John in western WA
New Member
Hi all. First post here.
Reading through past posts I've gotten some good insights about the issue I'm having with the well. Still, I thought I'd ask for help since none are exactly like my symptoms.
Specs:
Submersible pump 1.5hp (21 years old)
Depth 238'
Pipe is 1.25" pvc with galvanized couplings
80 gallon pressure tank
40/60 pressure switch. (Contacts are shiny)
Symptoms:
This morning there was a noticeable pressure drop at kitchen sink.
Checked pressure at tank (20psi)
Switched off pump and pressure almost immediately dropped to zero. ~4 seconds
Checked pressure on top of pressure tank. It was low (22 psi).
With pump off and pressure reading zero psi, I added air to increase to 38 psi.
Switch pump back on...
It gained pressure very quickly then couldn't get over the hump of 40 psi. Pump kept running but never got over 38 psi. Checked water at sink...water flowing as normal. Turn off sink. Back out at pressure tank ...still not getting over 38psi. Switch off . Whooshing sound as though water leaving the tank. Tap on tank..sounds empty and feel light when slightly rocked.
Summary: pump runs and we can get water but pump never shuts down. As soon as it is manually switched off pressure drops rapidly to zero.
My diagnosis: a bad pump or check valve that will require having the pump pulled.
BUT I've read here it could also be a trapped slug of air (hammering.) ???
Any thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks for any help.
Reading through past posts I've gotten some good insights about the issue I'm having with the well. Still, I thought I'd ask for help since none are exactly like my symptoms.
Specs:
Submersible pump 1.5hp (21 years old)
Depth 238'
Pipe is 1.25" pvc with galvanized couplings
80 gallon pressure tank
40/60 pressure switch. (Contacts are shiny)
Symptoms:
This morning there was a noticeable pressure drop at kitchen sink.
Checked pressure at tank (20psi)
Switched off pump and pressure almost immediately dropped to zero. ~4 seconds
Checked pressure on top of pressure tank. It was low (22 psi).
With pump off and pressure reading zero psi, I added air to increase to 38 psi.
Switch pump back on...
It gained pressure very quickly then couldn't get over the hump of 40 psi. Pump kept running but never got over 38 psi. Checked water at sink...water flowing as normal. Turn off sink. Back out at pressure tank ...still not getting over 38psi. Switch off . Whooshing sound as though water leaving the tank. Tap on tank..sounds empty and feel light when slightly rocked.
Summary: pump runs and we can get water but pump never shuts down. As soon as it is manually switched off pressure drops rapidly to zero.
My diagnosis: a bad pump or check valve that will require having the pump pulled.
BUT I've read here it could also be a trapped slug of air (hammering.) ???
Any thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks for any help.
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