How Often Should You Check Your Pressure Tank?
If you are a private well owner, most likely your well has a pressure tank. To ensure the pressure tank is working smoothly, you need to check it from time to time.
Before checking the tank, ensure that your water system's power has been turned off, and all water pressure systems should be drained out. The pump's breaker is then turned off. After that, by leaving the water tap open in your home, you depressurize the system entirely. While you are checking your tank, make sure the breaker stays off. If you are installing a new tank, before installing, make all the necessary adjustments.
For measuring pressure, a dial or digital gauge is preferable. If you don't have one, you can use the general tire gauge with a Schrader valve.
For checking and adjusting pressure, the following instructions need to be applied:
· Turn the pump breaker off. Then by opening a tap in your home, drain off all water.
· The protective air valve cap should be removed now. If the bladder is ruptured, then the valve would leak water. It indicates that you need to replace the tank.
· Using your pressure gauge, check the tank's pressure.
· The reading should be two values lesser than the lower value set in your switch. For that air might need to be released or introduced. A compressor or bicycle pump can be used to add air. So your pressure should measure 38 PSI if your pressure switch setting is set to 40/60 PSI.
· The protective air valve cap should be placed back.
Some tips
If you don't know the setting of your pressure switch, look for a pressure gauge. It would be somewhere near the pressure switch or tank. Then open a tap in your home and monitor your pressure gauge. Your pump will turn on when the minimum pressure or cut in pressure is reached. Note it down.
In case you feel like the tank has a ruptured bladder, when the system is pressurized tap on the top and bottom of the tank. The bottom will have a dull thud like sound, whereas the top will make a hollow sound. If such sounds are produced, this indicates that the base is filled with water and the top has compressed air.
If you want to get your pressure tank checked or have queries related to it, feel free to call us at (760) 440-8520.
