
If it matters, we believe our pressure tank is underground. There is a Schrader valve sticking up out of the ground on a copper line. We cannot put air in nor get it to release pressure by pushing down on the valve stem.
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