How to Install a Water Well Pressure Tank for Your Home
Water well pressure tanks contain a bladder or diaphragm that holds air. When the tank fills with water, pressure builds from the air in the bladder or diaphragm, boosting water pressure throughout the house. If you have plumbing experience, you may be able to install the tank in your home by simply following the instructions. Knowing what it entails ahead of time can help you decide if you're up to the challenge or if you should call a plumber. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Electrical connection
- Water well pressure tank
- Cement blocks
- Tank fitting package
- Teflon plumber’s tape
- 2 pipe wrenches
- Bicycle tire gauge
- Bicycle tire pump
- Pipe cutter
Instructions
-
-
1
Have an electrician install a breaker and run the wiring for the water pressure tank. A 240-volt breaker is generally required.
-
2
Set the pressure tank in place next to where the main water line enters the house. Place it on cement blocks or a similar sturdy platform. Ensure it's level and 4 to 6 inches off the floor.
-
-
3
Attach a male adapter or short galvanized nipple to the water intake elbow located at the bottom of the water pressure tank. Wrap four layers of Teflon plumber’s tape around the threads of the pipes before screwing them together. Place one pipe wrench on the pressure tank elbow to hold it steady. Tighten the adapter or nipple connections with another pipe wrench.
-
4
Coordinate the tank pressure with the pressure switch cut-in setting, which should be printed inside the removable plastic housing on the switch. Use a bicycle tire gauge to check the amount of pressure in the tank. Reduce the pressure or add pressure with a bicycle tire pump until the pressure in the water tank is 2 to 4 psi under the pressure switch cut-in setting.
-
5
Assemble the pressure gauge and switch components and install them on the tank. Use plenty of Teflon plumber’s tape to make a watertight connection.
-
6
Shut off the water at the main shut-off valve where the water line enters the house. Turn on several faucets in the house to empty the water line. Use a pipe cutter to cut the water line above the shut-off valve at a height that will line up with the connection to the pressure tank.
-
7
Connect the water line to the plumbing connections on the pressure tank. Follow the pressure tank manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully. Wrap the pipe threads with plenty of Teflon plumber’s tape.
-
8
Open the water main shut-off valve and turn on the electrical supply to the tank. Allow the tank to fill. Turn a faucet on in the house after the pump fills and shuts off. Let the faucet run until the pump switches on, then check the pressure gauge. Turn off the electricity to the tank and drain all the water from it to adjust the pressure, if necessary.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Along with the water well pressure tank, purchase a tank fitting package, which includes the pressure gauge, switch, fittings and other components for installing the tank.
Check local building ordinances before beginning the installation. Many cities require homeowners to hire a licensed plumber to install water well pressure tanks.
