No Water Pressure? How to Test Your Well Pump, Pressure Switch, Bladder Tank. Educational Tradesman

[@clayturnbull]

Respect for including your theories that proved false and hitting your hand with the players. These are the realities of tradespeople.

[@LarryVolckening]

😊😊

[@garywhitaker9854]

absolutely, he took an ass whoopin' and didn't edit out lol. Respect indeed.

[@mtviews1]

I have been in this position several times before troubleshooting for problems. I appreciate your honesty in this video as nothing has been left out including the " words" to describe the events of this repair. Very good video with all the information about crawl space, dead varmits, and working conditions. Great job young man.

[@donniejohnson7588]

My pump shuts off before my tank fills up with water. What do I do?

[@nickwhite-zz8vf]

Growing up watching ppl get screwed by contractors left and right I love you being integrity to trades! I’m an electrician so pretty useless to me but I still like watching the troupleshooting

[@jeffwilson7231]

I've got 30 Psi on my system . Maintains 30 pis wat to low. Found that the presure switch is a 30-50 . Not working, can I change that to a 40-60. Also after watching your videos I think my ultimate problem besides the switch being burnt is the that the presure tank is no good. Any thoughts on that

[@spelunkerd]

Ha ha, what a great video. I love the fact you didn't delete the finger smash, it adds comical drama to an excellent, intelligent tutorial.

[@RichardBreitkreutz-g5r]

My water quit working today for me and my neighbor's homes today, on Easter Sunday. I really appreciate you making this video since my landlord wont help us with this. I hope this works, thank you for the detailed and easy explanation!!!

[@jamescady723]

Can't tell you how much I appreciate these videos. Sure wish you were in my area.

[@allmightypuffn]

im not sure if you not liking a check valve at the tank is just personal prefrence or an actual improper instal, but i know that by code here in PA u have to have a check valve at the tank, they even sell kits with everything included, tee bar, pressure guage, pop off valve, and checkvalve, all pre assembled. maybe a little clarity here is in order on weather or not its actually illegal or just a preferance. To be fair, your reasoning makes perfect sense.

[@lootman7283]

Check valve at the tank is standard

[@tinathrower284]

Glad I ran across your video channel, I'm a homeowner and can't find a thorough, affordable, knowledgeable and trustworthy handyman anywhere . Recently was ripped off by one dude , had one that didn't even nail down my floor boards and one that wasted too many materials and supplies by not testing or measuring for proper fitting before fabbing, they're all derelicts! So now with your guidance I can do this shit myself saves me the headache and irritation not to mention money too! I appreciate you more than you'll ever know.

[@elaineleek5858]

My brother-in-law was my handyman ever since he married my sister 44 years ago. Regrettably, he passed away last Halloween. He was a wonderful person. Meanwhile, we're here on this channel hoping to fix our well without his experienced help. As I watched the video, I recognized some of the little things he showed us, so I'm sure it is the points that need replaced. Now if I can figure out where to buy them.😅

[@halreinholtz3192]

@@elaineleek5858 Replace the entire pressure switch; they aren't that expensive.

[@elaineleek5858]

@@halreinholtz3192 Thank you. I realized after I read your comment, that's what I meant. 🙂

[@Gzuz.2024]

Very useful information for a new home owners who are on a limited budget, Know your capabilities and your limits as well and if you can’t get it done spend the money and leave it to the Pros

[@ClearWaterPumpWell]

Hahaha Damnet man you and me would get along just fine! You are meticulous and patient as I am solving problems. Yea I hate galvanized too and use it only for Tank plugs really. Mostly use stainless for all nipples and plugs. I use the Parker fittings for 1/4" tubing and connections. Try to get Lasco for pvc but worried about new owners. Those Wellxtrols were the best tanks years ago now I trust the A.O.smith Perma Tanks too, have only had a handful of warranty out of hundreds. Anyways great video showing the whole process for viewers. Take it easy man, Casey

[@camreed7073]

This was the most excellent video I did learn a lot my system is doing the exact same thing thank you my friend going to share every ware

[@nearlynativenursery8638]

Thanks for this video H20 as I am having problems with my well and your walking us through this process of diagnosing truly help me find my problem. Wish me luck. Jim Rodgers

[@sunydigital]

That was great. Thanks for taking the time to explain so much of what you were doing and thinking. Nice!

