Low Pressure

[Go DIYourself]

I have a submersible pump in rural well about 80’ deep. We are struggling with water pressure issues in the house. We cannot run more than one faucet/appliance at a time. Upstairs shower has the lowest water pressure. Here’s an overview of the setup and readings:

New 40/60 pressure switch. Adjusted to cut off at 52 and cut in at 32 because the well pump cannot build pressure any higher.

Pressure tank holds air. After draining completely psi readout is 30.

Pressure switch cuts out at 52 and when taking a shower the pressure drops until pressure tank is empty and well kicks on. The water pressure then stays around 40ish psi of we are lucky. If two appliances are running pressure drops in the 20 - 30 range.

I don’t think there is a water leak because the pressure switch/well isn’t cycling. Once it cuts out it maintains pressure until use.

If I’m not missing something obvious would you think that the well pump needs replaced? Anything else to look at?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Reach4]

If you have an above-ground check valve, that could hide a leak. Do you get air in your water?

Look at the pipe coming from the well. Is there a check valve before the pressure tank? Usually brass or bronze.

Well water level could have fallen a lot.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Fitter30]

Have any idea brand, model and hp of your pump?

 

[Go DIYourself]

Have any idea brand, model and hp of your pump?

Goulds 1091S05412 1/2 HP

 

[Valveman]

1/2 HP pump draws 5 amps at full flow. With a clip around AC amp meter on one of the hot wires you can see 5 amps if you have a leak and much lower like 3-4 amps if the pump is bad or restricted.

 

[Go DIYourself]

1/2 HP pump draws 5 amps at full flow. With a clip around AC amp meter on one of the hot wires you can see 5 amps if you have a leak and much lower like 3-4 amps if the pump is bad or restricted.

Just checked and it’s at 5.9 amps

 

[Go DIYourself]

If you have an above-ground check valve, that could hide a leak. Do you get air in your water?

Look at the pipe coming from the well. Is there a check valve before the pressure tank? Usually brass or bronze.

Well water level could have fallen a lot.

No check valve above ground to look at. We don’t have any air in the water.

 

[Reach4]

Goulds 1091S05412

Maybe Goulds 10HS05412C. That pump would a hard time delivering much pressure if the water level is 70 ft down. A 7 gpm 1/2 HP pump could deliver better.

That may not be the problem, because I don't think your water surface is 70 ft down in an 80 ft well.