How To Set Pressure In Pressure Tank

The right pressure in your pressure tank ensures consistent water delivery, protects your well pump, and extends the lifespan of your plumbing system. Setting it correctly is a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy and efficient water supply. This article will guide you through the process of setting the pressure in your pressure tank, covering everything from understanding the underlying principles to troubleshooting common issues.

Understanding Your Pressure Tank

Before diving into the how-to, let's understand what a pressure tank does and why proper pressure settings are vital.

A pressure tank is essentially a water storage container that works in conjunction with your well pump. It contains a bladder (or diaphragm) that separates the water from the compressed air. The air pressure inside the tank pushes against the bladder, forcing water out when you open a faucet or flush a toilet.

Why is the pressure tank important?

• Consistent Water Pressure: It maintains a consistent water pressure throughout your home, eliminating fluctuations that can occur if the pump were to turn on and off every time you used water.
• Pump Protection: It prevents the well pump from cycling on and off too frequently (short cycling). Short cycling can cause the pump to overheat and fail prematurely, significantly shortening its lifespan.
• Water Storage: It provides a reserve of water, allowing you to use a certain amount of water before the pump needs to kick on.
• Extends Plumbing Lifespan: By reducing pressure surges, it protects your pipes and fixtures from potential damage.

Key Components of a Pressure Tank

• Tank: The outer shell of the tank, typically made of steel.
• Bladder (or Diaphragm): A rubber or plastic membrane that separates the water and air.
• Air Valve (Schrader Valve): Similar to a tire valve, used to add or release air. It's usually located on the top of the tank, covered by a plastic cap.
• Pressure Switch: A device that senses the water pressure and tells the pump when to turn on and off.
• Pressure Gauge: Displays the current water pressure in the tank.
• Inlet/Outlet: The connection point for water to enter and exit the tank.

Safety First

Before you begin any work on your pressure tank, prioritize your safety.

• Turn off the Power: Disconnect the power to your well pump at the circuit breaker. This is crucial to prevent accidental electric shock.
• Release Water Pressure: Open a faucet in your house (preferably an outside faucet) to relieve the pressure in the water lines. Let the water run until it stops.
• Safety Glasses: Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris or water spray.

Tools and Materials You'll Need

• Pressure Gauge: A reliable pressure gauge to verify the tank's pressure. While your tank likely has a gauge, it's good to have a separate one to confirm accuracy.
• Tire Pressure Gauge: For checking and adjusting the air pressure in the tank.
• Air Compressor or Hand Pump: To add air to the tank if needed.
• Screwdriver: For removing the air valve cap.
• Wrench: To loosen or tighten plumbing connections if necessary.
• Multimeter (Optional): To test the voltage to the pressure switch.
• New Pressure Switch (Optional): If your pressure switch is faulty.
• Teflon Tape: For sealing plumbing connections.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Pressure

Here's the process of setting the pressure in your pressure tank. It's crucial to follow these steps carefully for optimal performance.

Step 1: Locate the Pressure Tank and Components

Identify the pressure tank, pressure switch, pressure gauge, and air valve. The pressure switch is typically mounted on a pipe near the tank and has wires connected to it.

Step 2: Drain the Tank Completely

This is the most important step. You must completely drain the water from the tank to accurately set the air pressure.

1. Turn off the power to the well pump at the circuit breaker.
2. Close the shut-off valve on the water line leading out of the pressure tank (the pipe going towards your house). This isolates the tank from your plumbing system.
3. Open a drain valve located at the bottom of the tank. If there isn't a drain valve, you can disconnect the tank from the plumbing to drain it, but this is a more involved process.
4. Open a faucet (preferably the lowest one in your house) to allow air to enter the system and help the tank drain faster.
5. Wait until the tank is completely empty. This may take some time, depending on the size of the tank. You'll know it's empty when no more water comes out of the drain valve.

