Testing Expansion Tanks

[Anonymous]

Posted by: gbeichho (old forum transfer)
Posted: Wed Jul 10, 2002 9:02 pm

Hi,

I have a problem with my water pump (Jet Pump) flipping my breaker after cycling on and off for several minutes. It was recommended that I check my expansion/pressure tank to make sure it is working properly. With the hose running, the pump stays off between 5-10 seconds.

How do I go about testing the pressure tank? I believe there is a pressure meter on my pump.

Thanks,

George Eichholzer

[Anonymous]

Posted by: Wgoodrich
Posted: Wed Jul 10, 2002 11:36 pm

Normally you would install a gauge and an air inlet valve on the pressure tank. Then load the tank with air. If the air pressure drops then you bladder has a leak. The amount of air that is applied while watching the pressure gauge also would show the bladder is expanding. If the pressure came up too fast then your bladder is not operative.

Most often people just replace a pressure tank that is suspect to be causing a rapid cycling problem concerning water pumps. Also size of pressure tank dictates length of time between pump cycles during use. The bigger the capacity of the pressure tank the longer the pump runs and the longer the off time is experienced.

You may just have a pressure tank too small for the job causing the rapid cycling of your pump.

HOpe this helps

Wg