I have a pump that runs water from a well I also have a pressure tank .I was just wondering if anybody would know why when I turn the water on my pump comes on then turns off and it does that about every 4 secs but I still get water in the house even thou it shuts off and comes back on.If anybody knows what the problem could be could you please let me know.
2006-11-09 09:32:32 · 8 answers · asked by Bouncing on my meat 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
If you have a bladder in the tank (it should say somewhere on the tank) it should have so much air in it, usually 65 pounds.
If not, turn the water supply off and the pump switch, drain the tank until it's empty. Shut the drain and turn on the tank valve and switch, let the tank fill, it should be about two thirds full and have enough to keep the pump from coming on all the time. If not, there's a leak somewhere. One thing at a time.
2006-11-09 09:56:05 · answer #1 · answered by cowboydoc 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well pumps are not designed or intended to run continuously when a tap is opened and water is drawn or each time a toilet is flushed. In order to provide consistent water pressure at the the various plumbing fixtures, when the pump first comes on, it moves water from the well into a pressurized storage tank. The tank is fitted with an internal diphragm. Air is pumped into the top of the tank to a preset pressure measured in pounds per square inch (psi). The pump pumps water from the well into the area of the pressure tank below the diaphragm until it reaches typically between 40 - 60 pounds psi. At this point, a pressure control (pressuretrol) switch senses that the water pressure in the tank has reached the desired set pressure and it switches the pump off. When a tap is opened, water flows from the tap at a steady pressure due to the air pressure on the other side of the diaphragm. When the pressure in the tank drops to about 20 psi, the pressuretrol senses that it has reached a preset lower limit and it switches the pump back on to repressurize the tank. In this manner, you get steady water pressure and the pump doesn't run every time you use water.
Now, to your case, often, if the pump is short cycling as you describe, about every four seconds, it's an indication that the diaphragm is damaged and the tank has become waterlogged (water has filled the air side of the tank).
One way for you to check on this is to wait until the pump has stopped running and no taps are open. Go the the pressure tank and using a hammer, wrench, or other metal object, tap gently on the top of the tank and then tap along the side all the way to the bottom. If the top and lower portions sound the same - a dull thudding sound - instead of the top sounding hollow (air in this area instead of water) and the lower portion sounding dull (water in this side as it normally is), the diaphragm is damaged and tank is waterlogged. If this is what has occurred, you'll need to contact a qualified plumber and have the tank replaced. If the tank is okay, the short cycling could be due to a defective pressuretrol switch.
Good luck
When the pressure reaches a preset level, which can be anywhere from 40 to 60 psi, a switch stops the pump. As water is used in the home, pressure begins to decrease until, after a drop of about 20 psi, the switch turns on the pump and the cycle is repeated. You'll find the pressure gauge mounted on the tank with wires leading to the switch that controls the pump.
2006-11-09 21:37:31 · answer #2 · answered by Housewhisperer 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your pressure tank should have a bladder inside .this contracts as water pressure is built up by your water pump. this is why you still have water pressure even though your well pump is not running . thus saving you elec. and your well pump from having to run all the time . it also acts as a pressure regulator if it is set up right . so not a problem its how its supposed to work . If its cycling every 4 sec when you dont have the water on you've got a small leak
2006-11-09 17:47:30 · answer #3 · answered by grizz1813 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your pressure tank may have lost it's air charge or the bladder in it might be torn. The pressure tank should allow you to use some amount of water without the pump coming on. This system will allow you pump to run longer and fewer times rather than cycling on and off every few seconds.
2006-11-09 17:39:38 · answer #4 · answered by Jeffrey S 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
check to see if the pressure switch is turning on and off at the correct setting (reference located under the cover of the pressure switch). lets say it is 40psi ON 60 psi OFF.
drain the tank and put a tire pressure Gage to the fitting on top of the tank it should be at about 36 to 40 the same as the low limit switch.
let it sit for a little while and see if it holds pressure, if it doesn't replace it (the tank)
fill the tank back up and listen
check the tube that the pressure switch is connected to it could be plugged with anything that is in your water
2006-11-09 19:11:38 · answer #5 · answered by Specialist Ed :Þ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You lost air charge or bladder is defective. Shut system off. Drain the pressure tank completely. Turn system back on. If it still does the same thing then your bladder is bad. Buy a new pressure tank. Is it under warranty? Call manufacturer and complain to them.Sometimes this gets them to help you. Worth a try.One other thing ,does your pressure tank have a leak?Hope this helps.
2006-11-09 17:48:31 · answer #6 · answered by whodunit 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need a holding tank between the well and pressure pump.
2006-11-09 17:35:47 · answer #7 · answered by hrwwtp 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a well pump on my home..sounds like ur regulator is bad or not set properly.
2006-11-10 19:59:57 · answer #8 · answered by John S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