[@TheJamesjamex5]

Great vid! Got a lil nervous @ 4:47 when you took the homeowner at his word when flipping the circuit off and didn't confirm by checking voltage again.

[@eF154]

Man i love this guy's videos... great explanation, solid diagnostics

[@danvisan7017]

probably you saw me commenting on many of your videos. i enjoy them so much! i think i will start doing those water systems for people for free just because i enjoy it so much

[@RichardWing4130]

I watched one video and I'm hooked. You earned my sub. Excellent teaching.

[@rapturebound197]

Awesome technician... I wish you were here where I live I could use a good 'go to' pro when I have well issues. * I'm a retired electrician... just to clarify what the problem was with the 'loose connection' you found on that pressure switch was not a "Short".. that was what we call a high resistance "Open". Had it been an actual short it would have blown the breaker when power was applied and that's not what was happening in this case 😉👍

[@MrMindlink]

...I started to mention the same thing regarding the electrical issue, but you summed it up perfectly.

[@tray8411]

Im lovin ur vids..We have nothing but wells out here in NE Idaho..Friends well tank is taking 30 min to fill... Trying your testing procedures..Thnks again

[@tompinnef6331]

Learned not to hit my hand with the pliers. (already knew that - been there done that before) Thanks for the video. Shark bites are ok but I am a old sweating pipe type. But slowly changing the house over to plex now. (sorry I had to pick on you a little bit. Guess the old firefighter in me came out) Hope the crew / family and you are doing well. Take care - God Bless

[@richardsneed9343]

Thanks!

[@shawnnix163]

Thank you so much for all of your info and knowledge. I woke up this morning with no water on my well system. I checked all of the things that you mentioned. Nothing worked. Tested it and have 240 volts at the switch. At this point I assumed the switch was bad. I bought a new switch, but before I installed, I wired direct and eliminated the switch, opened the faucet and turned on the breaker. No pump activity. I'd assume it should work that way, and since it isn't, I'm most likely dealing with a well pump failure? Appreciate your help!

[@DanSchiller-h7r]

Explained everything perfect along with excellent footage thank you nice job

[@gillbillrook7043]

thanks for all your videos, they're very helpful. Around 16:30 you hear the air bubbling back in the tube (because the check valve at the tank was stuck open and allowing air in). In the end, where was the water going causing the bubbling sound? draining back out of the pump? after replacing the tank/ valve setup, the pressure held implying there was no leak, so what was the bubbling? thanks again for all your input, you're a huge help to so many of us.

[@mikeotte1609]

Hey there, I came across your video's, they have helped me so much, I have a camp with a water system drawing from a lake... having pressure drops ect.. thinking from what I've learned I can head back north to fix my water situation.. Thank You!!!

[@hardwiired]

When using sharkbite on copper, make sure to remove the inside plastic stiffener and and use the "Sharkbite" Chamfer tool. Its really cheap $10.

[@serengetilion]

One special video. Learned alot

[@Sertao2013]

The pressure switch started kicking on and off with just a little water being used. It dropped down from 60 to 40 in just a few seconds . Once the water was turned off at the sink the pressure built back up really fast and shot off . I cleaned out the pipe that leads up to the pressure switch . It was completely clogged up . I cleaned out the switch and the piping .I put it back on and the pressure gauge is now showing that it kicks on at 40 psi and back off at 60 . when the water is turned on the pressure gauge shows the pressure drops down to 40 psi with in a few seconds . What would cause the pressure to drop from 60 to 40 with very little water being used ? It's the same type of tank you are showing . If you stop your video at 3:42 I can see that the black wire from the pump is on the left side and the white is on the right side . The way it is on the one I have the pump black is on the right and the white is on the left so it white white on the left and black black on the right .Which way is correct or does it matter on a 220 volt wire where both white and black are both hot with 110 ?

[@gtb81.]

got the same well-X-Trol under my house from the 80's those are great tanks, it seems

[@josephanderson1985]

great job of conveying useful information, thanks! subscribed!

