Well water pressure surges

[Gus]

Is there something wrong with my well setup if I can tell by a surge in pressure when it kicks in? If I turn on a facuet I can probably count to 15 and the pressure really picks up, another 15 or so seconds and the pressure drops, then it will pick up again and so on. Growing up we had a well and I never remember this happening but I've been away from well water for a while. Is this normal?

[Macgyver55]

Does your system have a holding tank? If so, is the tank a "bladder style"? If it is, check the pressure of the bladder. Also if the "cut in-cut out" pressures are adjusted too far apart you will experience the surging more.

[backlash 1]

The pressure tank is shot. Time to replace it ASAP, This is hard on the pump.

[TKO_PUNCH]

Pressure tank probably has a leak past the diaphragm. This happened to me this past summer. If you have someone come out to replace the tank, change the pressure switch since he is there. The switch is around $10 and takes about 10 minutes to change and adjust.

[Gus]

Thanks for the responses. I'm a do it yourselfer, just haven't dealt with a well before, so I'll probably start my google searches and learn something before I try to replace this bladder tank. Thanks for the info everyone. Any tips I should know about?

[jps]

If you can install a tire type valve at the top of pressure tank, can be bought at most farm stores,use a portable air tank,open a faucet and add air to the systems tank.The valve has a fitting like a tire has for adding air. Your system is "water logged". Not enough air in it to allow for more expansion. Common on well systems.Hope I have made sense!! Hard to explain,any plumer can tell you how! Any questions, just ask!! jps

[sparcebag]

tHERE SHOULD BE A VALVE STEM THERE ALREADY,AND IF i REMEMBER CORECTLY THE PRESSURE SHOULD BE 2- 3 LBS LESS THAN THE LOW CUT IN PRESSURE. sO IF YOUR SWITCH IS A 30-50- (COMMON)i THINK 28 PSI.oops cap lock!! Just call a well Co.But I'll guess a new pressure tank is needed.a few wrenches and an hour a new tank,Its fairly easy if your handy with tools.

[Macgyver55]

The bladders can (and do) lose air over long periods, it doesn't mean the pressure tank is necessarily shot. You should be checking the bladder pressure at least yearly. A few pounds low can make a difference. If it is frequently low replace it. But if it only goes down a few pounds a season, refill it to the proper amount and check it again next yearly when you put it back on.

[heavyduty]

How do you check thr pressure in the the bladder with a tire pressure gauge? and when? when tank is empty full or doesn't matter?

[Macgyver55]

Yes, with a tire gauge. Should be checked either empty, or when the water pressure in the tank is lower than the bladder pressure needs to be.

[Gus]

My bladder in the tank is shot. I pressurized it the other night and by morning it was back to zero pressure. I'll be replacing the tank/check valve/pressure guage/pressure switch and a small section of what looks like brass pipe. Basically everything in between the pvc line coming in from the well to where it converts to copper pipe for the house. I figure it'll just be easiest to do it this way. So all of the pipe that will be used to assemble this looks like it is brass and looking at the replacement pieces at Menards they are in fact brass. Do I need to use a certain kind of plumbers putty or sealant of anykind on these connections? I have some standard plumbers putty that I've used for putting in sink drains, I also have some Teflon tape. I'm not sure what is best or proper to use for these connections so once again I come to FM for guidance. Thanks!

[backlash 1]

I use a product called True Blue for all threaded connections on brass, galv, or copper. You may not be able to find it at hardware stores, in that case use the best pipe dope they have. Do not use plummers putty, it is a totaly different product.

Good luck.

[sparcebag]

Your teflon tape will work just fine.

[3pronghook]

id also recommend buying a preset 40-60 psi switch. then air the tank up to 35-38 pounds. nothing wrong with a little extra pressure

[StrangeBrew]

Great feedback. I have another question regarding the bladder tank. My gauge shows about 40 psi but when I run water, my pump is kicking in every 5-10 seconds. When I turn the water off in the house, run water to clear the line and then check the pressure in the tank, I get water shooting out of the stem. Is this normal to have water shooting out and my pump to be consistently kicking in?

Thank you

[Macgyver55]

Sounds to me like the bladder is bad if water comes out when you try to check the pressure.

[backlash 1]

Without a doubt, water out the snifter valve is a dead giveaway. Time for a new tank.