Shop Products
Houzz Logo Print
annie_lee_gw

A small leak under well water tank control

annie-lee
15 years ago

I have a well water tank system under the name Well-X-Trol. This was install new in 2005. There is a control box and a presure gauage on top of the pipe coming from outside well to the blue tank insides. I noticed only recently that there is a very small leak from the outlet under the control box. (Not from the pressure release valve under the pressure gauge). Is this an indication of some major problem or is it a small job that one can fix it? I also notice some rust inside the bottom of the presure gauge. Any help would be very much appreciated.

Comments (5)

  • alphonse
    15 years ago

    Sounds like condensation- is there water on the equipment similar to a glass of ice tea in the summertime?
    Do a test- wipe up the water, put a piece of paper or towel under the suspect. Time the drips.

  • annie-lee
    Original Author
    15 years ago

    Thank you for the reply. But it definitely is not just the condensation. The leak is relatively slow, but it comes from the outlet opening under the control circuit box. I put a small bowl below it, and I have to empty the bowl once every two days, or it will overflow. So it definitely is a real leak. Any other thoughts?

  • alphonse
    15 years ago

    Other thoughts? Sure! *%^$((!!!
    OK then, maybe you'll get lucky- if the box (pressure switch) has no exposed electrical wire sticking out,(and it shouldn't), see if you can rotate the box clockwise (looking down on it)to the extent that you don't strain any wire.
    That pulls the threads up on the tapers and might stop your leak.
    If that doesn't stop it, you'll have to close isolation valves, kill the power to the switch, undo the wire connections, unthread the box-making sure you back up (hold) the nipple so it doesn't loosen the next connection- and either re-tape or re-dope the connection. Reverse order assembly.
    While you have the switch off the nipple, verify there isn't any gunk or other blockage in there before re-installing.
    The rust inside the pressure gauge happens so often manufacturers must put it there. Actually, just a cheap gauge. As long as it articulates cut-in and cut-out pressures approximately, it's OK.

  • annie-lee
    Original Author
    15 years ago

    Thank you so much, alphonse. You provided very good and detailed instructions. I have to try it out, but it makes good sense. Will get back to you. Thanks so much again.

  • pjb999
    15 years ago

    I agree regarding the pressure switch but if there's rust in the gauge, I think it's a good indication it needs to be replaced, although I've seen a rusty pool pressure gauge go on for years, but I wouldn't trust it. A good quality, oil-filled stainless gauge would be better. You might also want to test your water to see if it's aggressive and causing the corrosion, if your system is only 3-odd years old.

Sponsored
Schlabach Woodworks
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars16 Reviews
Franklin County's Reclaimed Wood Professionals