[@stevecristaldi3226]

Wanted to thank you for your video's .. particularly this one... having problem with my old (50 years) in home system... think I have it down to the pressure tank or Square D switch... Again ... thanks for these ... sure a lot of people get a lot out of them... Best Regards

[@unclesandcrab]

good info thanks for the tips , kinda embarrassed to admit this but I am also a well tech but I don't service domestic well so this are a little different , thanks again 👍🏽

[@dannystiasny3891]

Great video , awesome job explaining everything in detail , Thanks

[@rezzer7918]

Above the norm, experience-based reasoning on full display. Real-time logic-based technical trouble shooting. *Makin it look easy* 🛠

[@txman201]

The system did not have an electrical "short" as described in the synopsis at the end of the video. It had a high-resistance (poor) connection between the white wire and one of the pressure switch terminals. They are opposites.

[@AllenCavedo]

A lot of ppl say ‘short’ when they mean ‘open’. A short blows the breaker.

[@ryanthorn314]

Your videos have been very informative, thanks for sharing! I am still trying to troubleshoot why I have low water pressure. Pressure tank isn’t water logged and is measuring the correct PSI. I replaced the pressure switch hoping that would help, but no dice. Only enough pressure to run 1 faucet at a time. Pressure gage holds steady. The pressure gage is measuring 240V (power coming in) but only 120V between the other terminals. Any suggestions on the root of my issues? Thanks in advance.

[@paulbrick8716]

I gotta say, you are very good with narrating and doing all of your videos. I spent one day watching a lot of them. I have question on a problem that I noticed today. I live in Oregon on a 1 acre lot with a well septic system. There are three wells the were here when we moved in, the were dug in he middle of the front yard two which were not connected to a pump, and were in circle around a young tree.The newest one the third, is about 10 feet from the other two. The problem is today I noticed clear water seeping up from one of the two that in the dirt around the tree. We are about 5300 ft elevation. Is there possibility that it’s a high water table after snow and rain? Thanks if you read this, and thanks for your videos, they’re awesome!

[@gusderocco]

one of the best videos yet thanks

[@lornabell5443]

I learn a lot from yours videos we live in Ontario Canada and are going to install a new pump in well in May my son and I feel confident because we learned everything from your video thanks for your help

[@TinaMucklow]

Me too! I've watched 20 videos and scored over 26,583 points, about to become master level pro

[@14312KIDS]

FYI. If you check voltage across the points. As you know. It should read 0 volts. If points are closed and it reads any voltage at all. Your points are bad. I do HVACR for a living. Just a trick i learned on contactors.

[@repairfreak]

Yes, absolutely correct! Bad contact(s) causes a resistance, this creates a measurable voltage drop across the hot in “the paddles” and hot out contact(s) of the relay. 0V means no drop “perfect positive relay contact made.” I have been doing consumer electronics repair for many years.

[@TinaMucklow]

Thank you both for the tips

[@rogrambo]

Wait a minute, are you saying I want it to be zero when they are closed?

[@repairfreak]

@@rogrambo YES, when measuring for voltage between “across” the contact paddle feeding the ac hot in and the contact terminal(s) it closes against. No resistance should measure 0 volts AC. If unsure of what you are doing, please seek a qualified electrician. Whenever you are measuring electrical voltages, you assume all the risks involved. Electricity as you know can kill you!

[@14312KIDS]

If you are on the same leg of power then it should read zero. aceoss rge legs. It will read line voltage.@@rogrambo

[@LucasHunt-z4y]

Just curious, but what was that bill at the end of the day just in labor? So was it the check valve, the bladder tank or the Short?

[@ranger5814]

Watching your video. I do not have a check valve at the tank. New replacement well 1 year ago. I am loosing pressure verfy fast. I will shut off water to the house and see if I loose pressure. I think I may have a leak in the pipe going out to the outside yard hydrant.

[@h.d.tobybradshaw1464]

Impressive detective work!

[@brianlunsford4610]

I’ve done this a few times over the years typically when the power goes out I’ll have to flip the switch then the water comes back on no problem. It got very cold last night, woke up with no water so I went and flicked the switch. Water came back on but only for about 30 seconds. So I cut the well breaker, tested the pressure and the pressure was low. Opened a faucet put air back into the tank at 38 psi cut the breaker back on and I had water again for about 30 seconds. I’m guessing my pressure switch is bad all together ?

