I have an above ground pump. The problem isn't that it does not work It just won't build enough pressure. If I set the switch for anything over 40 it never shuts off. It I set it over 35 it struggles and runs way too long. Seems to me it is the pump itself but someone told me maybe a partial obstruction at the bottom. That doesn't make too much sense to me. This is taking a toll on my electraic bill and I want pressure back. Any ideas??

 

Dale, without knowing how old the pump is, my first thought is that the pump impeller is bad. A partial obstruction in the suction line would reduce flow, but shouldn't keep you from achieving pressure on the discharge side, assuming there is no water draw at the time and you're just pressurizing the water tank.

 

That is exactly what I thought Charley. Thanks.

 

Dale, check the tank. Turn off the pump and open the faucet, drain all the water. Put a tire pressure gauge on the tank. You should have 20 or 30 PSI. If not put air in until you achieve that pressure. Then turn the pump back on. If you cannot get that pressure because the air blows thru the water pipes then you need to replace your tank because the bladder is broken.

Once you have the proper air pressure in the bladder, then you should be able to get the water pressure you want without the pump running continuosly. You might need to adjust the pressure regulator where the wire is in the little box on the side of the pump. There is a label inside the cover that will tell you what nut does what.

I hope this helps.

 

Dale, I tend to agree with Thundermug's suggestion that the problem is with the pressure tank more so than with the pump. Sounds like the tanks is water logged causing the pump to run longer. Inside the cover for your pressure switch it should tell you the on and off set points like 20/40, 30/50, or 40/60. If there is a schrader valve on top of the tank, take a tire gauge and check the air pressure in the tank, it should be about 2lbs. less than the cut off pressure on the switch. Hope this helps you out.