Step 3: Check the Pressure Switch Settings

The pressure switch controls the on and off points of your well pump. It has two settings: the cut-in pressure (the pressure at which the pump turns on) and the cut-out pressure (the pressure at which the pump turns off).

• Locate the pressure switch: It's a small, rectangular box with wires connected to it, usually located near the pressure tank.
• Remove the cover: Carefully remove the cover of the pressure switch.
• Identify the settings: Inside, you'll see a larger spring and possibly a smaller spring. The larger spring controls the overall pressure range (the difference between the cut-in and cut-out pressure). The smaller spring, if present, controls the differential (the difference between the cut-in and cut-out pressure).
• Standard Settings: A common pressure switch setting is 30/50 PSI. This means the pump turns on at 30 PSI and turns off at 50 PSI.
• Note the Settings: It's crucial to know these settings before adjusting the air pressure in the tank. The air pressure in the tank should be 2 PSI lower than the cut-in pressure. For a 30/50 switch, the air pressure should be set to 28 PSI.

Step 4: Check and Adjust the Air Pressure

1. Locate the air valve: It's usually on the top of the tank, covered by a plastic cap.
2. Remove the cap: Unscrew the cap to expose the Schrader valve (similar to a tire valve).
3. Check the air pressure: Use a tire pressure gauge to check the air pressure in the tank.
4. Adjust the air pressure:
   • If the pressure is too high: Depress the pin in the center of the Schrader valve to release air. Check the pressure again and repeat until you reach the desired pressure (2 PSI below the cut-in pressure of the pressure switch).
   • If the pressure is too low: Use an air compressor or hand pump to add air to the tank until you reach the desired pressure.

Step 5: Re-Pressurize the System

1. Close the drain valve: Make sure the drain valve at the bottom of the tank is closed tightly.
2. Open the shut-off valve: Slowly open the shut-off valve on the water line leading out of the pressure tank. This allows water to flow back into the tank.
3. Turn the power back on to the well pump: Restore power to the well pump at the circuit breaker.
4. Monitor the pressure gauge: Observe the pressure gauge on the tank. The pump should turn on when the pressure drops to the cut-in pressure (e.g., 30 PSI) and turn off when it reaches the cut-out pressure (e.g., 50 PSI).

Step 6: Verify Proper Operation

1. Run water: Open a faucet and let the water run for a few minutes.
2. Observe the pump cycling: The pump should cycle on and off as water is used. It should not short cycle (turn on and off rapidly).
3. Check for leaks: Inspect all connections around the pressure tank, pressure switch, and pump for any leaks. Tighten connections as needed.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Problem: Pump short cycles (turns on and off rapidly).

• Possible Causes:
  • Incorrect air pressure in the tank: The most common cause. Re-check and adjust the air pressure as described above.
  • Waterlogged tank: The bladder in the tank may be damaged, allowing water to fill the air side. If the tank is waterlogged, it needs to be replaced. You can check for a waterlogged tank by tapping on the side of the tank. If it sounds full of water from top to bottom, it's likely waterlogged.
  • Faulty pressure switch: The pressure switch may be malfunctioning and not sensing the pressure correctly. Test the pressure switch with a multimeter or replace it.
  • Clogged jet or foot valve: In well systems, a clogged jet or foot valve can restrict water flow and cause short cycling.

Problem: Low water pressure.

• Possible Causes:
  • Incorrect air pressure in the tank: Adjust the air pressure to the correct level.
  • Clogged well screen or pump intake: This can restrict water flow to the pump.
  • Failing well pump: The pump may be wearing out and not producing enough pressure.
  • Leaks in the plumbing system: Leaks can reduce water pressure.

Problem: High water pressure.

• Possible Causes:
  • Incorrect pressure switch settings: The cut-out pressure on the pressure switch may be set too high.
  • Faulty pressure switch: The pressure switch may be stuck in the "on" position.
  • Thermal expansion: In some cases, high water pressure can be caused by thermal expansion of water in the pipes, especially in closed systems with a backflow preventer.

