Like oink said, you need to drain the water out of the tank and then check the pressure.
7. Pressure Switch and Pump Continuously Cycles On and Off
This water well problem can be caused by a leak in the home so the well pump is continuously running. It can also be due to corrosion of the water well casing, liner or screen, causing holes. Holes can allow water of undesirable quality to enter the well. Look for leaking toilet flush valves, reverse osmosis systems, iron filters and other backwashing filter systems that may be malfunctioning.
A common cause is a failed check valve. The check valve or foot valve prevents the well pressure tank from sending water back down into the well after it has built up with water pressure.
If the valve fails water streams back down the well and the pressure switch turns the pump on again. This on and off cycle may occur every few minutes and essentially allow the well pump to run practically 24 hours a day, causing a high power bill. Replace the check valve and the problem is solved.
Another very common issue is the pressure tank losing its captive air pressure. This is easy to check. Turn off power to the well pump and run water after the pressure tank or in the house until there is no water pressure left. Using a tire pressure gauge check the Schrader valve on top of the pressure tank. It should be 2 PSI less than the cut-in or lower pressure. If your well turns on at 30 and off at 50 PSI, it should have 28 PSI in it.
7. Pressure Switch and Pump Continuously Cycles On and Off
This water well problem can be caused by a leak in the home so the well pump is continuously running. It can also be due to corrosion of the water well casing, liner or screen, causing holes. Holes can allow water of undesirable quality to enter the well. Look for leaking toilet flush valves, reverse osmosis systems, iron filters and other backwashing filter systems that may be malfunctioning.
A common cause is a failed check valve. The check valve or foot valve prevents the well pressure tank from sending water back down into the well after it has built up with water pressure.
If the valve fails water streams back down the well and the pressure switch turns the pump on again. This on and off cycle may occur every few minutes and essentially allow the well pump to run practically 24 hours a day, causing a high power bill. Replace the check valve and the problem is solved.
Another very common issue is the pressure tank losing its captive air pressure. This is easy to check. Turn off power to the well pump and run water after the pressure tank or in the house until there is no water pressure left. Using a tire pressure gauge check the Schrader valve on top of the pressure tank. It should be 2 PSI less than the cut-in or lower pressure. If your well turns on at 30 and off at 50 PSI, it should have 28 PSI in it.