[@jamesbarnes1888]

Hahaha... With 1 whack of the thumb all professionalism goes out the window! I love it! Been there done that! **** u **** this well I don't give a **** anymore lol

[@pastorcarl5703]

Another informative video. Outstanding! God Bless!

[@thisisyourcaptainspeaking2259]

Are there any cases where check valves between the pump and tank are beneficial?

[@jeffhunt5964]

Temporary fix to get you through winter to nicer weather with running indoor water to fix the real problem buried under a few feet of snow and ice.

[@jasperaj1]

Funny, thought the same thing what hing one of your videos. Getting wrapped around this thing would be it for you. Good choice.

[@monoralph1375]

We have a fine silt in our well. The silt will clog the diaphragm of the pressure switch. About every two years, the pressure switch is removed and a cleaned switch is installed. The screws under the switch remove the metal plate and permits the diaphragm and area to be cleaned. The switch then goes back in the box on the shelf for the next go around of cleaning as necessary. Switches are inexpensive, but not always available nights and weekends. So having a spare is necessary.

[@meepmonster750]

You could try installing a gauge guard

[@WilsonRebuilds]

My friend well has super low pressure, we checked the pressure switch, tested good. Air tank is good, when testing the pump I never see the amps spike to 20 when we start is up, and running it only shows about 4.2 amps, pressure does seem to get up to 60 where the switch would cut off.. sound like the pump is the only thing it could be?

[@Rysdad1]

How do you replace the fittings that go on the side of a convertible jet pump that connect to the lines going to the pump side? Mine has pinhole leaks in them bc they are plastic and I have tried and failed to seal them so I guess all that's left is to replace them but I can't see how to take them off the old myers pump

[@carybritton4178]

Dude your info is awesome and I’ve learned a ton for the channel thanks for all the videos

[@Alaska-Bush-Mom]

5:19 the white wire are supposed to be on one side and both black on the other. Plus they should be on the left side of the screw

[@lindameredith1941]

Just found your channel which is good because I've moved from the city to a rural area with a well. Our well casing extends 8' above the well, I've never seen that in any video or any of the wells around here. Most are about 2-3 feet at the most. The well installation doesn't look like a professional installation. We are not in a flood zone, can you think of any reason why the well casing would be so tall?

[@h2omechanic]

It's possible that it's an artesian well & the 8ft casing helps to stop water from flowing out the top. Do you live in the bottom of a valley or hilly area? That's normally where u find them...rare too

[@davidgoodwin658]

I'm going to replace my pressure tank with either a 32 gal water worker or a 42 gal Reliance pressure tank. The Reliance has a fused glass liner and a anode rod. Which one would you use?

[@christianrodgers-f5s]

Hi brother. Love your videos. I've come across this issue a couple times. New switch, tank tee, and pressure tank. Periodically, normally when a shower or washer is running, I'll have to re engage the switch. Sometimes multiple times a day. Water is fine again fir a bit. Both times it sort of worked itself out and was ok. But went on for a week or two. Swith and air pressure set correctly! Any ideas?

[@RelRumba-hg5ui]

Nice informed good videos and good explanations on your tutorials. I had a few questions as far as cost. what is the initial inspection cost? and the time that it takes for you to determine the issues?

[@AnthonyJones-ft5ow]

This is a good video. I have a shallow well and I’m thinking the air is low in the pressure tank. Can I add air to the tank? What’s your thoughts on this because my system does not have a pressure gauge.

[@shawnsavage9015]

Nice video, love the way you kept testing until you found the problem. One question, A shallow well setup with two branches, the shorter branch has good constant pressure, the longer one loses pressure to other faucets once another one is turned on, would adding another pressure tank beef up the pressure and fix this problem?

[@williamdyckman9704]

Learned alot from your video! Thank You !!

[@HousetoHull]

I suppose I shouldn't have laughed when you smacked your fingers with the pliers, but I've just done that so many times that I'm glad to see it happens to other people too!

[@woodworker3122]

Okay here’s my tank question. How do you know which is the correct size tank for my well? I see you using all different sizes from small to large on your videos. Thanks.

[@anthonyzarcone8696]

Question when you connect shark bit to copper dont you have to pull out the plastic incert on in the shark bite.

