Need plumbing input

Lavender Blue · #1 11/19/08, 10:45 AM

We had a new pressure tank put in and are now experiencing something that the plumber cannot figure out. He has called the pressure tank manufacturer and tried adjusting the gauge and has installed a new check valve before the tank but we are still having the problem. The problem is this: when we run water (for what ever reason) when the tank kicks in there is a drop in pressure at the faucet/toilet/shower/whatever for about 2-3 seconds and then it is back. The drop in pressure is so much so that the water is not there for the 2-3 seconds of drop.

Potentially pertinent info: the well pump has been in place for over 12 years and has not been pulled in that time. We have a shallow (read hand dug) well. The well is just about 15 feet from the pressure tank. We had no problem like this before the new tank was put in just lower pressure in general. The new tank is bigger than the last one.

What could be causing this?

Thanks
LB

Rocky Fields · #2 11/19/08, 10:47 AM

Hey.

Maybe air in the lines...

RF

Lavender Blue · #3 11/19/08, 11:05 AM

Some one else suggested that but where would the air be? We are not getting any sputtering at any of the faucets, washer, or toilet.

Old Vet · #4 11/19/08, 11:19 AM

Is it a bladder type tank? If so the pressure might be the problem. Shut off the pump and drain it and then put enough pressure in the tank so that it will be a couple of pounds less than where the pump kicks in. If you are set to kick the pump on at 30 lbs put 28 in the tank. What you are experting is that the tank is too low on pressure and all the water is going to the tank instead of to the faucet.Hope this will fix your problem.

Lavender Blue · #5 11/19/08, 01:13 PM

Old Vet,
Yes, it is a bladder type tank. I think the plumber checked the pressure there already. It is not acting like it is water logged if that is what you mean. I will ask him about your suggestion. This plumber does not deal with well issues and thinks it possibly has something to do with a check valve down in the well at the pump end of the line. Could that be? The water pressure itself is fine when it comes on. We've dealt with waterlogging before when the thing keeps coming on every little bit. That shouldn't be happening with the new tank.

agmantoo · #6 11/20/08, 06:14 PM

Old Vet is correct.
The bladder tank is to have the air pressure set at 2 PSI below the cut in pressure of the pressure switch. This setting is without any water pressure in the tank from the well pump. Realize that the pressure gauge on the well is not very accurate and the gauge that is used to measure the bladder tank is also not calibrated. You could just let a little air out of the bladder tank until the problem ceases. Let the well pump cycle each time after letting a little air out of the tank. This will fix the problem.

Lavender Blue · #7 11/21/08, 07:19 AM

Thanks for the input. The plumber is coming by again and will check it out (again). He's been a really good sport about the whole thing and has been by about 4-5 times since he installed the new tank and has not charged more...not that he should. He's just been very willing to try and solve the problem.