replaced pressure switch twice, pressure in tank GOES up and water goes?

[scott young]

Hey pros, etc.
My water pressure went to zero the other day, and I found that the control box was old, very rusty and funky as was the pressure switch. Replaced both, and had water for a week.......last night after the water softener was worked on we woke up to no water. So after the obligatory angry call to the softener guy I went to the Depot and bought another switch, installed it, and the water came on, filled to 40psi,didn't want to go up any more. Then I, on the advice of Rick (softener guy) turned the well breaker off, to give the well a chance to fill up (it's a 450 foot well). in 4 hours there was no water AGAIN but now almost 50psi in the tank. It is a big tank, 63 gallons (at least--we're the second owners) so I went to the forum and read that when water goes down, and pressure tank psi goes UP, that means the bladder is bad. I turned the breaker back on, lowered the tank back to 38, and the tank is filling up, but seems to stop at 42 or so on the pressure switch gauge.
What do you guys think?
Scott

[VAWellDriller]

Make absolute sure your gauge is good, and also check to make sure the 1/4" nipple between the pressure switch and the tank is not blocked. You should also drain tank and check the tank precharge.

[LLigetfa]

If the well continues to make water but the pump cannot reach the shutoff, then you probably have a hole in the pipe. Is there a topside checkvalve or more checkvalves in the line? If there is only the checkvalve in the pump, the water would run back out the hole when the pump is turned off but multiple checkvalves will mask it.

[scott young]

sounds feasible, but how in the heck do I find a hole if the pipe is buried--if it is PVC--is that even possible?

[LLigetfa]

sounds feasible, but how in the heck do I find a hole if the pipe is buried--if it is PVC--is that even possible?

More often than not, a hole will develop in the downpipe inside the well casing, often from abrasion caused by movement from torque.

[scott young]

the original builder said he put in washers around the downpipe to protect it.....its possible, it was his house---he made them from pvc.

[scott young]

Make absolute sure your gauge is good, and also check to make sure the 1/4" nipple between the pressure switch and the tank is not blocked. You should also drain tank and check the tank precharge.

When I replaced the switch, I didnt notice a nipple----I screwed the switch right on to the pipe------there was an extra piece ( a little brass fitting with a tiny tube) inthe box--that what you mean?

[LLigetfa]

The pipe you screwed it onto is called a nipple. Given their size, they can easily clog.

[scott young]

thanks--I cleaned it thoroughly with a tiny toothbrush before replacing the switch.

[LLigetfa]

A toothbrush cannot clean the inside of the nipple. For that you need to use something like a drillbit.