Replace Pressure Gauge

[skizoidal]

During some very cold weather about a month ago, I temporarily lost water flow, but was able to quickly restore it by taking a hair dryer to the inlet pipe just before the pressure gauge and pressure switch. When the water flow restarted, however, the readings on the pressure gauge were increased by about 50 psi. That is, instead of the usual 30/50 on/off, the gauge now reads about 80/100 on/off. There doesn't seem to have been any change in water pressure or system operation, however, until today, when I'm noticing that water flow sometimes stops completely for a second or 2, then resumes as normal.

I'm thinking the pressure gauge was probably damaged and needs to be replaced. Does this sound right to you and, if yes, could I have some quick instructions on how to do this? I can obviously see that a nut needs to be loosened to remove the gauge, but what else should be done first. e.g., do I need to turn power to the well pump off, do I have to drain the pressure tank, etc.?

Also, what do you make of the brief pauses in water flow I described? Thanks! Gary

[speedbump]

The freezing probably did the gauge in. The gauge has absolutely nothing to do with the operation of your pump. The drop in pressure sounds like you have too much air in your bladder tank. When you install the new gauge, check the air pressure in the tank. It should be two pounds less than the pressure your pump turns on at.

bob...

[skizoidal]

Thanks for the quick reply and advice, Bob. I definitely want to try to replace the gauge myself, but I'm a real novice when it comes to plumbing, though generally handy, and have never replaced this gauge before.

Could you give me some quick instructions on what I need to do before actually unscrewing the gauge (turning off power to pump, draining pressure tank, etc.) and then what I'll need to do after I've put the new gauge on? Thanks again, Gary

[Wet_Boots]

Your standard pressure gauge has a 1/4 male pipe thread and a square shank for you to get a wrench on.

[speedbump]

You already have it figured out. Turn off power, open faucet until all pressure is gone. Unscrew gauge with (usually) a 9/16" open end wrench. Put pipe dope or Teflon Tape on threads, then reinstall the new one. Before turning the pump back on, check the air pressure in the tank.

bob...

[skizoidal]

Thanks again, Bob, but I'm a lot more clueless than you think. When you say "open faucet until all presssure is gone", do you mean the drain faucet on the tank, or any faucet in the house? And then, after I've installed the new gauge, how do I check the air pressure in the tank, what am I looking for when I check it, and what would I need to do if it's not right? I apologize for my ignorance and really appreciate your help. Gary

[Rancher]

When you say "open faucet until all presssure is gone", do you mean the drain faucet on the tank, or any faucet in the house?

Turn off the pump power, open the faucet at the tank (if there is one) then replace the gauge.

how do I check the air pressure in the tank, what am I looking for when I check it, and what would I need to do if it's not right?

There should be a tire type air valve on your tank, if not you have a different type tank. The air pressure in the tank when the water is drained out of it should be 2 psi less than the turn on pressure of the pump.

Rancher

[Wet_Boots]

You might use a sink/hose faucet to start, so the water doesn't need to be collected in a bucket. Then use the tank drain to finish.

[speedbump]

I assummed you had a bladder tank. That was a bad assumption on my part. Can you describe your tank to us.

bob...

[skizoidal]

Thanks to all for your interest and help.

Bob, I have a Well-X-Trol tank, Skirted Model WX-202, 12 years old. I'm a layman, so I have no idea whether it has a bladder or what the significance of that is. The warranty does state that it's a "Pre-pressurized Diaphragm Well Tank"; is a diaphragm the same as a bladder? (Are we doing plumbing or human anatomy? )

I can tell you that it's connected to the pump supply line by an elbow that has a pipe that enters the tank through an opening near the bottom of the tank. There isn't a drain faucet on the tank per se. Rather, there's a faucet with handle attached to the elbow fitting opposite the pipe entering the tank, thus going 90 degrees from the elbow away from the tank.

[speedbump]

It's a bladder tank. However it's kinda near the end of its useful life.

Any faucet will do. Your going to get some water out of the gauge hole no matter what, it goes with the territory. If you don't that means the hole is filled up with mineral and needs to be cleaned out.

bob...