I've just replaced my old diaphragm tank (ruptured bladder), which has given me a chance to observe something I was unaware of. My pressure switch is set to kick on at 40psi and kick off at 58 psi (according to the gauge at the diaphragm manifold). Tank air pressure when the tank is empty is 38psi.
When the pump runs, it successfully drives the pressure up to 58psi and then cuts off. As soon as the pump switch off, however, the gauge shows the pressure slowly beginning to drop until it reaches about 55 psi after a minute or two. Once it reaches 55 psi, it seems to hold pretty steady. I haven't been able to leave it overnight yet, but so far it has held 55 psi for an hour or two with no noticeable loss.
There's a ball shutoff valve immediately downstream from the pressure tank. The pressure drop I've described above occurs even when the shutoff valve is closed, so it seems like the issue must lie somewhere between the well and the pressure tank. I suppose it could be an issue with the gauge itself, although I can't figure out how it could behave like that.
Is this normal... and if not, any thoughts on what might be causing it?
PK
When the pump runs, it successfully drives the pressure up to 58psi and then cuts off. As soon as the pump switch off, however, the gauge shows the pressure slowly beginning to drop until it reaches about 55 psi after a minute or two. Once it reaches 55 psi, it seems to hold pretty steady. I haven't been able to leave it overnight yet, but so far it has held 55 psi for an hour or two with no noticeable loss.
There's a ball shutoff valve immediately downstream from the pressure tank. The pressure drop I've described above occurs even when the shutoff valve is closed, so it seems like the issue must lie somewhere between the well and the pressure tank. I suppose it could be an issue with the gauge itself, although I can't figure out how it could behave like that.
Is this normal... and if not, any thoughts on what might be causing it?
PK