[@douglackie3777]

Noton the new shark bites they have no plastic inserts.

[@hemantchandrapaul6498]

Hey bro thanks for sharing this video!! How much would a job like this cost

[@EzequielMaldonado-f4d]

Hello I was wondering if you cam rebuilt a goulds water pump ...if so how much would it costs ...it's a 3/4 hp with 3 wires plus the ground..it's a 10 gallon per minute pump ...

[@Brealytren5760]

GREAT VIDEO! Unfortunately, the problem I have I'm not sure is covered. While my daughter was taking a shower, I noticed my submersible pump was short cycling. The switch installed is a 30/50 and as I watched it cycle, this what I noticed. Pressure on the gage would bleed down to 32 psi and the pump would come on, however as the pump ran and the pressure rose I noticed that once it got to 40 psi, the pressure would rapidly spike to 50 psi....the pump would shut off....and the pressure would immediately fall back to 40 psi. This then gives me about an 8 psi swing from on to off...i.e. my short cycle. My question...what could be causing the split second pressure spike from 40 - 50 psi as the tank fills? I'm at a total loss. Thanks in advance!

[@tuberez]

My well was drilled 4 years ago . Was putting out about 5gpm now only 2gpm and hose right from pump pulsate at times, water has air bubbles. Is well going dry or pump going out? Driller won't call me back. Thx

[@brokenarrow2835]

Curious,why do yall use bladder tanks?Here in Louisiana we use the regular tank with the volume control ,all 1 1/4'' pipe from well to tank.What is the pros. and cones.

[@natebigbull79]

Hey man, geeat video. I have a similar pump and tank ... I'm having a issue with the system not pressuring up. The pump works and builds pressure, but it will not pressure up to 30 psi at the pressure Tank, and will not even fill the pressure tank. I do have a gauge installed before the pressure tank, to monitor pressure. The water supply is coming off of a 15 foot deep x 4 foot wide holding tank in the ground . My original question, is why would it seem to be acting like it's sucking air? ... I have primed the pump and from the pump up to the pressure tank, I have clear plastic line, so I can see the bubbles .. but I might add, ( I'm not sure if it matters) the guy who installed the system, has the pump mounted 4 feet below the pressure tank, so it has to pump up to the pressure tank first. At first he thought maybe my pump was no good, and installed another pump that he has, that he knew was a good pump, but had the same issue, so put mine back in. Any advice you could offer, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[@darrinl8029]

In your experience (if you read this) does the nipple to the check valve clog with rust or sediment? both? I just had a leak in a fitting after the check valve in the basement, then noticed the nipple as well as the check valve was completely blocked. I have since replaced the steel nipple with brass. I am wondering if our acidic well water corroded it or if it was sediment from the well. I think this cheap piece of pipe damaged the pump as the switch did not tell the pump to shut off.

[@blakegattesco2051]

I have low water pressure in my house. I have drained my tank and check my pressure, it's fine. When I turn my breaker for the tank back on, the gauge goes up to 60 and then slowly drops to 25 or 28 PSI. I cannot get my pressure above 28. Any thoughts? your videos are very informative, thank you

[@jamesbarnes1888]

All in all a very insightful video.

[@Cordell-wj7lv]

excellent explaining

[@zappafan3473]

If I've recently installed a new tank and I'm seeing the same issue with the gauge dropping extremely slowly after switching off, is there something I should be doing to lock in the tank? setting it's pressure a little high? a little low? thanks

[@andreastpierre4730]

Thank you. Very informative.

[@nickush7512]

That hurt !! Great video Dude, thanks.

[@vinhgolf]

When you replace the pressure tank , did you had to fill the air with the air compressor?

[@blakebiltwell5]

Do you recommend replace a well tank with size? Or can I replace my well tank for a bigger tank?

[@barchimes]

It's mandatory here in Europe to have a service switch within one meter from the pump and a proper light and socket for working in this space. Having said that, wouldn't it be better to place a waterfilter between pump and the pressure swith/tank to avoid/reduce future problems? Meanwhile, repairing a loose connection would have cost you only 5 minutes of work.

[@roystevenson1375]

Is it possible to replace the bladder only on those pressure vessels? and not the whole tank?,,,,,I think I would also have taken the opportunity of this major surgery to fit a switch or isolator on the cable supply to the system to save having to have another guy up turning the breaker on and off.....but them I'm a spark not a plumber.

