Low Pressure

Beamski

Howdy,

We have a problem of low water pressure at the first use of the day.
For example if we wash clothes in the morning the pressure is up, bu, the first shower of the day when we get home from work the pressure is very low.

Anybody have expertise in this stuff.

Thanks,
Jon

plummen

Does it get any better later in the day?
City water/well water?
Is there a pressure reducing valve on system?
Do any of your neighbors have same problem?

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Beamski

Hi - thanks for the reply-

It only gets better after use...if we wash clothes in the morning.....or the second shower. For example, if I come home from work and the water has not been used all day the pressure is very low. Wifey comes home after me so her shower is second and the pressure is OK for her.
We have Well water. There is a pump and a tank - the tank is about 18" diameter and 18-20" high.

Thanks again,
Jon

plummen

Is the well/pump losing prime,checked the pressure tank?

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Beamski

I don't think so. It does not get progressively worse. It seems like when the system is idle for an extended period it loses pressure and only corrects itself when a significant amount of water is used.
But, even after not being used all day I can still take a shower, etc - but the pressure is much lower than after a significant use.

Thx

plummen

Is your well down in a pit where you can pull the line up and check the strainer?

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Beamski

I don't think so. It is 200+ feet if I recall correctly. Out on the lawn there is a pipe that sticks up about 8" and has a cap on it. I 'think' the pump is in the head under that cap (not sure about that...just what I think).

plummen

Wow thats a deep well!
Mine is only about 20-30'.
Anyway id suggest starting down at the pump and the pressure tank then,if possible id find some way to install a hose bib in the pit just past the pump and tank on the hose side and run a hose out of there and watch it run early in the morning to see if you can isolate where the lose is occuring.
My bet would be on the pump losing its prime when sitting for a long time or the pressure tank

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Daniel Holzman

If you have a 200 foot deep well, which is about the same as mine, you almost certainly have a submersible pump, which does not need to be primed (a jet pump, commonly used in shallow wells, requires priming). You may have a problem with your pressure switch. There should be a gauge above the pressure switch showing the pressure. Assuming the gauge is accurate, you can determine how low the pressure is getting before the pump turns on. It is possible you are losing pressure due to a slow leak, or your pressure tank may have a damaged bladder, and the pressure switch may not be operating correctly.

Beamski

Alright - I'll get on it. I'll update and let you know.

Thank you for the help - much appreciated!

ben's plumbing

sounds to me like the pressure switch is hanging up.. not comming on when suppose too...20-40 on at 20 off at 40.....30-50 on at 30 off at 50 as water is being used

Beamski

Thanks for the responses

The tank (in the cellar) has a little plastic box (like a control box) connected to the pipes. I removed the cover and see that it has 4 wire terminals and two separate springs.

Is that the Pressure switch?

plummen

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plummen

yes

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plummen

My little ol well is in a square pit about 5' square and 7' deep,much easier to deal with!

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