Air Charging Your Pressure Tank
In order to re-pressurize your system properly you must know the cut in & cut out pressure settings. This is determined by running the water and watching the pressure gauge. When the pumping system turns on this is your cut in pressure. When the pumping system turns off this is your cut off pressure. The standard settings are 20/40 30/50 40/60. This will determine the amount of air added to the tank.
Bypass all water conditioning equipment, and or filtration systems, this is a very important step to prevent sediment from plugging up units.
1.
2.
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Switch off power. This is done by switching off disconnect box to water/pumping system or by a breaker located in the electrical service panel..
3.
The next step is to find a valve/faucet to blow down the system. The system should be drained at a faucet/tap closest to the pressure tank.
4.
Turn off out going ball valve to plumbing.
5.
Blowing down system. Locate snifter/air valve for pressure tank, usually located on incoming line to pressure tank or top of pressure tank. Open faucet/tap, then using a portable air compressor connect air chuck to snifter/air valve and blow tank down to remove all of the water. When air pressure is coming out of faucet/tap, your system is now blown down.
6.
If you have a captive/bladder style air tank, do not use more than 50psi to blow down tank. You will not get air out of this style tank, if you do the bladder or membrane is ruptured. Gently move tank to feel if all water is removed.
6a.
7.
Turn off boiler drain & add air into tank until pressure on gauge reads two(2) pounds less your cut in pressure determined in step 1. Your system has now been re-pressurized.
7a.
If you have a captive/bladder style air tank just relieve/backoff the pressure to the proper setting determined in step 1.
Turn power back on & allow pumping system to build up to the cut off pressure. Wait until pumping system has completely shut off.
8.
9.
Now open faucet/tap again, this time only 1/2 way open and run water until all sediment clears. Once system is clear of sediment turn off faucet/tap.
10.
Turn on outgoing line to plumbing. Now open a laundry tub or outside spigot allow system to run until clear of sediment. This is to help minimize the amount of sediment that could travel through plumbing & plumbing fixtures, possibly resulting in plugged plumbing.
11.
Remove all screens/aerators on plumbing fixtures in house. Go to each tap one at a time & run cold water until clear.
12.
Water conditioning units may be placed back into service once step 10 is completed.
You have now air charged your pressure tank. Congratulations!
Note: It is highly recommended that a trained technician air charge your pressure tank. Not only will it insure the job is done properly. With little ease he can also evaluate the rest of the pumping system to prevent further problems. The proper air pressure in your tank is one of the most vital parts of your well system. If it is not air charged properly it will result in premature failure of your well pump, not to mention low pressure and possibly a noisy system.
Aqua Well & Pump Systems, Inc.
“Accredited Water Specialists”
1-800-452-6060
