Is my pressure gauge shot?? low water pressure.

[help4steveo]

Our house is 28 years old. deep well pump works fine, pressure set at 40/60 and bladder about 38.

I've noticed decreasing system pressure at the faucets/shower heads....probably over a 6 month period.

Some things I've thought of: Replace pressure gauge, buildup of crud in pipes over 30 years, ?? any other thoughts? Thanks..very useful forum!!!!

[Porky]

Who knows! I'd suspect buildup in the 30 year old pipes. It could be clogged or buildup in the faucet and shower heads. If there are filter screens in the faucets and shower heads I'd clean them with some CLR. I'd also check the screens in the washing machine hot and cold water hoses as well.

[cacher_chick]

I wondered about my galvanized pipes so I replaced a couple of sections to see what the inside looked like. Surprisingly, my 1962 piping is clean as a whistle on the inside.

I would start by monitoring the gauge pressure while a hose bib or tub is running- will the pump keep the gauge pressure up with the demand?

[Porky]

First I'd replace the guage, then do your test. Your pump should keep the pressure up with the demand, however this depends on the well supply and the pumps ability to supply sufficient water flow.