When the water runs, the pressure on the pump lowers rapidly to 30 PSI and the pump turns on and goes back to 50 where it stays until the next time the water is used. That's why I thought the pressure tank is no longer holding pressure. I'll have to measure the air pressure and see.
Either way, it is a demand system, so there's a leak somewhere, air or water, triggering the pump to engage.
I have 2 wells and pressure tanks here on the farm. MK is correct. It could be a leak in the system which would be easy to see if it were right at your pressure tank and associated piping. It could also be a fault in the pressure switch. Do you have a pressure gauge in the system? Should be close to the pressure tank and should show you pressure loss. And yes. It could be the pressure tank has become waterlogged. There is a bladder or diaphragm in the tank that separates the air and the water. if that has ruptured and your tank is full of water that would cause your pump to cycle. There should be what looks like a tire valve on the top of the tank. With the pump running, depress the valve and if you get water coming out, your tank is definitely hooped. Your tank should have a pressure rating on it. Typical tanks are a 30/50 which require about 29 psi of air in the tank to work properly. That's about all I got....
Is your water heater tanked or tankless? (I know, it's a tankless job, but somebody has to do it).
Like just about anything else, bigger is better. If your pressure switch is set at 30/50 the minimum pressure you will have in the line is 30psi. This sounds like a lot and pressure wise it's pretty good but with a smaller pressure tank, your pump will be cycling more often as only about 1/4 of your pressure tank volume is water and the rest is air. If it were me, I'd go for the 33.
Absolutely. Nothing worse than a leaky bladder ! But in all seriousness that is a common cause of frequent cycling. I lived with a pressure system for a number of years and have seen it happen. Also the larger the pressure tank the better as the system will cycle less frequently which is less annoying and easier on the pressure switch contacts as well. Plus fewer charge/discharge cycles on the motor capacitor.
I was going to recommend Princess Auto but their biggest is 26.4 gallons. It was cheap though but you Ontario guys have lots of cash....Thanks guys. I ordered the same one. Well-rite WR120R $779.00 plus tax, but the last one lasted 25 years so this one will outlast me!
Edit: 33 gallons.
Ya, I forgot about them until after I made the other purchase. They are cheaper than all the other stores selling the same unit. I might have settled on that one. It's half the price of the one I bought. <sigh>I was going to recommend Princess Auto but their biggest is 26.4 gallons. It was cheap though but you Ontario guys have lots of cash....
Ya, I hear you. I've had to repair my septic system three times and always when you need it the most! It's a crappy situation! <groan>You do not want to go cheap on plumbing parts. For certain it will fail at the most inopportune time, like Christmas Morning.
Or after a big feed of Chili and draft beer.You do not want to go cheap on plumbing parts. For certain it will fail at the most inopportune time, like Christmas Morning.
Don't be so sure it will outlast you.Thanks guys. I ordered the same one. Well-rite WR120R $779.00 plus tax, but the last one lasted 25 years so this one will outlast me!
Edit: 33 gallons.
