Why is my home water pressure fluctuating?

Air Trapped in Pipes When air gets trapped in pipes, it can cause fluctuating, and spluttering water pressure as the air and water move through the pipes. Air can enter the pipes through a leaking suction line, damaged tank bladders, a faulty pump, gas build up in the well system or leaks in the pipeline.

How much should water pressure change with each cycle?

The pressure should change 20 pounds with each cycle. Common pressure ranges are 20-40, 30-50 and 40-60. If the change in pressure is greater than 20 pounds, you will need to have your pressure switch adjusted.

What should system pressure be when no water is used?

You should observe system pressure as water is used – a properly functioning 40-60 PSI system should drop to about 40, switch on the pump and raise to 60, switch off the pump and drop to 40 as water is used. When no water is used the system pressure should hold steady.

What is the pressure of a water pump?

However at the pressure tank is a pressure switch which senses the water pressure and turns the pump on (at low pressure, typically 20 psi or 30 psi) and off at the end of the pump cycle (at high pressure, typically 40 psi or 50 psi).

What should water pressure be at lower elevation?

Water pressure changes by 0.433 psi per foot of elevation, so if your switch is 20 feet lower than the house, then at the low end of the 40 – 60 range (40) you will only have 40 – (20 * .433) = 31.34 psi at the house instead of the 40 psi you are expecting.

What should the pressure be on my water pump?

Have someone run water and watch the pressure gauge go up and down with each pump cycle. The pressure should change 20 pounds with each cycle. Common pressure ranges are 20-40, 30-50 and 40-60. If the change in pressure is greater than 20 pounds, you will need to have your pressure switch adjusted.