Pressure tank gauge drops to zero before pump cuts on

[25td419]

That symptom could be various things. To know what to blame, you would want to know whether the pressure switch was sending power to the pump, and the pump was not delivering water, or if the pressure switch had a delayed closing (turn-on).

If what you describe is predictable, I would suspect that either the well is running out of water, or the pump motor is shutting down due to overheating.

Where is your pump? Down the well (submersible) or up top?

Yes. Zero water pressure results in no water in the tank, unless the tank has failed.

The pump is down the well. Our water turns back on after 1 minute of being off each time. Usually when our water is dry it is cloudy. Past week or 2 this has been happening. The water turns off and back on after 2 minutes

 

[Valveman]

Tripping the over load in the motor.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[LLigetfa]

Tripping the over load in the motor.

Yes, that would be my guess.

 

[Valveman]

The pump is down the well. Our water turns back on after 1 minute of being off each time. Usually when our water is dry it is cloudy. Past week or 2 this has been happening. The water turns off and back on after 2 minutes

The overload has probably been tripping more than you think. Those automatic overloads just reset themselves after they have cooled down for a minute or two and water just magically comes back on. However, the motor is working on borrowed time and will need to be replaced soon. A bad tank, pressure switch, check valve, and especially the pump/motor are all caused by the pump cycling on and off too much. Tripping the overload is just the last phase of a pumps life after too many cycles.

 

[25td419]

That symptom could be various things. To know what to blame, you would want to know whether the pressure switch was sending power to the pump, and the pump was not delivering water, or if the pressure switch had a delayed closing (turn-on).

If what you describe is predictable, I would suspect that either the well is running out of water, or the pump motor is shutting down due to overheating.

Where is your pump? Down the well (submersible) or up top?

Yes. Zero water pressure results in no water in the tank, unless the tank has failed.

Pump is down the well. It only takes a minute or two for water to kick back on. In the past when well went dry it was cloudy water

 

[25td419]

The overload has probably been tripping more than you think. Those automatic overloads just reset themselves after they have cooled down for a minute or two and water just magically comes back on. However, the motor is working on borrowed time and will need to be replaced soon. A bad tank, pressure switch, check valve, and especially the pump/motor are all caused by the pump cycling on and off too much. Tripping the overload is just the last phase of a pumps life after too many cycles.

Well I just put new pressure switch in. So I know it’s not switch

 

[Reach4]

Pump is down the well. It only takes a minute or two for water to kick back on. In the past when well went dry it was cloudy water

So you will be getting a new pump. This one is giving you some warning.

Do you know anything about the old pump, such as HP or gpm rating? How deep the well is? Reading the current going to the current pump can provide some info. A clamp-around ammeter would be a good addition to your tools.

You will want to pass that info to your pump person to help get a good pump selected.

 

[Valveman]

Well I just put new pressure switch in. So I know it’s not switch

A bad pressure switch, tank, check valve, or control box are all just indicators that you are cycling the pump too much.