Mastering Your Well System: A Comprehensive Guide to Charging a Pressure Tank

If you rely on a well for your water supply, understanding how your pressure tank works and how to properly charge it is crucial for maintaining a consistent and reliable water flow throughout your home. A pressure tank is a vital component of your well system, acting as a buffer between the well pump and your plumbing fixtures. When it’s not properly charged, you might experience issues like fluctuating water pressure, a constantly running pump, or even a complete loss of water. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of charging your pressure tank, step by step, ensuring you can tackle this maintenance task with confidence.

Understanding the Role of a Pressure Tank

Before diving into the charging process, let’s clarify the purpose of a pressure tank and why proper charging is so essential. In a nutshell, a pressure tank:

• Stores Water Under Pressure: The tank doesn’t hold all the water you use; instead, it stores a volume of water that’s pressurized by compressed air. This pressurized water is then pushed out when you open a tap or flush a toilet.
• Reduces Pump Cycling: Without a pressure tank, your well pump would need to turn on and off every time you used even a small amount of water. This frequent cycling puts unnecessary strain on the pump, shortening its lifespan and increasing energy consumption. The pressure tank allows for a more gradual water draw, reducing the pump’s on-off cycles.
• Maintains Consistent Water Pressure: The pressure tank helps to maintain a more consistent water pressure throughout your plumbing system, preventing drastic pressure fluctuations that can be annoying and even damaging.

A pressure tank typically consists of a steel shell with an internal bladder or diaphragm. The bladder holds the water, while the space between the bladder and the tank shell is filled with compressed air. It’s the air pressure that pushes on the bladder, pressurizing the water and allowing it to flow through your plumbing system. Over time, this air pressure can leak out, causing the system to malfunction. Recharging the tank restores the correct air pressure and ensures your system works efficiently.

Identifying the Need to Charge Your Pressure Tank

Recognizing the symptoms of an undercharged pressure tank is the first step in addressing the issue. Here are some common signs that indicate your pressure tank may need recharging:

• Rapid Pump Cycling: If your well pump turns on and off very frequently, even with minimal water usage, it’s a strong indication that the pressure tank isn’t doing its job. This is because the system quickly uses up the pressurized water and triggers the pump to refill it again and again.
• Fluctuating Water Pressure: Noticeable variations in water pressure, such as a sudden drop in flow, followed by a surge, often indicate low air pressure in the tank.
• Water Hammer: A loud banging or knocking sound in your pipes, known as water hammer, can also be a sign that the pressure tank isn’t properly charged. This occurs when water is forced to change direction too abruptly.
• Pump Running Constantly: If your well pump seems to be running almost continuously, even when no water is being used, it’s likely that the pressure tank is unable to maintain the necessary pressure and the pump is having to work overtime.
• No Water Flow: In extreme cases of a severely undercharged tank, you might experience a complete lack of water flow from your faucets.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s time to investigate and potentially recharge your pressure tank. It’s worth noting that these symptoms can also indicate other issues with your well system, such as a failing pump or a leak in the system. If recharging doesn’t solve the problem, consider consulting a professional.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before you start the charging process, gather the necessary tools and materials:

• Air Compressor: A portable air compressor with a pressure gauge is essential for adding air to the tank.
• Tire Pressure Gauge: A reliable tire pressure gauge to accurately measure the air pressure in the tank.
• Wrench (possibly adjustable): You may need a wrench to access the Schrader valve or pressure switch.
• Safety Glasses: Always wear safety glasses when working with pressurized systems.
• Gloves: Optional, but recommended to protect your hands.
• Owner’s Manual for Your Pressure Tank: If you have it, this will provide specific pressure settings for your model.
• Pen and Paper: Useful for jotting down pressure readings.

Step-by-Step Guide to Charging a Pressure Tank

Now, let’s get into the process of charging your pressure tank. Follow these detailed steps carefully:

Step 1: Locate Your Pressure Tank

First, locate your pressure tank. It’s typically found near your well pump and usually looks like a large, cylindrical tank. It could be in your basement, well house, or even outside. Once you have found it, take a moment to visually inspect it for signs of damage such as rust, dents, or leaks. If you notice any major damage, it is advisable to call a professional.

Step 2: Turn Off the Power to the Well Pump

Safety is paramount. Before you do anything else, locate the circuit breaker that controls your well pump and turn it off. This will prevent the pump from accidentally turning on while you’re working. You may also need to disconnect the pump from power at the pump’s control box if you do not have a breaker labeled for it. Tag the breaker or note down the location to avoid turning it back on too early, and always double check the breaker/power switch is off before starting work.

Step 3: Drain the Water from the Tank

Next, you need to completely drain the water from your pressure tank. Locate a hose spigot or drain valve near the tank or at a lower point in your plumbing system. Attach a hose to the spigot and run it to a safe drainage area, such as a yard or a drain. Open the valve and allow the water to drain out completely. Be patient, as it may take a little while. Once the water stops flowing, leave the drain valve open for the next step, this will ensure that no pressure builds inside the tank.

