pumps keeps going off every hour

[Alexdc99]

For the last day I have heard the well pump going off every hour or so. I have no leaks so I am thinking my one way valve before the pump is slightly open allowing pressure to return to the well. I have a 30 foot surface well with 1 1" solid line run in to the basement to a Diamind Jet pump. Am I on the right track in thinking this is my problem. If not I cannot think of anywhere else I am loosing pressure.

Thanks

[Mike Swearingen]

Could be a leaking check valve, but a little more likely it's a problem with the pressure tank.
Turn the pump off, drain the water pressure off, and check the pressure tank with a tire gauge. It should read two psi below your pump cut-on pressure (i.e., if your pump is set for 20-40 cut-on/cut-off, it should be at 18 psi).
If it is low, air it up with a bicycle pump or portable air tank or compressor.
If it won't hold this pressure while not running (the pressure tank should be at the cut-off psi after the pump runs and shuts off), then you probably need to replace the pressure tank. The bladder is shot.
If the pressure tank is O.K., replace the check valve.
Good Luck!
Mike

[Alexdc99]

Thanks, I will check the tank pressure when the water pressure has been removed. If I need to buy a new pressure tank what is the optimal size to go with. I have a smallish tank now maybe 20 gallons or so, I'd have to go check to be sure.

Now that I think of it, I have noticed a different amount of water pressure coming out after the pump has ran to full pressure. Sometime I get a normal amount of water flow and other times I can see and feel the pressure is more.

[speedbump]

Since I have never heard of a Diamond pump, what brand tank do you have?


bob...

[Gary Slusser]

To prove the theory of a leak back to the well, shut off the water to the house and watch the pressure gauge for 30 minutes. If the pressure falls, you have a leak from the pump back to the foot valve in the well. Usually it is the foot valve but it could be the plumbing down the well or underground to the house.

If the pressure holds, then you have a leak in the house. The usual cause is toilet flapper valves leaking water into the bowl or the water level is too high and running over the overflow tube. Adjust the water level height to 1" below the top of the overload tube.

Gary
Quality Water Associates

[Alexdc99]

My pressure tank is a well-X-Trol, blue.

I have a a foot valve at the bottom of the well and I also have a check valve right before pump in the basement.

[speedbump]

Try what Gary suggested. If you don't have a leak in the house, remove the check valve and see if it get's worse.

bob...

[Alexdc99]

I have found the problem, someone left and outside hose attached and primed with water. It was leaking a small bit.

[speedbump]

Quote "I have no leaks"

Seems like you did have a leak. Closing the main valve would have proved that.

I still recommend removing the check valve.

bob...

[Alexdc99]

I didn't expect my son to go out back in the snow and put a hose on to rise a drum out and leave everything hooked up!