Newbie question

Thank you in advance for any help you throw my way. I have been reading a lot and there are some great members on this forum. This is the first property I have owned that had a well on it so please forgive my ignorance.

Here is my issue: We started noticing an irregular water pressure for the past 2 days. I just walked out to the pump house (I left the bthrm sink running) and could hear the pump clicking on and off in there. I noticed the pressure valve would hit 30 psi, pump panel would click, pressure rose to 60 psi and then immediately began dropping to 30 psi. So I had a pump turning on and off, on and off. Before I call a repairman out, does anyone have any advise as to what is going on, why it is happening and is there a DYI fix here. If at least, I hope to get a little educated so I am not at the mercy of the repairman. The pump is a Goulds if that helps.

Thanks!

I wish I had a nickel! Your pressure tank is out of air.

I am a bit of a newbie at these repairs myself. You might have to put in a new pressure tank. The air inside of the tank is what compresses as the pump fills it with water. Should have at least 20 psi in it when empthy. My mom's well was doing the exact same thing and it had a ruptured diaphram in the tank. (Rubber that seperates the water and air) I wound up changing the tank for her. They run from 150 to 300 dollars. Good luck.

Thanks for the replys. Next question: based on the possibility that it needs air...how do I fix that? Or is is like Barnes said, I need to replace the tank itself?

You do it like checking and adding air to a car tire. If you get water or water vapor when checking the air pressure, the tank is bad and needs to be replaced.

You drain the tank of all water and check/adjust the air pressure to 1-2 psi less than the cut-in (turn the pump on) pressure switch setting. So run water and watch the gauge until the pump comes on, note that pressure, then shut off the water and watch until the pump shuts off and note that pressure; it is the cut-out (turn the pump off) setting. I.E. 30 on 50 off is 30/50 and you need 29-28 psi air pressure with no water in the tank.

So I am learning that the tank should have a simple tire-like air valve on it to add air (duh!).

Valveman...I owe you a nickle if this fixes it!

Thanks Gary.

Look for a little plastic cap and look for the valve under it (usually on top of the tank).
As stated, with the pump off and all water pressure drained down, check the tank air pressure with a tire gauge. If water comes out, replace the tank.
The pressure should be two psi below the cut-on. If your pump is a half-horse, it's probably 20-40 psi cut-on/cut-off. If it's a 3/4 hp, it probably is 30-50. The tank should be pressurized at 18 psi for the first, and 28 psi for the second.
Bleed the air down if necessary, or add air with a bicycle pump or portable air tank or compressor.
Good Luck!
Mike