A water well pressure tank is a critically important component that contributes to water pressure in the home. If you have a well because you do not get your water from the city, a well-pressure tank is of great use as it ensures that the pressure of the water supplied within your home is controlled. If you are looking to install one, water well pressure tank installation isn’t very intricate. Still, it does involve some simple steps every homeowner should take and materials they should gather. We will discuss how to install a water well pressure tank in this article.
Tools and Materials
When it is time for you to install, make sure you have all your tools and materials before the installation begins. You will need a new pressure tank, water well pump, air compressor, pressure gauge, wrench, drill, tape measure, and PVC pipe cutter. These tools and materials will help you complete the installation process in the shortest possible time.
Prepare the Well and Pump
First, shut down the energy source for the well pump at the circuit breaker. This will prevent any electrical shocks that may occur when putting in the system. The next step is to locate the well pressure switch, which is normally attached to the wall near the well pump suction discharge. Remove the switch from the contacts with the pump and the pressure tank.
Drain the Well Pressure Tank
To have a clean pressure tank, you must first drain out the water from the old tank, and only then can you fill the new pressure tank. Suction the water from the old tank. If you do not own a wet/dry vacuum, unscrew the bottom of the tank and drain the water out.
Measure and Cut PVC Pipe
PVC pipes must be run between the pressure tank and the well pump. Measure the distance between the tank and the pump and then use a cutter to cut the PVC pipe. Additionally, you need to add more length, to cover any bends you may need to fit.
Installing the New Pressure Tank
Put the new pressure tank in place. Locate the inlet and outlet ports on the tank and drill holes in the identified positions; they should be slightly smaller than the size of the pipes to be used. Place the PVC pipe adapters on the riser pipe connection slide, apply some PVC primer and cement to the connections, and allow to dry.
Screw the PVC Pipe to the Pump
Screw the pump of the well at one end of the PVC pipe. When joining the pipes, make sure that you use the proper PVC cement so that that they fit in correctly and snugly. Next, pass the other end of the PVC pipe through the adapter found on the base of the new pressure tank. The pipe should then be fitted over the adapter in the next step and connected using PVC cement.
Install the Pressure Gauge
A pressure gauge assists in measuring water pressure within the system. Screw the pressure gauge fitted with the right connections and Teflon tape onto the pressure switch. Do not forget to close the connections properly to prevent leakage, however.
Install the Check Valve
Because it’s a check valve, water won’t flow backwards into the pump when it stops working. Mount the valve between the switch and the tank, carrying out pressure switch installation. It needs to be locked with a wrench, which is recommended for a tight, firm hold.
Install the Air Charge
Setting up the pressure tank requires you to charge the tank with air before connecting it to the well pump. Loosen the pressure gauge on the pressure switch and unscrew it. Also, screw it to the Schrader valve present at the pressure tank. Ensure you overpressure the tank to a value of 2 PSI more than the cut-in pressure of the pump, which is 40 PSI in this case, by means of an air compressor.
Pressure Tank to Pump Links
You must reconnect the pressure switch with the well pump and also with the pressure tank. It is also important to add some Teflon tape to all the threads to avoid dripping. Therefore, once all links are tied firmly, you can turn on the power supply by using the circuit breaker.
Test the System
To check the pressure of water flow, open the faucet in the farthest point from the well pump. Take a quick look at the pressure gauge that is installed in the pressure switch to check that the pressure is reasonable. If the pressure read is low, it means water pressure in the pressure tank must be changed.
Maintenance
You should keep the water well pressure tank in good condition to operate well. Now and then use a pressure gauge to check for pressure. You should also look for pressure tank damage or leaks and fix or, if applicable, replace the tank.
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