need help with pump and/or pump tank!!

[local 701]

About a month ago we noticed a constant fluctuation in water pressure. I just checked my pump tank and noticed that while water running in the house, my pump cycles from 40-60 psi in about 4-5 seconds (40-60 in 4 seconds and back from 60-40 in the same time). When all water in the house is turned off my gauge reads a constant 42 psi. The rapid fluctuation occurs when any water source is open. My pump tank has a sticker on it that says it is factory pressurized to 40 psi. This is my first well system so any advice would be helpfull. Thanks in advance

[nomind]

Sounds like the bladder in your tank is punctured. To verify this, switch the pump or breaker off, drain water out of tank through any nearby faucet. Now test the air pressure on the nipple at top of tank. In a good tank it should ideally be 28 psi. If water trickles out , it is definitely blown :( . If the tank has some air, but really low, you can try charging it with a compressor to 28 psi and see how long it holds. I've seen some tanks in this condition last for a few months, but inevitably you have to replace them. Good luck with it :)

[Gary Slusser]

The 28 is a typo I'm sure, for 40/60 he meant 38; 1-2 psi less than the cut-in switch setting (40).

Also, the valve stem could have been leaking and needs to be tightened. That's if the bladder isn't bust.

Gary
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Doug Aleshire, Super Moderator 2