More pressure please? - Plumbing Forum

ddaavviidd · 06-21-2011, 04:08 PM

Hello all,
I am trying to get more water pressure. Last week I had an episode where pressure dropped significantly, and I think I found the problem; the pressure tank was almost empty of air. I brought it back to around 30psi empty which gives about 40psi when full of water, which is what it says on the sticker.

But while I was at it, I tried to increase my water pressure (coming from a well about 150' from the house, 180' deep, 600gallons per hour according to the ex-owner of the house). The submersible pump is 8 years old. My pressure only reaches 24psi, and as soon as we use water, it goes down to 20psi. I spent significant time changing settings on the 2 adjustments crews, which either made it worst of remained the same. I am trying my best to solve this without calling a plumber, but would be ready to do so if it means I'd get a stronger shower! Is there a procedure to troubleshoot the issue, starting with the pump and all the way to the adjustment box?
Pressure tank dates from 2006 (according to the sticker) so I assume the box too. Thanks for any help or suggestion you can provide!

**speedbump** · 06-21-2011, 04:22 PM

Twisting the screws on the pressure switch will not make the pump work any harder. It will only pump what it can. As long as the pump is running and the pressure only makes 24 psi, there is one of three things wrong.

1. The drop pipe has a hole/s in it and the pressure can't get any higher because the water is just circulating in the well instead of building pressure.
2. The pump has pulled the water down to itself. But this would be an intermittent problem.
3. The pump is worn out. The impellers for one of several reasons are nuked or just worn.

Your tank adjustment didn't make much sense. You should have a 20# differential on your pressure switch; as in 20/40 or 30/50psi. If you let the pressure off everything and aired the tank up to 30 psi, you should still only see 24psi on the gauge. With the 30 in the tank and the 24 in the system, you would still read 30 with a tire gauge.

ddaavviidd · 06-21-2011, 05:28 PM

Now that I look at it, your are right speedbump; tire gauge gives me 30psi, and the pressure indicator attached to the pipe leaving the adjustment box is at 24psi. To deal with the 3 problems you point out, I guess I'll have to call someone as I never even opened the cap on top of the well pipe... Except if you tell me it's easier to work with than it looks like!

ddaavviidd · 06-21-2011, 05:38 PM

Re-reading your answer... So if I want 30/50 how much should I fill my tank? Right now it is at 32psi (with the tire gauge) but it is filled, not empty.

**speedbump** · 06-21-2011, 07:07 PM

With 30/50 you want 28 pounds in the tank. But you have to check and air with the water pressure at zero.

Your probably going to need a well man to take a look. Most plumbers don't work on wells, so look for a pump or well guy or both.

ddaavviidd · 06-21-2011, 07:10 PM

Thanks speedbump, I'll look into finding a good well guy!

**Hyper48fan** · 06-21-2011, 11:35 PM

Well done speedbump

ddaavviidd · 07-01-2011, 12:37 AM

Okay, so little update on my situation. The well guys (I had a good reference so was confident in their work) came in, quickly saw that it was a problem outside the house, either a split pipe or something with the pump. After getting the pump out we realized it was 25 years old (thank you you stupid liar ex-owner who said it was about 6-7 years old), covered in rust and electrical tape from top to bottom, and that it was working at half capacity or less (there were 3 burned 'things' in the motor part, can't remember their name). They put a new pump in, changed the couplings at the pump and at the top of the well with brass ones as the old ones were completely rusted, they readjusted pressure in the tank and screws in the control box and we now enjoy a continuous 40-60 pressure in the house (something that never happened in the two years we lived here). All in all it was definitely worth calling them, since now I also know that the rest of the installation is more recent and in good order.

**havasu** · 07-01-2011, 03:22 AM

Not to make light of a bad situation, but your statement made me laugh! It is worth repeating one more time!

"Thank you you stupid liar ex-owner who said it was about 6-7 years old."

**speedbump** · 07-01-2011, 01:50 PM

I got a kick out of that too. As a matter of fact I have made similar statements several times in the past.