Problem with water Pressure

[Amtrolman59]

I installed a new Amtrol well-x-trol WX-202 pressure tank (20 gallon), Square D Pressure Switch 9013(30-50) and a new pressure gauge, The tank pumps up to 50psi and drops to 30psi when running a faucet but when taking a shower the water drops fast below 10psi to zero and I run out of water, If you turn the shower off and wait about a minute or two then you have water again, Seems like the pump is kicking on at the 30psi cut-in.

 

[KULTULZ]

What air pressure is the pressure tank set at?

 

[Amtrolman59]

28psi, I had it too low the first time so I turn the power to the pump off then drain the water then set it to 28psi, I believe that was the correct way to do it or do I have to open a faucet to let the pressure out of the pipes?

 

[KULTULZ]

Remove all water from the water tank. This means turn off the water pump, open a nearby plumbing fixture, run water until the water stops entirely - your water tank should be empty or close to empty.

SOURCE- http://inspectapedia.com/water/Water_Tank_Bladder_Pressure_Adjustment.php

ALSO- - How to Drain a Water Tank -

You have a gate valve before and immediately after the tank? Isolate the tank with these and completely drain. You may have to drain the entire house laundry sink) if the tank won't drain completely (air lock) or a ball/globe valve is defective.

 

[Valveman]

I installed a new Amtrol well-x-trol WX-202 pressure tank (20 gallon), Square D Pressure Switch 9013(30-50) and a new pressure gauge, The tank pumps up to 50psi and drops to 30psi when running a faucet but when taking a shower the water drops fast below 10psi to zero and I run out of water, If you turn the shower off and wait about a minute or two then you have water again, Seems like the pump is kicking on at the 30psi cut-in.

Sounds like the overload in the motor is tripping. It takes a minute or two to cool down and resets itself, then you have water again. If you have a control box check the start cap and relay.

A 20 gallon pressure tank only holds 5 gallons of water. So the pump is cycling on and off for every 5 gallons used. This cycling on and off is what destroys a pump system.

 

[Amtrolman59]

Thanks everyone, I had a guy come out today and look at it, The air pressure in the tank was about 9lbs to high, Guess my brother can't read an air gauge, Also the cut off was about 4lbs low, Everything seems to work for now but I will know better tomorrow when I take a shower, Service man said his next bet would be the pump since it is 28 years old and that is a long time for a pump, Simple things over looked, Guess I learned the hard way and $75 later.

 

[Amtrolman59]

Well it looks like the problem isn't fixed, KULTULZ, I have a gate valve after the tank where I can drain water and 1 to turn the water on to the house and both of these stop the flow of water when off and turn water on when open, the serviceman drained everything so I'm hoping he knew what he was doing, Valveman, how to you the check the start cap and relay?

 

[Valveman]

I was afraid of that. Low air pressure doesn't cause a hesitation in flow like too much air does. Low air pressure in the tank is a sign the pump has been cycling on and off too much. Cycling will destroy the diaphragm in the tank, then the cycling becomes even faster, and the start cap and/or motor are the next to go.

The start cap will have a little hole in the top covered with paper. If the paper is pooched out or leaking any oil the cap is bad.

 

[Amtrolman59]

Your right, the pump as been cycling on and off too much and I left it go too long so I'm sure it was my fault the pump went out, The pressure tank and pump were installed in 1988 so that makes it 28 years old, When I called around today for prices everyone told me that is a very long time for a tank and especially for a pump, they say the average time for a pump is 15 years so I guess I got my moneys worth out of the pump.

 

[Valveman]

Your right, the pump as been cycling on and off too much and I left it go too long so I'm sure it was my fault the pump went out, The pressure tank and pump were installed in 1988 so that makes it 28 years old, When I called around today for prices everyone told me that is a very long time for a tank and especially for a pump, they say the average time for a pump is 15 years so I guess I got my moneys worth out of the pump.

The average life of all submersibles is more like 7 years. You got lucky to get 28 years, especially with it cycling like that. But they don't make pumps like they use to. Anytime you see them quit making a particular pump, it was because the pump was lasting TOO long, not the other way around.

 

[Amtrolman59]

Right, Everything is being made cheaper it is what keeps us having to buy and replace and keeps the company's going especially with these new clothes washers but that's another story.