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Alerts Explained
This document describes the alerts that can be issued by the WSM system, what the alerts mean, and what action the user might expect to take when receiving a particular alert.
The pressure tank supplies water to the property. When enough water has been used to lower the pressure in the tank, the Pressure Pump comes on to draw water from the well storage tank and repressurize the pressure tank. Monitoring the time the PP is on gives a good approximation of how much water has left the pressure tank.
When enough water has been drawn from the storage tank, the Well Pump will come on to draw water from the well and refill the storage tank. Monitoring the time the WP is on gives a good approximation of how much water has been pumped from the well.
Explain: The Pressure Pump has run long enough that we would expect the storage tank needs to be refilled. However, we have not seen the Well Pump come on. We believe the storage tanks is below the refill level.
Possible Causes: The storage tank sensor has malfunctioned. The connection from the well pump relay to the WSM unit has failed.
Action Verify that the storage tank is above the “low limit” of the float sensor.
Explain: Under normal water usage on the property, the Pressure Pump should come on when about 8 gallons of water has been used. This recharges the pressure tank; typically at least once a day. If the Pressure Pump has not run for three days, then something may be wrong.
Possible Causes: No one is at home using any water. The sensor connection to the Pressure Pump relay may be defective. The power to the Pressure Pump has been turned off.
Action This alert is an informational one. If there is really a problem the household is probably already aware of it.
Explain: The Pressure Pump should come on just long enough to repressurize the pressure tank, about one minute. If the pressure Pump runs too long, that would indicate that there may be a system leak causing continuous water use.
Possible Causes: There is a leak after the Pressure Pump, perhaps out on the property. The Pressure Pump is not generating sufficient pressure. The Pressure Pump is not getting power.
Action Check for water leaks. Test the Pressure Pump to make sure it is working correctly.
Explain: The Pressure Pump should come on when the pressure in the pressure tank is low. If the tank is operating correctly, then the Pressure Pump should run for about one minute each time it turns on. If the Pressure Pump runs for less time, then it will probably be running more often, wearing out the pump.
Possible Causes: There is a leak in the pressure tank bladder.
Action Repressurize the pressure tank. Repair the bladder.
Explain: The Well Pump should come on when the water in the storage tank drops below a certain level. Once the storage tank is refilled the Well Pump should turn off. The Well Pump delivers about 6.5 gallons of water per minute of running.
Possible Causes: There is a leak in the system causing water loss. Water is being used at more than 6.5 gallons per minute, continuously. There is no power to the Water Pump The storage tank sensor is incorrectly adjusted, causing it to trigger only when the storage tank is abnormally low.
Action Verify that there is no leak. Verify that the storage tank level is within the expected set points of the sensor. Verify that the float switch triggers when the water level is at the expected low level. Verify that the Well Pump stops running when the storage tank is full.
Explain: The storage tank float sensor should turn on the Well Pump when the tank has lost approximately 50 gallons. If the Well Pump comes on for less time than it takes to pump up 50 gallons, then something is amiss.
Possible Causes: The float sensor turned on before the lower level was reached.
Action Check the float sensor.
Explain: The Pressure Pump comes on because water has been used. The amount of time the Pressure Pump is on indicates how much water has been used. If the cumulative Pressure Pump on-time is long enough, the Well Pump should come on to replenish the storage tank.
Possible Causes: The float switch in the storage tank has malfunctioned.
Action Check the float switch. Check that the storage tank is correctly filled.
Explain: If the Well Pump comes on too soon, then the water may be leaking somewhere between the storage tank and the pressure tank.
Possible Causes: A leak between the storage tank and pressure tank. A leak in the storage tank.
Action Check for leaks in the pump house.