Problem: Water leaking from the air valve.

• Possible Causes:
  • Damaged bladder: This indicates a ruptured bladder. The tank needs to be replaced.

Problem: Pressure gauge reads incorrectly.

• Possible Causes:
  • Faulty pressure gauge: Replace the pressure gauge.
  • Clogged pressure gauge connection: Clean the connection to the pressure gauge.

Adjusting the Pressure Switch

If you need to adjust the pressure switch settings, here's how to do it carefully. Always remember to turn off the power to the pump before working on the pressure switch.

1. Remove the pressure switch cover.
2. Locate the adjustment nuts: There are typically two adjustment nuts on the pressure switch. The larger nut adjusts the overall pressure range (cut-in and cut-out), and the smaller nut adjusts the differential (the difference between cut-in and cut-out).
3. Adjust the pressure range:
   • To increase the pressure range: Turn the larger nut clockwise. This will increase both the cut-in and cut-out pressures.
   • To decrease the pressure range: Turn the larger nut counterclockwise. This will decrease both the cut-in and cut-out pressures.
4. Adjust the differential (if necessary):
   • To increase the differential: Turn the smaller nut clockwise. This will increase the difference between the cut-in and cut-out pressures.
   • To decrease the differential: Turn the smaller nut counterclockwise. This will decrease the difference between the cut-in and cut-out pressures.
5. Make small adjustments: Make small adjustments and then monitor the pressure gauge as the pump cycles on and off.
6. Replace the cover: Once you've made the adjustments, replace the cover on the pressure switch.

Important Considerations When Adjusting the Pressure Switch:

• Don't exceed the pump's pressure rating: Check the specifications of your well pump to ensure that you don't set the cut-out pressure too high. Exceeding the pump's pressure rating can damage the pump.
• Consider your plumbing system: Older plumbing systems may not be able to handle high pressures.
• Adjust the air pressure in the tank: After adjusting the pressure switch, remember to adjust the air pressure in the tank to 2 PSI below the new cut-in pressure.

Extending the Life of Your Pressure Tank

• Regularly check the air pressure: Check the air pressure in the tank at least twice a year.
• Inspect for leaks: Regularly inspect the tank and its connections for leaks.
• Protect the tank from freezing: If your tank is located in an unheated area, insulate it to prevent freezing.
• Consider a pre-charged tank: Pre-charged tanks have a sealed air chamber, which helps to maintain consistent pressure and extend the life of the tank.
• Replace the tank when necessary: Pressure tanks have a limited lifespan. If the tank is waterlogged or leaking, it's time to replace it.

FAQ

Q: How often should I check the pressure in my pressure tank?

A: It's recommended to check the pressure at least twice a year.

Q: What happens if the pressure in my pressure tank is too low?

A: Low pressure can cause the pump to short cycle, leading to premature pump failure. It can also result in inconsistent water pressure.

Q: What happens if the pressure in my pressure tank is too high?

A: High pressure can stress your plumbing system and potentially damage pipes and fixtures.

Q: How do I know if my pressure tank is waterlogged?

A: Tap on the side of the tank. If it sounds full of water from top to bottom, it's likely waterlogged.

Q: Can I replace the bladder in my pressure tank?

A: In some cases, you can replace the bladder, but it's often more cost-effective to replace the entire tank.

Q: Why is my water pressure fluctuating even after adjusting the pressure tank?

A: This could be due to a faulty pressure switch, a clogged well screen, or a problem with the well pump itself.

Conclusion

Setting the pressure in your pressure tank is a crucial maintenance task that ensures a reliable and efficient water supply. By understanding the function of the pressure tank, following the step-by-step guide, and troubleshooting common problems, you can maintain optimal water pressure, protect your well pump, and extend the lifespan of your plumbing system. Remember to prioritize safety and consult a professional if you're unsure about any step in the process. A little preventative maintenance can save you a lot of headaches and costly repairs down the road.