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.

[@user-ij8ue6yl9y]

😊😊

[@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

[@jamescady723]

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

[@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?

[@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. 🙂

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@pepperroni4016]

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

[@cougarsax2005]

I had a low water pressure issue, or air in the lines issue recently, and your videos helped me a ton to troubleshoot. It ended up being low air in the pressure tank. This video helped me a ton.

[@user-oq3sz5um5o]

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!!!

[@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

[@williamdyckman9704]

Learned alot from your video! Thank You !!

[@sunydigital]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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 👍🏽

[@rezzer7918]

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

[@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

[@pepperroni4016]

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

[@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

[@dannystiasny3891]

Great video , awesome job explaining everything in detail , Thanks

[@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

[@user-nv5cd8ud5e]

Explained everything perfect along with excellent footage thank you nice job

[@RichardWing4130]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@gtb81.]

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

[@Kustomgadget]

The air was coming from the expansion tank bladder leaking.

[@h2omechanic]

Correct! The homeowner told me afterwards that he had been adding air to his tank weekly 😆. Once I was finished ofcoarse

[@psmcgowan1793]

I've replaced the switch w/40/60 lever (only available). All wiring is good. Tank pressure roughly 36psi. New gauge. While holding the lever to jumpstart, I can hear the switch trying to engage. I'm getting nothing ...I've watched several of your videos repeatedly, and can think of nothing I didn't check/replace. Please guide me to the magic one

[@serengetilion]

One special video. Learned alot

[@dustinsmous5413]

You should see what my grandparents house has. Deep well jet pump with a galvanized pressure tank and an air volume control...

[@pastorcarl5703]

Another informative video. Outstanding! God Bless!

[@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!

[@h.d.tobybradshaw1464]

Impressive detective work!

[@jamesbarnes1888]

All in all a very insightful video.

[@carybritton4178]

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

[@jasperaj1]

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

[@user-dd8um1oo4h]

one of the best videos yet thanks

[@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

[@nickush7512]

That hurt !! Great video Dude, thanks.

[@dwillard670]

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

[@OuryLN]

Hehe! We say you do it in real time! Wonder what Justin(is that his name?) thought! 😂

[@andreastpierre4730]

Thank you. Very informative.

[@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!

[@claesmansson9070]

Very healthy surroundings for drinkingwater.

[@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.

[@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

[@094hambone]

saved the day thanks

[@kodydell1024]

prime examples we don’t use shark bite fittings

[@michaelnowak3570]

Very Kewl Id love to come down and see it sometime

[@brockwagner939]

After changing out pressure switches for 25 years, I wonder why they dont solve that problem with the solid wire under the screws on the pressure switch. Put a decent terminal in the pressure switches, with a plate under the screw head, similar to the way a breaker is, so the wire is clamped down and not always trying to escape on you. I'm talking to you square D.

[@h2omechanic]

Everything has gotten cheap 😠

[@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

[@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.

[@wolphin732]

5:26... not sure you noticed all 4 of the wires were installed on the wrong side of the wire... not just the one.

[@KOLLEL190]

Dosnt matter unless code calls for it here you have to paint all wires black in some places

[@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?

[@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.

[@jackdaniels8920]

Why did you use sharkbites when they've given you issues before?

[@minouchat]

Like always, good infos. Thanks !!

[@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.

[@GbolaAdetunji]

What could make it working off and on without stopping

[@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!

[@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?

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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?

[@jrock865]

loop wires around the terminal...more contact.

[@DonC11669]

Copperheads leftovers. 🤔 Hate not easy accessible bladder tank. Encapsulation of crawlspace would be nice as well. Maybe water whole house filtration would be nice.

[@gf3559]

Beeps were a little off.. That made my day lol. As a electrician i smash the hell out of hands on a daily!!

[@stbam1965]

STAY ON POINT

[@user-ks7ri4is2y]

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 ...

[@chevyboy.0448]

Very intriguing to watch !! Love it

[@pattifitzgerald7327]

How's your finger?

[@RichardCKirby]

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

[@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.

[@pissysoles6996]

What happens if I have a verticle tank like that but it's being used laying on its side? Horizontallly

[@tomspallone1868]

I’m confused; so the problem was a lose wire that turned the pump on sporadically?

[@shemp308]

I watched another video of yours that you said you don't like guys that put a half loop in the end of the wire. Put on backward or not it would not have done this.

[@woodworker3122]

Pretty funny, your beep tone came in about a half second after your f bombs in both cases.😂

[@davidvail3838]

Very good info. Thanks

[@JPSURF16]

Man please check voltage after you ask the customer to turn the breaker off to make sure it is actually off before you stick that screw driver in there.

[@richardsneed9343]

Thanks!

[@AAPHomestead]

Liked And Subscribed Brother we appreciate all the very useful information 😊👍

[@itsumonihon]

good video, but at 5:19 you should have tested with your meter first.

[@blakebiltwell5]

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

[@biglaverstyle]

how much air pressure should be in the pressure tank?

[@t.8130]

We're should the check valve be

[@jake-mv5oi]

Was there any other indication that the tank was bad other than it was over 25 years old?

[@h2omechanic]

The tanks functionality was still usable. But the home owners stated how he would have to add air to the tank. So I know it had a small leak internally.

[@jake-mv5oi]

@@h2omechanic Got it. Thanks

[@richardw.599]

I didn't see a check valve on your new installation. I'm wondering why you didn't add one

[@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.

[@superduper6123]

not the diaphragm providing the pushback, but the air behind the diaphragm. 'stretching' of the diaphragm shouldn't be an issue -- it just provides a flexible separation between the water on one side, and the air on the other.

[@garyabbott7875]

A question for you is should there be water in the gauge on the pressure tank

[@joshuageorge7758]

Yes absolutely

[@brokenarrow2835]

What is the pro's and cons of a bladder tank vs verses and standard old school tank .Every 4-5 years I have to replace my tank due to pin wholes. The new tanks made now say they are epoxy lined, what joke...mine is spuing at three different places around the bottom..

[@anthonyzarcone8696]

Check to pipe on the pressure switch they get clogged