Problem with my water pump/well tank?

Question

My house uses a pump that draws well water. With a family of four, I had never had a problem running out of water, even through 4 morning showers. Recently however, I have started running low and sometimes even run dry of water, although it’s now just me and my wife living at home. The pump is only a couple of years old. A couple of neighbors also have wells and pumps, so I don’t believe the water shelf has run low. The holding tank is at least 15 years old and probably older. I don’t know if it has a bladder, but I think it does. It’s a Wel-Trol brand. I’ve checked the pressure with a tire gauge and it holds at 30 psi. Also, it seems the cut in and out switch has a mind of its own. It especially would continue to run, even though the pressure hit cut-off level. Any ideas or suggestions?

Thanks

Answer 1

Underground water sources are sneaky, and even though your neighbors aren't having problems that doesn't mean your well will pulling what it needs from the aquifer. There could be several problems, including a faulty pressure switch. But it could also be that the supply pipes leading from well to house are clogged with sediment or corrosion. Here's what This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey recommends for well water problems:

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/asktoh/q...

Answer 2

Could be the pressure switch (cut in and out switch). It is designed to start the pump at a certain low pressure and stop the pump at a desired high pressure. If it is allowing the pump to run past the high pressure limit, it may also not be kicking in the pump at the low pressure.

Answer 3

Hmmmmm. I think I would look at the pressure switch here if you can confirm that the well does have adequate water in it. The next thing is the small pipe that the pressure switch mounts on. If it is galvanized these have a tendancy over the years to build up deposits and rusty scale and may need to be replaced. It sounds like you have the bladder style of pressure tank and that is a good thing. To check the proper pressure in the bladder watch to see the cut off pressure of the pump as it cycles. Note this. Turn the pump off and completely drain off the pressure tank. Check and adjust the pressure at the top of the Wel-Trol to be 2 to 4 pounds less than the pressure cutoff that you noted using compressed air. As the other posts have mentioned you also may have a leak in the pressure line to your house. The way to test this is turn off all the water to the house and see if there is a check valve in the T at the pressure tank. It will look like a tube about 2 inches in diameter and 4 inches long. Usually there is not one here as they clack when the pump shuts off. If there is not one note the pressure. See if it drops. There should be no drop.  If it is a drilled well there may be a leak in the pipe down the well and this usually requires a visit from a well servicing company to determine.  Hope this helps.