water pressure problems

[cabgrn]

my problem is when you first turn water on its ok then slowly starts losing pressure till it completely stops, after several minutes pump kicks on and pressure returns for several minutes then back off. i've been reading several posts to other similar promblems and getting alot of good information on resolving this issue. i have a sumersible pump which i replaced about a year ago. tank is blue with schrader valve on top, assuming this is a bladder tank. not sure on age of tank. water line coming from bottom of tank with pressure switches that is mounted on galv. tube. alot of rust around bottom of galv. tube so it must be leaking. there is no pressure gauge anywhere. i'm thinking the bladder is busted but not sure. can someone give me some expert advice? thanks alot in advance

[nomind]

Hi cabgrn,
- Whoever set this up without a pressure gauge was incredibly lucky it worked at all ! There is NO way to properly set up the pressure switch or tank air without a gauge ! Before you can resolve this problem you have to fit one on the tank tee. -Is there even a tank tee, I note you said galv. fitting. If there's no tee, switch off the pump and drain tank. Get a bronze or brass tank tee suitable for your tank, get gauge, drain valve and new pressure switch if the other is old. Both P/S and gauge mount on top of the tank tee.
To check if the tank is waterlogged, rock it about while it is disconnected. If you hear water sloshing around, the bladder is shot. -New tank needed.
If you need help putting it together , post back when you have all the parts. :cool:

Do it Right - Do it once.

[cabgrn]

thanks for the reply nomind. i got all the parts, already got everything together and working, got the pressure adjusted and everything is great. i didn't have to post anything back cuz i read so many other of your answers to similar questions from others that it answered anything i was goin to ask. so thanks so much nomind, i'm sure it saved me a few hundred bucks :)

[nomind]

Hi cabgrn,
- I'm pleased you got it going yourself, -it's so much more satisfying to do that ! Now you know enough to keep an eye on it for periodic maintenance . If you ever come across something you don't understand, we're here to help with it. :cool:

Do it Right - Do it once.