Water pump issue

[Tdbk5577]

Hi,

We've got a home with cisterns, a water pressure tank and water pump. We noticed when turning the water system back on that while the pump works and the psi on the system reaches the desired point, once the water pump kicks off, the pressure in the system drops rapidly and it sounds like the water is rushing back towards the cisterns.

I drained the pressure tank (it did have a bunch of water in it) and tried to refill but it didn't fix it.

Wondering if this is something to do with the pressure tank or maybe the pump and what I should be troubleshooting before replacing parts.

Water runs fine through all the faucets/hose valves when the pump is running but nothing when it isn't.

Thanks!

 

[RS]

It sounds to me like you have a bad check valve, that's what holds the water in the system when the pump isn't running. If the water isn't leaking out, but going back to the cistern, the check valve must be leaking. It should be located somewhere between the cistern and the pump; it may even be in the cistern. Your pressure tank is probably fine.

 

[MicEd69]

Yes,it sounds like the check valve is stuck or broken. But you may want to look into a CSV (Cycle Stop Valve). That system will provide constant pressure, reduce energy consumption, and increase pump life.

 

[Valveman]

Sorry I missed this. Yes, as was said the check valve is bad. Also, because you said the tank had a lot of water in it, and it shouldn't, means the tank is most likely bad as well. Destroying pressure tanks and check valves are just a couple of the many things caused by the pump cycling on and off too much. As was also mentioned, a Cycle Stop Valve would increase pump life, but also eliminates the many other problems caused by cycling like check valve and tank failures. To replace the tank, all you need is a 4.5 gallon size tank like comes in the PK1A kit with a Cycle Stop Valve.

See here.
https://cyclestopvalves.com/collections/frontpage/products/custom-pk1a-pside-kick-kit