Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Annual Pressure Tank Maintenance

Roughly one third of the Canadian Population relies solely on private wells as their main water source. Almost all private wells are equipped with water pressure tanks which help pump water to a residence. Pressure tanks will also prolong the life of the pump by supplying water under pressure without the pump turning on.

Check the air pressure in your tank once a year in order to maintain proper water pressure in your residence.

Follow these simple steps to ensure your pressure tank is running its best:

1. Remove small cap over the air valve, commonly known as the "schrader valve". It will be on the side or top of the tank.
2. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the air pressure. It should read 2 PSI less than your pumps cut-in pressure. The cut-in pressure can be found inside the cap of the pressure switch (usually gray colour). The cut-in pressure will have the lower PSI reading of the two PSI numbers listed underneath the cap.
3. Add or release air to achieve 2 PSI less than your cut-in pressure.
4. If the pressure is still low, check the bladder for leaks by depressurizing the water system. Open a faucet until the water stops running. Air up the captive tank to the proper level and let it sit for 15 minutes. Now, take another air pressure reading. If the pressure has dropped with the system completely depressurized, the bladder or diaphragm is leaking and the tank needs replacing.

Note: If your tank is subject to large temperature changes or if your tank is older than 12 years old, this will affect the tanks air pressure.