Well pressure tank oddity

[s219]

Our tank has a 40/60 switch and a few years ago I recall verifying those pressures on the gauge. I happened to notice the other day that pressure is dropping to 35psi then being pumped back up to 65psi. So something is off. Could this be a sign of a leaking bladder, or maybe the switch is going bad? The switch clicks on and off like usual. I don't detect any oddness other than the change in pressure.

 

[s219]

Also, tank and switch are about 7.5 years old.

 

[Industrial Toys]

My first thought was a ruptured bladder. I just go with an old style tank and fill it once a year.

 

[ponytug]

Because your low pressure is lower and your high pressure is higher, I don't think it is your tank.
Pressure switches do wear out over time, but two things to try;
1) try adjusting the upper and lower court off/cut in via the adjustment screws/nuts. Sometimes they do slip with time.
2) if #1 doesn't, work, try cleaning out the pipe to the pressure switch. They often get corroded up with scale, rust, and/or sand.

If that doesn't fix it, I would replace the switch. Generally, they are inexpensive. FWIW: I have hard water and replace them about every six years or so. YMMV...

All the best,

Peter

 

[slckeys]

I had odd water pressure issues a couple years ago. It was due to the small pipe leading to the pressure switch being clogged. I cleaned that, put on a new switch and issue solved. I'm curious how long it's going to last before it starts showing signs again. Just something to check if you decide to replace the switch.

 

[Damifino]

You should be able to adjust your pressure switch, plenty of youtube videos, if it wont adjust, replace switch. Before I would do anything, I would make sure the pressure gauge is valid. They are not that expensive at the big box stores.

Start cheap and work your way up.:laughing:

 

[bcp]

I had odd water pressure issues a couple years ago. It was due to the small pipe leading to the pressure switch being clogged.

I had the same problem, but I replaced the rust-clogged 1/4 inch iron pipe with brass.

Bruce

 

[turnkey4099]

Because your low pressure is lower and your high pressure is higher, I don't think it is your tank.
Pressure switches do wear out over time, but two things to try;
1) try adjusting the upper and lower court off/cut in via the adjustment screws/nuts. Sometimes they do slip with time.
2) if #1 doesn't, work, try cleaning out the pipe to the pressure switch. They often get corroded up with scale, rust, and/or sand.

If that doesn't fix it, I would replace the switch. Generally, they are inexpensive. FWIW: I have hard water and replace them about every six years or so. YMMV...

All the best,

Peter

*2 first and always. Simplest, quickest and most likely. I have to do mine about every 5 years. Probably not needed but I put in a new pressure switch at the same time, the cost is surprisingly low.

 

[/pine]

You don't say what type of well etc...if there is a foot valve or a check valve on the suction side it could possibly be leaking the pressure down...if there is a cut off valve on that line try cutting it off and see...

 

[Industrial Toys]

Just thought I might add this. I have been meaning to add a second pressure switch with a higher LOW cutout, as I find my water softener doesn't work reliably at the lower limits of my current switch. So switch to the higher one for the softener, then switch back.