Early cut off

[j-son]

Long-time reader, first-time post.

Background: deep-well jet pump, pressure tank, 1820 house. Depth of the well is unknown. I replaced tank 1 year ago. Replaced the 1/2 HP pump last weekend with a bottom-of-the-line Wayne 1/2 HP. Then I removed the check valve between the pump and tank because the pump was short-cycling intermittently. I replaced the pump because it was short-cycling and making grinding noises, and it looked pretty old. Everything works more or less as normal now--cut on and cut off work, tank holds pressure, etc.--except...

Problem: Pressure switch is 30/50, tank is pressurized to 27.5 psi. Pump cuts on at 28 psi and off at 40 psi. It takes 2 minutes to recharge when there are no open taps. I wonder if I might have a leak somewhere underground or if the pump is just not up to the task or if it might be something altogether different. Anything I can test or look at to try to narrow down the issue?

Many thanks!

 

[Reach4]

Pump running 2 minutes after the pressure switch kicks on is not itself a problem. That is often considered ideal.

I would turn the nut on the small spring maybe 1/2 turn CCW, even if that takes the compression off of the spring. That should reduce the cut-off pressure slightly without reducing the cut-in. For the nut on the big spring (the range nut) range nut clockwise to increase the cut-in pressure and
counter-clockwise to lower the cut-in pressure. Three and a half
revolutions of the range nut will change both the cut-in and cut-out settings by approximately 10 psi. You might want to go 1/2 turn CCW on that. Then reduce the air precharge a bit. Typically you set the air precharge to about 5 psi lower than the cut-in pressure, but since you are doing fine with less difference, maybe go for a 3 psi difference.

Not being able to keep up with taking a shower would be a problem.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Valveman]

Many times a leak in the suction line is what makes a pump take a long time or sometimes never get the tank full.

 

[j-son]

Thanks, guys. Yes, 2 minutes is good. I'm using the pressure switch that came with the pump, which is not adjustable. Maybe tomorrow I'll swap that out with the normal pressure switch that I have and see how that goes. That one is 20/40, adjusted to 30/50. Might be interesting to compare.

I will also check for leaks at the suction line, at least what I can see of it. But the pump is cutting off, so I would think that the pressure switch senses the tank is at 50, assuming the pressure switch is accurate.

One thing I'd like to know more about is how the horizontal lines that go out of the pump to the well connect to the vertical line in the well. (Pump is in the basement, lines exit through the foundation to the well just on the other side of the foundation. Huge concrete slab over the well.) When I disconnected the old pump I was surprised that the lines turned freely while I unthreaded them.

 

[Bannerman]

Pressure switch is 30/50, tank is pressurized to 27.5 psi. Pump cuts on at 28 psi and off at 40 psi. I

A 30/50 pressure switch, will be preset at the factory to operate at that pressure range.

Did you alter the cut-in and differential pressure settings? If not, perhaps your pressure gauge is not reading accurately.

What model is your pressure tank?

What model was your old pump, and what model is your new one?

 

[j-son]

A 30/50 pressure switch, will be preset at the factory to operate at that pressure range.

Did you alter the cut-in and differential pressure settings? If not, perhaps your pressure gauge is not reading accurately.

What model is your pressure tank?

What model was your old pump, and what model is your new one?

New pressure switch is factory 30/50. It is non-adjustable. It came connected to the new Wayne 1/2 ho convertible e46412. I think that is the model number.) Old pump is ace5c, also 1/2 hp. They look almost identical, and both have a logo that looks like a backwards RU. The old pressure switch is actually pretty new. Originally a 40/20, I set it to 30/50. Tank is a Water Worker HT 32.

 

[j-son]

New pressure switch is factory 30/50. It is non-adjustable. It came connected to the new Wayne 1/2 ho convertible e46412. I think that is the model number.) Old pump is ace5c, also 1/2 hp. They look almost identical, and both have a logo that looks like a backwards RU. The old pressure switch is actually pretty new. Originally a 40/20, I set it to 30/50. Tank is a Water Worker HT

Sorry my replies aren't coming up right away. I believe as a new member of the forum I'm on probation, so the moderator needs to approve my posts before they are visible.

 

[Valveman]

Shows to be approved? Don't know why we are just seeing this if you hit "post reply" on Monday. Sorry.

 

[j-son]

Shows to be approved? Don't know why we are just seeing this if you hit "post reply" on Monday. Sorry.

No worries. Looks like they all came through. Thanks for fixing. I have not had the chance to change out the pressure switch or look at what I can see of the suction line. When I do I will report back. Thanks to all for the ideas.