Well Pressure Drops When Hose Running: Screen Plugging or Pump Wear

Capped sprinkler lines, running hose directly from well. Static pressure builds to 60 psi, holds at 57. With hose open, pressure drops to 40 psi and continues declining slowly. Occasionally holds, but usually poor flow. Power or pump issue?

Diagnosis

"It sounds as if your well screen is getting plugged or the pump is going bad. When the hose is on the well is trying to fill the hose... If it can't get enough water in it will continue to drop in pressure."

Test and Next Steps

• Partially close hose valve (1/2) → pressure should stabilize higher if it's a supply limitation.
• Contact a well service company: "They can easily test the flow and pressure."

The declining pressure under flow indicates the well/pump can't sustain the demand—either the aquifer inflow is limited (screen plugging) or the pump impeller is worn.