Pump/pressure tank detective needed

[ngermain]

Hey guys,

My dad and I have a perplexing water problem that we can't reason out. Hoping there's some detective out there...

We have a shallow well and a jet pump, about 20m head to the house, a pressure tank and pressure switch in the house. System had been working great for 15+ years (same pump and tank too!), pressure switch is set from 30-45psi.

Here's the problem: Starting with a full pressure tank, we turn on some taps, water flows at a good pressure, the pressure gauge needle falls slowly as is expected. When the water pressure gets down to 30, the pressure switch makes an audible click but then instead of water rushing in and pressure going back up, the pressure falls fast to about 10psi and continues to trickle out the taps for hours. The pressure does not go up until we turn off all the taps. Once this is done, the pressure goes up fast again to 45psi and the cycle repeats.

??

The pump seems strong since it can pressure up fast to 45. The pressure switch (which we replaced brand new with no effect) is clicking at the right times.

Why would pressure fall fast at 30psi after the switch clicks? Why would the pump only start back up when all the taps are closed?

Any suggestions would very appreciated!!
Thanks

 

[speedbump]

So what your saying is that the switch clicks, but the pump doesn't start up. Correct??? If so, it's either an electrical problem with your system, or a motor problem. If the points close which puts power to the motor (or is supposed to) the motor should start unless the overload protector is open which wouldn't be shameful for a 15 year old pump.

Do you or your dad have a volt/ohm meter?