Have a house in NH with an artesian well for water supply. Cold water
well pressure tank was replaced about 10-12 years ago but not the pipes
around it. Recently I had to do some work on an upstairs faucet and
shut off main valve from pressure tank to the rest of the house. When
I turned the valve back on, I noticed water coming out of pressure
relief valve. Over time the water slowed to a slow drip. Now I notice
that every so often, the drip turns into a "drizzle" and water comes
out at a pretty good clip (not sure about water usage at that exact
time). The pressure gauge shows 45 PSI and the relief valve lists it's
rating at 75 PSI. Originally thought pressure valve may be old or
clogged with sand or debris, but I have noticed the pressure gauge
needle not moving at all from 45 PSI; doesn't seem to fluctuate, is
this normal? I am planning on replacing the pressure gauge and then
the relief valve if the pressure is fine. What could be raising the
pressure in the tank if the relief valve is not the culprit and it is
doing it's job? There is some kind of "Pumptrol" mechanism between the
pressure gauge and relief valve. Is this the pressure switch and could
this be the problem? I am trying to repair this myself but am
concerned about the whole water, electricity, pressure thing. Looks
like if I shut the breaker, and drain the tank everything seems
straightforward except maybe the pressure switch. Any ideas. The tank
is a Flexcon WR120S. It is about 4feet high and 16 inches in diameter.
I couldn't find how many gallons it holds. Thanks.

"Harry K" wrote in message oups.com...

Nozaki wrote:
Have a house in NH with an artesian well for water supply. Cold water
well pressure tank was replaced about 10-12 years ago but not the pipes
around it. Recently I had to do some work on an upstairs faucet and
shut off main valve from pressure tank to the rest of the house. When
I turned the valve back on, I noticed water coming out of pressure
relief valve. Over time the water slowed to a slow drip. Now I notice
that every so often, the drip turns into a "drizzle" and water comes
out at a pretty good clip (not sure about water usage at that exact
time). The pressure gauge shows 45 PSI and the relief valve lists it's
rating at 75 PSI. Originally thought pressure valve may be old or
clogged with sand or debris, but I have noticed the pressure gauge
needle not moving at all from 45 PSI; doesn't seem to fluctuate, is
this normal? I am planning on replacing the pressure gauge and then
the relief valve if the pressure is fine. What could be raising the
pressure in the tank if the relief valve is not the culprit and it is
doing it's job? There is some kind of "Pumptrol" mechanism between the
pressure gauge and relief valve. Is this the pressure switch and could
this be the problem? I am trying to repair this myself but am
concerned about the whole water, electricity, pressure thing. Looks
like if I shut the breaker, and drain the tank everything seems
straightforward except maybe the pressure switch. Any ideas. The tank
is a Flexcon WR120S. It is about 4feet high and 16 inches in diameter.
I couldn't find how many gallons it holds. Thanks.

Where is that Pressure Relief Valve located? On top of the tank? On
the side of the tank? I don't recall ever seeing a pressure tank with
such a vavle. The normal place for a PRV is on the water heater. I
suspect you have a waterlogged pressure tank and the valve you are
looking at is the schrader valve to add air into the tank.

What is the pump doing? Is it starting, running awhile and then
shutting off? Does it start running the instant you open a faucet?

What are your cut-in/cut-off pressure settings? It should be
something like 30-50 or 40-60 if you don't have a constant pressure
system.

Harry K

Never seen a pressure tank come with a pressure gauge dosen't mean you don't need one
a PRV for pumps is 75 psi since your pump can be ruined at about 80-90 psi
a water heater Temperature Pressure Relief Valve is about 120 psi and is to high for a pump
And most pressure tanks are rated to 100 psi so your Temperture Pressure Relief Valve
Will never come in to play
It goes between the pump and the pressue tank not on top,side etc

As for the op your plan is a good one the gauge should move

Spud

Thanks everyone for the info. Just wanted to make sure I was on the
right track.