Richard Komisar
New Member
Supply line to Pressure Tank and house(plastic barb) was blown out for no apparent reason, threads intact with fitting just hanging. No water to house - water spilling out of disconnected pipe - pump running - don't know how long (overnite and more?). Foot valve trashed (when??) - unable to prime when I put the lines back together.
Replaced foot valve, reconfigured 1 1/4 line into spring/cistern, new supply/pressure tank line barbed fitting (metal), new pressure gauge, new switch 30/50 w/ low pressure cutoff Square D, put air in tank to 26-27#.
Pump runs fine (Goulds J5 - .5 hp). Prime - no problem. Feeds house with adequate water pressure. Pressure gauge stays around 33 - 38(needle vibrates a pound or 2). At one point I thought the pump would not start unless the supply line was without pressure – no back pressure, but I'm not sure now.
Tank does not fill - can be moved about easily. Pump does not cut off at any pressure gauge reading. However, when I turn the pump off (so it doesn't run forever)), there is residual pressure from somewhere enabling me to get a gallon or 3 at the house. Approx. 20 ft lift spring to house. Siphon side prolly 3-4 ft down. The pump/tank holds pressure @ 35# until I use water.
Eventually it leaks out (days)...I don't see a major problem with that, tho I could be wrong.
I have used excessive chlorine (2gal per 70) in the past, but the system didn't seem to care. The pressure tank is an A.O. Smith 20 gal. System installed 1996.
All I can come up with is bad bladder and/or worn impeller (or something in that pump chamber).
Any help most appreciated. Hope I haven't gone overboard with info...
Replaced foot valve, reconfigured 1 1/4 line into spring/cistern, new supply/pressure tank line barbed fitting (metal), new pressure gauge, new switch 30/50 w/ low pressure cutoff Square D, put air in tank to 26-27#.
Pump runs fine (Goulds J5 - .5 hp). Prime - no problem. Feeds house with adequate water pressure. Pressure gauge stays around 33 - 38(needle vibrates a pound or 2). At one point I thought the pump would not start unless the supply line was without pressure – no back pressure, but I'm not sure now.
Tank does not fill - can be moved about easily. Pump does not cut off at any pressure gauge reading. However, when I turn the pump off (so it doesn't run forever)), there is residual pressure from somewhere enabling me to get a gallon or 3 at the house. Approx. 20 ft lift spring to house. Siphon side prolly 3-4 ft down. The pump/tank holds pressure @ 35# until I use water.
Eventually it leaks out (days)...I don't see a major problem with that, tho I could be wrong.
I have used excessive chlorine (2gal per 70) in the past, but the system didn't seem to care. The pressure tank is an A.O. Smith 20 gal. System installed 1996.
All I can come up with is bad bladder and/or worn impeller (or something in that pump chamber).
Any help most appreciated. Hope I haven't gone overboard with info...