All home water pump systems use a pressurized water tank. Inside the tank is a rubber bladder. The bladder aids in the control of the water system's pressure. Over time, the bladder can lose its internal air pressure. The air pressure contained in the bladder ranges from 35 PSI to 45 PSI depending on the water system's capacity. Generally the larger the water pressure tank, the higher the internal bladder pressure. In general a bladder pressurized to 35 PSI will give good performance to a home well water system. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Remove all electrical power from the water pump. Attach a garden hose to the drain on the pressure tank. Run the hose to the nearest drain or outdoors. Relieve all water pressure from the system by draining the tank.
2. Locate the valve stem for the air bladder on the pressure tank. This valve stem will resemble a regular tire valve on your automobile or bicycle tire. Check the pressure of the bladder by using the tire pressure gauge.
3. Attach the tire filling valve onto the compressed air line. Press the filling valve onto the valve stem of the bladder. Fill the bladder with air. Hold the filling valve in place for no more than 30 seconds. Check the pressure in the bladder. Continue filling the bladder in this manner. Do not overfill the rubber bladder as it could burst. The final internal pressure on the bladder should be in the range of 35 PSI to 40 PSI. Check the tank manufacturers specifications for any special bladder pressures.
4. Reapply electrical power to the water pump. Open faucets on the water system to remove any trapped air in the plumbing system. Check the bladder pressure with the tire gauge once the pump has shut off and water pressure is stable.
Tags: water system, bladder pressure, filling valve, pressure bladder, pressure tank, valve stem, water pressure