Help pressure won’t build up to over 35

[Timsmith]

Hi everyone I have a 1hp convertible jet pump 26 gallons per min brand new I put on there and a new 20 gallon pressure tank with the air. Then I installed both now the system won’t build up pressure over 35 psi. And I made sure to set the pressure in the tank to 28 because the on and off pressure on the pressure switch is 30-50. Now I have a house cutoff valve that I close to build up tank pressure when the system loses prime. So I let it build up for hours and it won’t go over 35 therefore the pump never cuts off. And if I run the hose for 5 mins it goes down to zero and I have to shut off the water to the house so it can build up again. What’s the problem here? Oh yea and the first reason I bought a pump for the property is because I went out there and it was a no water situation and the pump was just humming like it wasn’t turning anymore and I had to replace the start capacitor on it before so I was just ready for a new pump. So I got the model number and went shopping and got one that is basically the same specs. Any help would be greatly appreciated from me and my 3 toddlers!

 

[Valveman]

Post a picture and model number of the pump. When used as a shallow well pump a convertible will need the bolt on ejector.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Reach4]

Now I have a house cutoff valve that I close to build up tank pressure when the system loses prime. So I let it build up for hours and it won’t go over 35 therefore the pump never cuts off. And if I run the hose for 5 mins it goes down to zero and I have to shut off the water to the house so it can build up again. What’s the problem here?

In addition to not building pressure, losing prime is another problem. That can happen when the foot valve leaks, if you have a foot valve. A foot valve is a combination check valve with a screen. It can happen when you have another leak.

When you pump water, do you get air in the water? A vacuum leak, sucking air, is one thing that can limit how much pressure you can develop.

 

[Timsmith]

No I let it run for approximately 5 mins and burped each faucet in the house so I’m relatively sure there is no air in the line. I could be wrong. Is there another way to check for air in the line? And also I’m sure it’s a foot valve on it because it’s a deep well with only one suction pipe. So it’s set up with the jet pump doing all the work. And I checked for leaks by tightening all the bolts on the suction side.

 

[Timsmith]

Also thank you for the response sir, I appreciate it so much. And also I had no idea that the prime loss and low pressure was two different problems I thought they were either related or the same thing.