Although the pressure tank is a basic facet of any private water system, there are many sizes, materials and configurations to choose from. The professionals at Guthrie & Frey can assist you in selecting and installing the tank that is right for your application. A properly functioning tank is vital to the efficient, long term operation of the well pump system. If the tank is faulty, it can cause leakage and possible damage to the surrounding areas. Whenever possible, a tank should be as close as possible to a floor drain. This will help minimize potential water damage from tank condensation or leakage. Any tank showing signs of leakage should be monitored closely and replaced as soon as possible.
Tanks are commonly constructed of fiberglass or steel. In order for any well pressure tank to operate efficiently, there must be air pressure (as well as water pressure) within the tank. Some tanks (captive air/bladder style) have an air chamber within the tank that helps ensure proper cycling and maximum efficiency. Other tanks rely on air being externally added into the tank through various methods. If your well pump system goes on and off too frequently when you’re using water, contact us, it is likely that the tank is waterlogged and needs maintenance.
Waterlogged Pressure Tanks
A waterlogged pressure tank is caused by the confined space within the tank having an improper ratio of water to air (too much water, not enough air). Given the physical characteristics of water (incompressible), this condition causes the pressure to fluctuate rapidly and the well pump to go on and off too much.
Remedies For a Waterlogged Tank:
- Captive Air / Bladder tanks:
- Drain the water pressure by turning off the electric to the pump and opening the drain faucet on the tank. Any filtration equipment (softener, iron filter, reverse osmosis system, etc.) should be by-passed or turned off, as draining the tank may cause sediment in the pipes or tank to be disturbed. Once the water has been drained from the tank, the air pressure should be checked using a tire gauge. If possible, the air pressure should be adjusted to approximately 30 psi. In some cases, the tank is internally faulty, which can necessitate that the tank be replaced. If the air can be adjusted, the system should be re-activated and flushed until the water is clear. Once clear, all filtration equipment can be put back “in service”.
- Air Over Water Tanks:
- These type of tanks do not have a “permanent” air charge, and many need to have air added on a routine basis. The procedure described below is helpful in many cases, but, since not all tanks need air added, it is not applicable in every instance and we suggest you call for assistance prior to starting. Guthrie & Frey does not guarantee that air charging will solve your problem and it is a relatively complicated procedure that not all homeowners are qualified to perform. Many of our customers prefer to have one of our service technicians air charge their tank to ensure that it is done properly and the system is in good working order.
Steps to Air Charge a Pressure Tank:
- Turn off power to pump.
- By-pass all water filtering equipment.
- Open faucet on laundry tub or other faucet that does not have a screen.
- Continue running water until pressure drops to 0.
- Leave the faucet open; begin pumping air into the tank with a compressor.
- Continue pumping air into the tank until the tank is nearly empty of water.
- Shut off tthe main valve to plumbing.
- Continue pumping air into the tank until the tank has approximately 25 pounds of air pressure.
- Discontinue pumping air into the tank and turn power back on to pump.
- Open the main plumbing valve and run water until clear.
- Put filtering equipment back in service.