Step 4: Find the Schrader Valve

Locate the Schrader valve on your pressure tank. It looks just like a tire valve on a car or bike, usually protected by a small cap or cover. It may be on top of the tank, or on the side depending on the model. Remove any protective cap or cover to expose the valve.

Step 5: Check the Pre-Charge Pressure

Now use your tire pressure gauge to check the current air pressure inside the tank using the Schrader valve. Press the gauge firmly onto the valve to get a reading. This reading is the pre-charge pressure of the tank. It should be below the minimum pressure rating of your pressure switch. Note down this reading.

Step 6: Determine Your Pre-Charge Pressure

The pre-charge pressure of your pressure tank is critical for proper operation. It’s important to set the air pressure to 2 PSI below the cut-in pressure of your pressure switch. The pressure switch cut-in pressure can vary, but common ones are 30/50, 40/60 or 20/40. To explain, a 30/50 pressure switch cuts the pump ‘on’ at 30 PSI and ‘off’ at 50 PSI. For a 30/50 switch, your target pre-charge pressure in the empty tank would be 28 PSI, for a 40/60 switch, it would be 38 PSI, and for a 20/40 it would be 18 PSI. You can often find the cut-in/cut-out pressure on the pressure switch. If you cannot find the cut-in pressure, consult your documentation or a professional.

Step 7: Add Air to the Pressure Tank

If the pressure in the tank is below the target pressure calculated in the last step, you will need to add air. Attach the air compressor hose to the Schrader valve on the pressure tank. Turn on your air compressor and begin adding air. Keep a close eye on the pressure gauge as you add air. Stop adding air when you reach your target pressure. You may need to add air a bit at a time as the air builds pressure quickly in the tank. It may be helpful to check the pressure with your separate gauge as you are filling it to ensure you have the correct reading and avoid overfilling the tank.

Important Note: Never exceed the maximum pressure rating of your pressure tank, which should be printed on the tank’s label or in your owner’s manual. Exceeding the maximum pressure can be dangerous and can damage your tank.

Step 8: Bleed Excess Air if Needed

If you overshot the target pre-charge pressure, use your tire pressure gauge to press in the center pin of the Schrader valve to release small bursts of air. Check the pressure with your gauge frequently, and repeat this process until you have reached the proper level.

Step 9: Check Your Work

Once you have the correct pre-charge pressure, disconnect the air compressor, make sure the Schrader valve is clear of any obstructions, and put the valve cap back on. Close the drain valve you had opened previously in step 3.

Step 10: Restore Power to the Well Pump

Now it’s time to turn the circuit breaker back on to restore power to your well pump. After this you should hear the pump start up as it begins to fill the tank with water. Let the pump run until it shuts off as it reaches the cut-out pressure of your pressure switch. The system should start working as usual and the pump should start cycling only as needed.

Step 11: Monitor Your System

After charging the pressure tank, monitor your system for a few days. Keep an eye on the pump cycling frequency and the water pressure in your home. If the symptoms persist, or if you hear any unusual noises, it could indicate another problem and it is advisable to call a professional. A pressure tank might have a puncture in the bladder that is not readily obvious, so be aware that if you are having to repeat these steps often, you may need to replace your pressure tank.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even if you follow these steps carefully, you might encounter some issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Air Leaks: If the tank loses pressure quickly after being charged, check for leaks around the Schrader valve or the tank’s seams. Soap and water applied to the tank can help you spot a leak (air will cause bubbles to appear if there is a leak). If the Schrader valve is leaking, you might be able to replace the valve core. If there is a seam leak, the tank likely needs to be replaced.
• Bladder Failure: If the pressure tank fills completely with water and there is no air, this is usually due to the bladder failing. A failure will result in the pump constantly cycling and will require a replacement tank.
• Persistent Pump Cycling: If the pump continues to cycle frequently after charging, the pressure switch may be faulty or misadjusted. It may be time to consider replacement of either.
• Tank Damage: If you notice major rust, dents, or other physical damage to the tank, it may need to be replaced. A damaged tank could fail without warning.

When to Call a Professional

While you can often charge your pressure tank yourself, it’s important to know when to call in a professional. Consider consulting a plumber or well system specialist in the following situations:

• If you’re uncomfortable working with electrical components or pressurized systems.
• If the symptoms of an undercharged tank persist even after attempting to charge it correctly.
• If you suspect a more complex issue with your well pump, pressure switch, or other system components.
• If you find rust, leaks, or damage to the pressure tank and need to have it replaced.

Conclusion

Charging a pressure tank is an essential maintenance task for any homeowner who relies on a well for their water supply. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can maintain a consistent and reliable water system, preventing unnecessary wear and tear on your well pump and ensuring optimal water pressure throughout your home. Remember to prioritize safety and consult with a professional when needed. With a little knowledge and the right tools, you can keep your well system running smoothly for years to come.