Thanks to everyone for the suggestions.

From a troubleshooting perspective, it’s important to realize that this sprinkler system has been in place and working for over a decade. If there was a design problem such as too many heads on one zone, it would’ve shown up years and years ago.

Everything was working fine up until I circulated bleached water through the pump several days ago. I also opened the sediment filter and found a bunch of sediment and a very dirty filter. I replaced the filter before I put the cap back on the well head and put the well back into service.

The bleach seems to have taken care of the sulpher smell. I haven’t had the well tested for all the nasty stuff wells can contain, but plan to do so soon. People lived in the house up until weeks before closing, so I’m using them as a bit of the canary in a coal mine. The wife was 78 years old and still running mini marathons, so I don’t think the water was killing them.

I’ve got a new water softener, a 3 filter system, and a UV disinfectant do-dad to install, but want to get the well pump pressure issue resolved before I start introducing new variables. I’ll probably replace the anode in the hot water heater, too, at some point as this can be the source of foul smelling water.

To be clear though, my issue is one of inability to maintain adequate pressure when using a hi-draw item. The system worked up until 3 days ago. I’m wondering if I jiggled enough sediment free when I was messing with the bleach that I’ve created a partial blockage.

I’m thinking I’d like to have the pump pulled to check its condition. The well is 270 feet deep, so I think I’d like to have a professional come do this. If the pump is marginal, I’d be fine with ponying up to install a new, modern pump with fire breathing flow rates!

If anyone here is or knows a well expert who’ll come to eastern Brighton, I’m all ears!