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FReepers, help me out (low [well] water pressure)

Posted on 10/10/2006 1:09:01 AM PDT by Miztiki

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Can you help me? Maybe point me to a site called "well water for dummies" that can help me determine if the problem is major (like need a new well) or minor (like push the reset button).

I have no idea how old or deep the well is. The pressure is low throughout the house. I went outside and looked at the thing but I don't know what I'm looking at. There's a red button and I pushed it and water squirted out of it and hit me in the face. I don't know if I should have pushed that button or not.

I have no clue about these things. Can anybody help me out or point me to a site that can? Please??

1 posted on 10/10/2006 1:09:03 AM PDT by Miztiki
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To: Miztiki

It has been a while for me, but if you know the pump to otherwise be in good shape, you may have an air bubble in the system. This could manifest itself within one of the filter housings, so you should be able to see this. Get the air out via similar buttons if possible.

However, it is possible you have sand that has filled in around your intake. This would be likely if you've known your husband to have to dig it out in the past.


2 posted on 10/10/2006 1:13:43 AM PDT by ConservativeMind
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To: Miztiki

I'm not sure Miztiki, but I can tell you that:

1. At the end of the summer, some wells tend to have to work harder (less water).

2. Your pressure tank may need cleaning/draining (CALL A PROFESSIONAL) or may be going on the blink.


3 posted on 10/10/2006 1:17:27 AM PDT by Cindy
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To: Miztiki

Some insights:

Popular Mechanics:

http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_journal/how_your_house_works/1275136.html?page=3

Another source:

http://www.inspect-ny.com/water/pumprepair.htm


4 posted on 10/10/2006 1:19:47 AM PDT by ConservativeMind
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To: Miztiki

Here you go.

Click on this link and see if this is helpful:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=well+%2B+low+water+pressure&btnG=Google+Search


5 posted on 10/10/2006 1:20:09 AM PDT by Cindy
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To: All

I will look at those links, thanks!

If anyone has any more info for me then please do share. I hope it's nothing serious or costly.


6 posted on 10/10/2006 1:30:01 AM PDT by Miztiki (Pearland, TX)
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To: Miztiki

Another possibility is that you have a leak in a line. You might want to check for any unusual dampness around where your lines run.


7 posted on 10/10/2006 1:31:59 AM PDT by snowsislander
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To: Miztiki
I would bet that you have problem with your preasure switch (near the bottom of the big tank) It is either filled with sediment or is dying of old age. Have a plumber (or your friendly neighbor) check it out for you.

If it is defective it would shut the pump at the bottom of the well off before full pressure is achieved.

Been there...done it!
8 posted on 10/10/2006 1:37:19 AM PDT by Chief Engineer
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To: Chief Engineer
I would bet that you have problem with your preasure switch (near the bottom of the big tank) It is either filled with sediment or is dying of old age. Have a plumber (or your friendly neighbor) check it out for you. If it is defective it would shut the pump at the bottom of the well off before full pressure is achieved. Been there...done it!

My first thought as well! Over the years I have had to replace my pressure switches far more often than any part of well systems. They are a very inexpensive item, available at Home Depot/Lowe's, etc. and are very easy to replace with simple tools (just make sure you kill the electric power first since you are dealing with 220+ volt wiring!)...

9 posted on 10/10/2006 1:42:08 AM PDT by ExSES (the "bottom-line")
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I can't even figure out which parts are which.

There's a tall tank-like thing with a dial near the top, there's a "water filtration" thing, there's a box with a sticker that warns of high voltage, and then there's a cylinder shaped plain thing going into the ground.

I'm guessing the latter is the pump?

I'll go back out and look for a pressure switch at the bottom of the tank but I think it was just a plain tank sitting on the ground.


10 posted on 10/10/2006 1:46:34 AM PDT by Miztiki (Pearland, TX)
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To: Miztiki

Do you have a holding tank?
Call for water to be hauled in untill hubby gets home.

Call the local well pump guy and ask for references.

Do you have a filtration system, may just need to change the filter I have my pump guy come out every 4 months to change mine and it works out to be just about the time the pressure drops.

Did you check the water pressure gauge? If that drops to zero you are not getting water for what ever reason.

I have lived with a dry well for 20 yrs as a single woman.
Had to get in the right local network of decent guys who work together on jobs as pros to have things run smoothly.


11 posted on 10/10/2006 1:47:55 AM PDT by Global2010 (Tagline walking the dogs.)
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To: ExSES

My only neighbor that I know is "too friendly". I don't want him to know that my husband is away. I'd rather pay out the nose for a repair man.


12 posted on 10/10/2006 1:49:17 AM PDT by Miztiki (Pearland, TX)
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To: Chief Engineer

Ditto I my gauge go on the blink about every 3-4yrs. that the easy need to fix its.


13 posted on 10/10/2006 1:50:12 AM PDT by Global2010 (Tagline walking the dogs.)
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To: Global2010

Hubby won't be home for another 4 weeks.

I'm going to take a picture of it and maybe y'all can tell me what I have.

brb...


14 posted on 10/10/2006 1:50:32 AM PDT by Miztiki (Pearland, TX)
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To: Miztiki
I'll go back out and look for a pressure switch at the bottom of the tank but I think it was just a plain tank sitting on the ground.

Pressure switches are typically a small rectangular plastic box (black or gray). They will be connected by a very thin metal pipe to the piping and will have wiring entering them. You should run your water and time the length of time that your pump is running (you'll hear a humming while it is running). That info and the size of your water tank would help in diagnosing the problem.

15 posted on 10/10/2006 1:53:26 AM PDT by ExSES (the "bottom-line")
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Comment #16 Removed by Moderator

To: Miztiki
My only neighbor that I know is "too friendly". I don't want him to know that my husband is away. I'd rather pay out the nose for a repair man.

I can appreciate that. It has been my experience that if you diagnose the problem first and ask for estimates you "May" cut down on the folks who will just sell you all kinds of additional things!

17 posted on 10/10/2006 2:06:45 AM PDT by ExSES (the "bottom-line")
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To: Miztiki
My only neighbor that I know is "too friendly". I don't want him to know that my husband is away. I'd rather pay out the nose for a repair man.

I can appreciate that. It has been my experience that if you diagnose the problem first and ask for estimates you "May" cut down on the folks who will just sell you all kinds of additional things!

18 posted on 10/10/2006 2:06:45 AM PDT by ExSES (the "bottom-line")
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To: Phatboy

LOL I concur.

And remember yellow is mellow....


19 posted on 10/10/2006 2:07:18 AM PDT by Global2010 (Tagline walking the dogs.)
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To: ExSES

Here are some pictures.

The whole thing:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y181/Miztiki/Sept2006044.jpg

Water filtration thing:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y181/Miztiki/Sept2006046.jpg

Gauge (@65) and pressure switch?:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y181/Miztiki/Sept2006047.jpg

Pump??:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y181/Miztiki/Sept2006045.jpg

There's some sort of high voltage box in the bottom left of the second picture too.

Do I have the different parts right?

I'll read through your comments again and see what I can find. I really appreciate the help.


20 posted on 10/10/2006 2:16:33 AM PDT by Miztiki (Pearland, TX)
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