Well Water Pressure Drop Issues

[rico7684]

The pressure in my house will sporadically go to zero after flushing a Toto Entrada toilet, or if the toilet flushes while someone is taking a shower (like today). My well is 190' deep, 6" casing and uses a 1/2 HP Goulds pump that is 26 years old.

This has been happening for about 3 months and within this time frame has happened about 8-10 times as most of the time everything operates correctly. A few times when this has happened sediment has come through, although not the past few times this has occurred.

Anyone have any ideas as to the cause and or solution?

A forward thank you for all help!

 

[Reach4]

How long does the pressure stay at zero? 1/4 second, 20 seconds, until you throw a lever, or what? Different probable causes.

Is the pressure gauge on the same nipple as the pressure switch?

Also, is this a 3-wire pump with a control box after the pressure switch?

 

[Sponsor]

 

[LLigetfa]

My well is 190' deep...

It's not about how deep the well is. What is important is how far down the water is and how slow the well recovery is.

 

[rico7684]

How long does the pressure stay at zero? 1/4 second, 20 seconds, until you throw a lever, or what? Different probable causes.
-It stays at zero for 1 to 2 minutes when it happens

Is the pressure gauge on the same nipple as the pressure switch?
-Yes

Also, is this a 3-wire pump with a control box after the pressure switch?
-2 wire pump with pressure switch, but no control box

 

[Reach4]

Is the pressure gauge on the same nipple as the pressure switch?
-Yes

The reason I asked is that sometimes the nipple going to the pressure switch gets clogged but the path to the pressure gauge does not. That can make the pressure gauge get a delayed version of the pressure. I think I would replace the pressure switch and clean the nipple.

 

[rico7684]

Thank you Reach4 for your reply, I appreciate it!

 

[Valveman]

I would clean the nipple to the pressure switch as well. But I am afraid the 1-2 minute of off time is about how long it takes the auto-reset overload in the motor to reset. Get an amp meter and see if it is drawing too many amps and tripping the breaker.

 

[Reach4]

I would clean the nipple to the pressure switch as well. But I am afraid the 1-2 minute of off time is about how long it takes the auto-reset overload in the motor to reset. Get an amp meter and see if it is drawing too many amps and tripping the breaker.

Good point. During the off time, lifting the cover, you can see if the contacts are closed (made), and/or you could measure the voltage to the pump wires at the pressure switch. If the right voltage is already going to the pump, a new switch won't help.

Replacing the pressure switch is easy enough, however, so it's not a big waste if it is a wasted effort..

 

[rico7684]

Thanks valveman!