[@KimNguyen-c7f]

Phil. After freezing temperature, our pressure switch is reading 80 psi. We turned off the pump, ran water on a hose and got about 1 gallon water. The gauge reads 38, without going to 0 like we expect. We tested tank pressure and it reads 39psi. We let out a lot of air from the tank and psi dropped from 39 to 38.5 psi, and then back to 39psi. After turning the pump on, pressure gauge jumped quickly from 38 to near 100psi, resting at about 90psi. What is our problem?

[@michaelnowak3570]

Very Kewl Id love to come down and see it sometime

[@annaroberts2415]

What makes the points on a well keep kicking out. WE go from having water to having no water? If we walk to the well house and kick the points back in, we have water!?? Just curious? Could it be the bladder tank? Pressure switch? or worse need a new pump? Thanks so much for your video's cause I will make my husband watch this FIRST!!! LOL!

[@RichardCKirby]

If I have power across all terminals on well switch and pump doesn’t run is the pump bad

[@jeffreyyeckering2555]

I’ve got a well and it’s slow to built pressure, operates fine but never is able to maintain a consistent pressure when the pump kicks on after 40 psi, It’s a new pump and I’m able to clean the lines going to the well from house and seen if that helps.

[@GbolaAdetunji]

What could make it working off and on without stopping

[@N8Vrhino]

Our water quit working night before last. Had no water all day yesterday and today. Our pressure gauge by the tank reads 0, the pressure in the tank is good. Pressure switch looks good and has power going through it. Any idea what it could be? We had someone come look and they think the water level dropped, may have to add more pipe to it.

[@jeffwoodard]

Why does everyone have to comment on every video and throw in their two cents worth. You done this wrong, that wrong you should have done it this way, etc. 90% do not even know what they are talking g about. Watch the video and be quiet.

[@minouchat]

Like always, good infos. Thanks !!

[@dcarter1279]

We have a well pump that’s not worked a few times and it’s are spring box water

[@spennyjay2897]

What would you do to find leak between the well and pump if there was one because in your video there wasn't but that could have been

[@spennyjay2897]

Oh another question. In your video when the tank is building pressure at the cut in it goes to the all the way to 60 cuts out and you can't hear anything like you can't tell if the pump is running except for the pressure gauge my question is is it normal for the cut in to cause rattling and noise in the pipes when the when the well pump is on

[@George-bz1fi]

So if the check valve at the pump isn't holding what can you do?

[@dwillard670]

Very educational. Thanks. P!us, I'm so grateful for basements.

[@StevePorter-me8pl]

Hey bud. I’m from Canada. In your state, you’re not required a pressure relief valve?

[@taylordrake9009]

My bladder tank kicks off when it reaches its off pressure, leaks out to it's on pressure, and keeps cycling like that continuously. I don't see anything that looks like a check valve on the bladder. I've made sure the psi is correct in the tank. Bladder tank is good, as I've checked all 3 ways you've taught. I'm stumped. No leaks that I can see around the house

[@adamlynn6648]

Our well runs 3 properties how would i install a pressure to benefit just me

[@robertnelson4755]

Since we all have smashed out thumb just like you did, it makes us mortals feel a little better when a pro does it. Thanks for leaving that part in, I don't feel so bad anymore when I've done it. Did you end up with a black and blue thumbnail, it looks like it was a bad one?

[@xcal7777]

I have a 30/50 switch. I put 30 psi in the tank before filling with water. I know it should be 28 psi but forgot. Now can I just let 2 psi out without draining the whole tank.

[@andreabakersfield3218]

I am needing a New submersible pump for my 45ft deep well, I trust you and your videos, what pump do you suggest I get for my smaller house next to a river?

[@h2omechanic]

What diameter is the well? 4" , 6" or 24"

[@andreabakersfield3218]

@@h2omechanic 6in

[@h2omechanic]

@@andreabakersfield3218 I assume you have a pump currently. Look at the breaker box. I need to know if the pump breaker is a double or single breaker. 120v or 240v. You just need a 1/2hp pump. The voltage is what we need to know

[@claesmansson9070]

Very healthy surroundings for drinkingwater.