Well Pressure Tank Troubleshooting
Things You Should Know
well pressure tank helps prevent your keeps the water pressure within the required range in the distribution circuit. Power surges in the pipelines can cause knocking or water hammer in the lines.While regular maintenance will keep the tank in good order, Your well pressure tank helps stabilize your pump by reducing the pressure to pump water if something goes wrong you need to know what to look for.
Is air escaping inside the tank?
Like any other motor or cycle tire, air may escape from the bladder tank from time to time.As air escapes, it may cause the bladder rubber to expand above its normal capacity.To recharge the air pressure, you may need to check the valves in the tank. Your tank may either have a snifter valve or air volume control valve.
Repairing the air control valve
The air volume control helps keep the air inside the pressure tank to maintain the water levels. It also prevents the pump from overworking or the tank becoming waterlogged.
1. Shut the water off and switch off the pump.
2. Locate the air valve and shit it off if it’s between your house and the tank.
3. Pump air into the tank with a tire valve or air inlet valve.
4. Use a garden hose attached to the tank opening.
5. Open the tank and let it drain entirely.
6. Allow air back into the tank.
Checking the switch
Your tank switch may malfunction sometimes. It may be due to a circuit trip in the breaker or the switch may need replacing.The pressure switch powers up the pump when the water pressure drops to help force more water through the taps.
To check the switch:
1. Locate it close to the pressure tank and see whether it is off.
2. Check to see if there’s a trip in the circuit breaker. If there’s constant tripping, you may need to call an electrician.
3. Close to the pressure tank, there’s a mount with a small tube attached to it.
4. Test the switch to see how well it’s working. A faulty switch will prevent the pump from starting and letting the water through.
5. Take off the switch cover and give the tube some strong knocks with a screwdriver handle. Hitting the tube will trigger the electrical charge in the switch.
6. If sparks fly when the pump kicks in, you will need to replace the switch.
However, if there are no sparks when you tap against the tube, you will need a new controller.
Replacing the switch
Always turn the electrical power supply off before attempting any repairs to the switch.
1. Unscrew the switch by taking out the wires from inside the worn out switch.
2. Make a note of each wire to help you re-assemble them correctly later.
3. Use some form of plumber’s tape to cover the threads completely.
4. Attach the new switch and make sure it fits well into the slot.
5. Reconnect the wires in the correct order.
If there’s a faulty connection at the electrical source, you can patch it until you can get a new switch.
1. Switch the power off, and use a voltage tester to check the current.
2. Expose the connections and use an emery board or ordinary al file to smoothen the burned out areas.
3. Put the pressure switch back on quickly afterwards.
Is water in the air valve?
If you suspect water in the air valve, open the valve by unscrewing the cover at the top of the tank.
Press down on the air valve with a screwdriver and check to see if any water comes out.
Do you need a new pump controller?
The pump controller stores the electrical charge that helps the pump to start.
They are normally set up close to the pressure tank in the house. Some controllers may also sit inside the well pump.
Replacing the pump controller
1. Locate the screw at the bottom of the control cover.
2. Lift it away from the box and disconnect it.
3. Match the old controller at the supply store to get the correct replacement.
4. Put the cover back in place inside the box.
5. Re-start the pump to see if everything is working.
Does your pump keep running?
If the pump keeps cycling, it may eventually burn out if left unchecked.
Check to see if the pump is switched off. If it is switched off but you still get that niggling clicking from time to time, you need to check it out.
A constantly running pump may mean there’s a break in the line leading from the house to the well. Call a plumbing if you notice a trail of water if this is the case.
Check if there’s a faulty connector or check the valve around the pump.
Do you suspect a leak or tear in the tank?
To see if the bladder tank has a leak, mix soap and water solution and pour it onto the air charging valve.
1. Start the pump cycle and let it run its regular course to get the correct setting.
2. If the pressure drops at an irregular rate, chances are, there’s a leak or hole in your tank.
While checking for tank tears, adjust the air pressure at the bottom of the tank. It will confirm whether there’s water at the bottom and compressed air at the top.
If you hear a weak sound at the bottom and a hollow sound at the top of the tank, it means the bladder is intact.
Conclusion
It also regulates the water pressure to minimize damaging the pump by starting and stopping frequently.Troubleshooting critical areas will save you time and money, and nip any potential breakdowns in the bud.
