Well pressure tank - What psi?

[California]

What pressure should I measure at the air valve on top of a well pressure tank? It's a little larger than a 55 gallon barrel.

Thanks in advance for any comments.

 

[Brushhill dave]

I think mine runs at 30 psi

 

[Brushhill dave]

But I have spoke too soon, boys in the office say they run between 50-60 psi

 

[brin]

50 to 60 psi is where we have our tank running..

 

[RobertN]

Depends on what your pressure switch is set at.

For the pressure tank, your suppossed to shut water supply that goes to the pressure tank off. Then, turn on a faucet so the pressure tank empties.

Then, you check pressure at the schrader valve. There is a bladder in the pressure tank, that should be inflated to a psi detailed by the manufacturer. If the bladder pressure is too low or the bladder is leaking, your system will cycle excessively.

Pumps Tanks Motors And Wells - Frequently Asked Questions - PumpsAndTanks.com

Pumps Tanks Motors And Wells - Frequently Asked Questions - PumpsAndTanks.com

Water tank air bladder pressure settings: How to Set or Adjust the Air Pressure in Bladder Type Water Storage & Pressure Tanks

 

[dmccarty]

What RobertN said. It depends on the tank. Our is set for 20/40 PSI. You really have to know what you tank needs and the setting on the pressure switch.

Later,
Dan

 

[Larry Caldwell]

With the system empty of water, the pressure tank should be aired up to 2 PSI below the pump kick-in pressure. If your pump turns on at 30 PSI, the pressure tank air should be 28 PSI. You will need a fairly accurate air gauge to set the right pressure. A dial type or digital gauge will work better than the slipstick type.

 

[California]

Now this is all beginning to make sense, after I read through the material RobertN referenced for background. I need to install a water gauge that I trust matches my good dial-type air gauge.

This well hasn't needed anything for 15~20 years that I know of, and now it seems to cycle a little more when water is being drawn.

 

[Pete Judd]

If I recall right, I set the air on my bladder tanks at just a little less than the lower switch point on my 30-50 switch. I have two bladder tanks, around 150 gallon and the deep well pump has been in the ground over 20 years.

 

[RobertN]

I have always had a gauge next to the pressure tank. I have had to replace it though, as our yucky rusty water gummed it up...

Now this is all beginning to make sense, after I read through the material RobertN referenced for background. I need to install a water gauge that I trust matches my good dial-type air gauge.

This well hasn't needed anything for 15~20 years that I know of, and now it seems to cycle a little more when water is being drawn.

 

[MadJack]

With the system empty of water, the pressure tank should be aired up to 2 PSI below the pump kick-in pressure. If your pump turns on at 30 PSI, the pressure tank air should be 28 PSI. You will need a fairly accurate air gauge to set the right pressure. A dial type or digital gauge will work better than the slipstick type.

Right on the money... This is what it says in the instructions from the tank manufacturer.
What registers on the 'brass-tee' gauge doesn't matter (doesn't register) when the line pressure is at ZERO.

 

[Recoveryhill]

If after adding air to the bladder you return to frequent cycling and low or no air pressure when the system is unpressurized, it's time for a new tank as the bladders fail and in most tanks, cannot be replaced.

 

[SandburRanch]

If after adding air to the bladder you return to frequent cycling and low or no air pressure when the system is unpressurized, it's time for a new tank as the bladders fail and in most tanks, cannot be replaced.

There are tanks that are sold as having replaceable bladders but I guarantee you don't want to go there.

 

[dmccarty]

There are tanks that are sold as having replaceable bladders but I guarantee you don't want to go there.

Our pressure tank was a fiberglass one installed by the well driller. The bladder got a leak within 4 years. The plumber installed a new metal tank. He did not like the fiberglass ones at all. Not sure why the tank material made a difference regarding the bladder lifetime...

The bladder in the fiberglass tank was replaceable. So said the manual. However I could only find one place selling the bladders and for the price of the bladder I might as well buy a new tank. Thus the call to the plumber.

Later,
Dan

 

[JDgreen227]

Have a 10 year old steel pressure tank that is set at 28 psi for the bladder. Have never known of a fiberglass tank before just now.

 

[California]

Ok, done.

The gauge at the pump showed cutin/stop at precisely 40/60 psi so I considered it accurate. I have a HF dial tire gauge that claims 'ANSI Class B' accuracy - good enough.

After draining the tank, the dial tire gauge showed it had only 25 psi. I filled it to 37.5 psi. This took a lot of air; I made three trips to the pump house with my 5 gallon portable tank. (filled to 115 psi each time).

Thanks everybody!

 

[turnkey4099]

Ok, done.

The gauge at the pump showed cutin/stop at precisely 40/60 psi so I considered it accurate. I have a HF dial tire gauge that claims 'ANSI Class B' accuracy - good enough.

After draining the tank, the dial tire gauge showed it had only 25 psi. I filled it to 37.5 psi. This took a lot of air; I made three trips to the pump house with my 5 gallon portable tank. (filled to 115 psi each time).

Thanks everybody!

Hmmm...loss of air in a bladder tank is not a "good thing". Try some soapy water around the schrade valve to see if a slow leak. Only other loss points are a broken bladder or leaking tank seam.

Harry K

 

[JDgreen227]

Just talked with my neighbor an hour ago, he had his 7 year old fiberglass pressure tank replaced a few days ago, it cost him $500 to have it replaced with a steel tank. The serviceman from the well drilling company said fiberglass tanks are junk and although they could replace the bladder on his, he would be better off just buying a new steel tank.

Oh, for what it is worth, I have only had to add air to our bladder one time in ten years, that was when I drained the tank to replace a leaking pipe in the primary inlet. It has maintained 28 psi just fine otherwise.

 

[California]

Hmmm...loss of air in a bladder tank is not a "good thing".

I didn't get a bubble when I tested the Schrader valve.

I know the pressure wasn't checked in the last 15 years that I have been responsible for it. I expect that checking pressure once in a while is all it needs.