How to Check the Bladder in a Well-X-Trol Tank
The pressure tank on a modern well system does more than just hold water. It is equipped with an air bladder that pressurizes the water and eliminates the need for your well pump to cycle on and off every time you open a faucet. If the tank's bladder is ruptured, water is allowed into the air space in the bladder and the tank will become waterlogged. This causes the pump to run continuously while you are using water and shortens the life of the pump. Checking for a damaged bladder is easy and, if you have easy access to your pressure tank, should only take a few minutes. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Turn off the power to the well.
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2
Open the nearest faucet and allow the tank to drain completely.
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3
Unscrew the cap on your tank's air valve. This valve looks like the valve stem on a bicycle or automobile tire.
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4
Press the air pressure gauge firmly onto the end of the tank's air valve.
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5
Read the pressure gauge to determine the amount of air pressure in the tank. The correct air pressure for your system will be 2 pounds less than your pump's cut-in pressure. For a system set for a 30-pound cut-in, the pressure reading should be 28.
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Tips & Warnings
If the pressure in your tank is more than 2 pounds below your pump's cut-in pressure, use an air pump or compressor to bring the bladder to the proper level. Repeat the above steps after a month has passed. If the pressure is reduced again, the bladder has a small leak that could get worse over time.
If the pressure reading is zero when the tank is empty, the bladder has been damaged. Replacing the pressure tank as soon as possible will prevent damage to your well pump.
References
- Photo Credit fontaine image by laurent gehant from Fotolia.com
