Water Pressure during regen

[jgiffing]

Hi - I have a 20 year old rainsoft system that recently started causing a loss of water pressure when the mineral tank back flushes. It does not loose pressure when the brine tank back flushes - just the mineral tank. The presssure gauge on the system generally shows 50-60psi. Water pressure is good throughout the day and night regardless of whether the shower, the dishwater or the clothes washer is running. The water pressure tank is showing 45psi with a tire gauge. The pump comes on around 40psi and stops around 60psi.

The rain soft guy says that the pressure switch may need to be replaced and wants us to call in a plumber. I think it is the water treatment system because I can hear the back flush starting in the middle of the night and then I immediately hear the pressure drop and the backflush process stop.

Do you have any ideas whether to focus on the water treatment system or the plumbing?

[Gary Slusser]

On average, based on sizes of each, a filter uses more/higher gpm when it backwashes than a softener does when it regenerates. So what is the problem? You aren't supposed to be using water when the filter or softener does their thing.

You don't read air pressure when you check the tank with an air gauge unless the tank is empty of water; you read the present water pressure and it should equal the water pressure gauge or one or both gauges is/are wrong.

There is nothing wrong with your pressure switch as long as the pump comes on and shuts off when it is supposed to; 40/60.

You can hear a pressure drop.... What does that mean?