Had pump replaced 6/03 and 125psi tank installed. Pressure is down to 35psi, any ideas what the problem is?

Question

Well is 180ft deep. Also have iron/magnesium filter tank(not a water softener) attached to main line to house. What is the recommended pressure for this size system?

Answer 1

Ok, we need to know which tank you are referring to by "125psi tank"... is this the filter tank?, pump bladder?In either case, the "125psi tank" is most likely the maximum pressure the tank will contain safely. It is not a good idea to run the system at maximum, you want to leave yourself some leeway.

If you look on the pump bladder tank, usually at the top, there is a valve stem, like you would see on a tire. Stamped onto the tank near that, should be the recommended psi. You can pump air into the bladder tank, using that valve stem...the more you put in, the higher the pressure you will achieve. Use a tire gauge to check the pressure, just like you would on a car, or bicycle tire.

Remember also, that the pump switch will affect total pressure. Pump switches come in different ranges, and if you want a higher pressure range, you may have to change out the switch. The switch is adjustable within its range, so you can set when it comes on, and shuts off, at the range limits. If you set your bladder tank to 50 psi, for example, and only had 40psi on the switch.... youre only going to get 40 psi, because the pump would switch off at that point. You need to work with both of these items to balance the pressure in your system.

I will add that most homes rarely have more than 90psi, and many city systems run much lower, closer to the 35psi you have now. Mobile home plumbing systems, for example, are pressure checked at around 75 to 80psi...but they are not expected to actually run at that pressure. Ive personally checked systems at 100psi, and seen them hold with no leaks, but they normally run only half of that, at best.

Last thing to check is the pump itself. You did not say what hp the pump is rated at, whether it is "in the well", or a "jet pump" (pump actually sits on ground level, near the top of the well). Obviously, the well pump can only run so fast...it is possible to exceed the pump's capacity. The results are that your pump would tend to run and run and run, trying to get up to the pressure youve set. If your pump is shutting on and off as your water is used, then you're in good shape. If youve exceeded the pump's capacity, then you will get an initial burst of pressure, and then it will trickle off, to what the pump can put out.

Check your switch, and the bladder tank first, as these are the easiest controls to adjust. Replace the pump only as a last resort.

Good Luck

Answer 2

35 psi. is ok, the pressure setting for well systems will be 50-30 or 40-20.High pressure off low pressure on.The pressures may be adjusted up or down to either set of pressures, directions to do this should be on the inside of the cover, just make sure that you turn the electric off when making the adjustment so you don't make contact with live parts.If the pressure seems ok in the house I would leave it where it is.The 125 psi. rating on the tank is a high limit for the tank but 125psi. is way too much pressure for the plumbing system.