{"id":249,"date":"2022-04-15T16:22:39","date_gmt":"2022-04-15T16:22:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/waterdefense.org\/?p=249"},"modified":"2023-04-11T15:49:07","modified_gmt":"2023-04-11T15:49:07","slug":"tank-pressure-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/waterdefense.org\/water\/well\/tank-pressure-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Well Tank Pressure Guide: Tips & How to Check"},"content":{"rendered":"

Successfully maintaining the water pressure in your well tank depends on two things: understanding how your well pressure tank works and checking the water pressure regularly<\/strong>.<\/p>

In this guide, we\u2019ll show you how to check the water tank pressure and share tips that will help you keep the tank working correctly.<\/p>

How Do Pressure Tanks Work?<\/h2>

Pressure tanks use air pressure to push water from the tank into your home when you turn on a faucet.<\/p>

A pump fills the tank with well water until the remaining air compresses enough to reach a specified pressure, measured as pounds per square inch (psi). When the pressure inside the tank reaches the psi the tank is set to hold, the water stops.<\/p>

\"Well<\/figure><\/div>

When you open a faucet, the pressure in the tank pushes water through the pipes. The pressure drops, and when it hits a specific psi, the pump activates and fills the tank again.<\/p>

The maximum pressure in a tank is usually 40 to 60psi, so water stops flowing into the tank when the air compression hits that level. Water pumps in again when the pressure drops to approximately 20 to 40psi.<\/p>

How to Check Water Tank Pressure<\/h2>

You\u2019ll need a dial or digital pressure gauge to check your water tank pressure:<\/strong><\/p>

  1. Turn off the power at the breaker to disconnect the electricity from the tank.<\/li>
  2. Open a faucet to drain the tank completely. The air regulator on the tank will show 0psi when it\u2019s empty.<\/li>
  3. Find the air valve, known as the Schrader valve. This valve is usually on the top, covered with a silicone or rubber cap like the valve stem on a tire.<\/li>
  4. Remove the cap, and unscrew the metal valve cap.<\/li>
  5. Use your pressure gauge by pressing it onto the valve to see its reading.<\/li> <\/ol>

    What PSI Should My Well Tank Be?<\/h2>

    The psi reading of your tank should be 2-3psi below the tank\u2019s cut-on psi setting. The cut-on psi is the pressure level in the tank that triggers the pump to pull water from the well into the tank.<\/p>

    If you don\u2019t know the cut-on setting, look for the tank\u2019s pressure switch and remove the cover. The inside of the cover has a specifications sticker showing the cut-on and cut-off pressure.<\/p>

    The lower number is the cut-on pressure that triggers the pump, while the higher number is the cut-off pressure that stops the water flow. For instance, a tank that says 20-40 has a cut-on psi of 20 and a cut-off psi of 40.<\/p>

    When you check your tank\u2019s pressure after turning it off and draining it, its psi should read 2-3psi below the cut-on number. If a tank\u2019s cut-on psi is 30, the pressure while the tank is off and empty should read no more than 28psi.<\/p>

    Is 70 psi Too Much Water Pressure?<\/h2>

    A water pressure of 70psi is probably not too much pressure unless you have old pipes in your home. Pressure higher than 70psi risks straining the plumbing and damaging the system.<\/p>

    It\u2019s worth noting that 70psi drains the tank faster and gives the pump motor less resting time, which will wear the device out more quickly. Plus, the higher the psi, the more water you\u2019re using.<\/p>

    Is 100 psi Water Pressure Too High?<\/h2>

    A water pressure of 100psi can seriously damage your home\u2019s plumbing. Appliances that use water, such as dishwashers and washing machines, are at risk of damage, too.\u00a0<\/p>

    Is 120 psi Too High for Water Pressure?<\/h2>

    If you see that your water pressure gauge is hitting 120psi, it indicates a significant problem. You should immediately turn off the water supply, check what\u2019s wrong, and call a professional if need be.<\/p>

    A water pressure of 120psi is too high and will cause faucet drips, pipe leaks, and damage to wet appliances. That much psi will strain the entire plumbing system of your home.<\/p>

    How to Change Pressure Tank Settings<\/h2>

    To change the settings of your pressure tank, disconnect the power supply for safety by turning it off at the breaker.<\/p>

    \"How
    How to Change Pressure Tank Settings<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>

    You\u2019ll need a ruler, tape measure, or a way to measure fractions of an inch (or millimeters) and a \u215c-inch socket (unless the nut on your pressure switch is a different size).<\/p>

    You\u2019ll see two rods with springs around them and nuts at the top of the pressure switch. The large one sets the cut-in psi level.<\/p>

    The smaller rod sets the differential between the cut-on and cut-off psi. This nut usually keeps the levels 20psi apart. Don\u2019t adjust this level.<\/p>

    On the larger spring, measure from the top of that bolt down to the first exposed thread above the nut on top. If you lose track of how many turns or adjustments you\u2019ve made, you can reset it to this length and start over.<\/p>

    To change the tank\u2019s settings:<\/strong><\/p>