We're encountering serious issues with the water system here. Although I did not install the water system, we're trying to use it on a near-daily basis and are looking for help in diagnosing the problem. This video depicts the water pressure gauge found in our pump house.
Two big issues: water pressure is low or non-existent at the hydrants spread across the property, and the cistern doesn't seem to be filling. It's estimated to have about 7 or 8 inches of water in it, at the moment.
To Sum It Up:
- pump turns on, as per usual. Battery power reads 89% (it's an off-grid, solar-powered system for both the well and the pump house).
- A cycle begins: pressure builds up to about 20psi, but then suddenly drops down to 1 or 2psi. If the motor doesn't shut itself off, then the cycle will repeat.
- I've attempted bleeding the line both while the pump is working, as well as while it is not. There is some gurgling, but while the pump is running this seems to clear up and water flows as expected.
I thought of a few possible reasons why things aren't working like they ought to, though I am far from an expert and this is all based solely on observation and not book-learning:
- the cistern is too low for water to come through the plumbing to the pump house.
- there's an airlock somewhere between the cistern and the pump.
- the motor in the pump house isn't strong enough.
- the well pump is going bad or is done.
- there's a leak somewhere between the cistern and the pump (this seems the most unlikely, in my opinion).
Any ideas? Please comment here. Thanks in advance!