quick CSV question...

[joshfish]

I noticed my pump cycling... should I be looking at the switch or the CSV? Valveman, thoughts?

I have had iron build up in the switches in the past. perhaps build up in the CSV?

my gauge, CSV and switch, here

 

[Bannerman]

To eliminate the potential source of leakage being downstream within the house plumbing, close the main supply valve to the house, after the pressure tank. If the cycling continues to occur, then search for a source of leakage within the piping prior to the CSV.

The CSV is designed to limit flow to the pressure tank to 1 GPM while the system pressure exceeds the CSV pressure setting. As your pressure switch appears to be configured for 44/64 psi, I anticipate your CSV will likely be configured to deliver 52 psi constant. While flow to the pressure tank will be rapid until the pressure has risen to 52 psi, once at 52, continued flow up to 64 psi should then be reduced to only 1 GPM.

Since the pump is causing the pressure tank to fill so rapidly, de-power the pump and fully drain the pressure tank to test the air pre-charge pressure within the tank using a tire pressure gauge. The tank's pre-charge pressure should be 2-3 psi lower than the pressure switch cut-in setting. Since the cut-in pressure appears to be 44 psi, then the tank's pre-charge pressure should be 41-42 psi.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Valveman]

If the pump is cycling while you are using water check the CSV. If it is cycling when no taps are open you have a leak or a bad check valve.

 

[joshfish]

thank you both for the replies! I should have noted that I had the kitchen sink faucet on to record this video. otherwise the system holds pressure as normal. no perceptible leaks.

a few months ago I began to notice it was cycling as you see in the video whenever 1 source is opened. Shower, sink or laundry. Its been so long since ive heard the "clicking", the sound stuck out a bit.


THAT SAID.... how would you recommend I go about "checking" the CSV?

 

[Reach4]

THAT SAID.... how would you recommend I go about "checking" the CSV?

Confirm that the kitchen sink was putting out x gpm of water, and you could measure that.

If the kitchen sink puts out 1.5 gpm, and you have the usual CSV, and the CSV was set to less than 60 PSI, then your CSV is either out of adjustment, or has another problem. I would try turning down the adjustment pressure to about 50 psi to see if you can do that.

 

[joshfish]

I guess I'm going to attempt to disassemble the csv and hope I don't destroy it?

 

[Valveman]

Call the company. I don’t even know which csv you have. Rare for the problem to be the csv. May just need to turn up the pressure switch.

 

[Reach4]

I would be tempted to loosen the screw a few turns, which will lower the setpoint.

 

[joshfish]

ill make some witness marks this weekend, adjust each individually and report after testing each.

I have had clogged inlets to the pressure switch in the past. I may replace this one before I proceed.