Expert: Sharon McCarthy - 6/28/2009

Question
I just bought a house that has been sitting empty for a year. The well had been turned off and the pressure was drained. When I turned the well back on, the pump just ran and ran not building pressure (according to the pressure gauge mounted between the pump and pressure tank). If I close the shut off valve slightly the pressure will start to build. when it hits 40 psi I shuts off and then quickly turns. It will just keep cycling like this. Is this an issue with the pump or pressure tank? or something else...
Thank you
note: the pump and pressure tank are in my crawl space

Answer
Dear Dave,

  I'm not an expert on wells, but I do know a few things. You may want to ask some other experts about this as well. There are quite a number of factors regarding well pressure.

  The pressure tank has a "bladder" inside, and this bladder is designed to be filled with a certain amount of compressed air.

  There is also a pressure switch on the system, usually set at a minimum-maximum number, like 30/60. Which means that the switch will kick on the pump when the pressure drops to 30 psi and will kick off when the pressure reaches 60 psi.

  There is a pressure gauge on the tank that indicates how much pressure is inside the tank. This is where the bladder comes in. The bladder needs to be filled with a certain amount of compressed air so that the whole system works properly.

  You may need to call a pump guy, a local person who has experience with wells, and have him check your system. In my experience, these guys are usually good people. If you don't know anyone, if your neighbors can't recommend anyone, ask at a local Ace Hardware store. Often the Ace people have a list of trustworthy locals. I have a hunch the problem is in the pressure tank. This may be a minor expense. Good luck!  sharon