Record Old Well Pump and Pressure Tank Setup for Proper Replaceme
If you’re experiencing low water pressure or other issues with your well water system, it may be time to swap out your pump and pressure tank. Here are some steps to take to ensure your water system is in good working order after the replacement:
Understand the Old Pressure Settings
Before you remove your old pump and tank, record the settings on the pump and pressure tank. The pressure settings tell your pump and tank when to start and stop moving water. The pressure settings on a pump can be cut off or on, however, the two pressure settings are more often referred to as cut-off pressure and cut-on pressure.
Cut-off pressure
Pump shut-off pressure is the maximum pressure at which a pump will stop operating. It is a safety feature that prevents the pump from exceeding its design limits and potential damage to the system. Without this safety mechanism, the water pressure would be too high, shooting water out of your nozzle.
Cut-on pressure
When the water pressure drops in the plumbing system it causes the cut-on switch to turn on. The cut-on setting is always lower than the cut-off pressure. The range is 20 PSI between the cut-on and cut-off pressures.
In order to protect your well and its pump, it is important to understand the required pressure setting on a well. Different wells have different draw rates.
This means that the recommended pressure settings on your well pump and pressure tanks should only be taken as guidelines. The best way to determine the optimal pressure settings for your water system is the settings that work with your home’s plumbing. If you need more information about your well system contact a Vancouver plumber.
Write Down Your Old Pressure Settings
Depending on the rate of water flow from your well, you may have set lower or higher cut-on and cut-off pressures. This is done by adjusting a pressure regulator at the wellhead, which will allow you to regulate how much water flows through your system. If you’re using the same well system, the pressure settings should be similar in a new pump and tank combination equivalent to its size.
The well pump has pressure adjustments under a protective cover located near the pressure tank. To avoid the risk of electrical shock, make sure to measure the pressure setting after you have the pump removed from the well system.
When adjusting single-post pressure switches, it’s important to record the settings so you can easily readjust them in the future. To do this, measure the length of the screw from the base of the switch plate up to the bottom of the nut. Single-post pressure switches are larger than other types and adjust both the cut-on and cut-off pressure at once.
Keep in mind that each clockwise turn of these screws increases the pressure by 2.5 PSI, so be careful not to overtighten and exceed the desired pressure level. By accurately recording and adjusting these settings, you can ensure your pressure switch operates effectively and efficiently.
Take Lots of Pictures Before and After
When replacing your pump and tank setup, it’s important to take a few steps to ensure you get the right components for your well-water system. First, take pictures of your entire pump house layout before disassembling it. These overview shots should include the well casing, pipes, pump, and pressure tank.
Next, measure the length and dimensions of all components in your well-water system, and take close-up shots of fittings and connections, filters, check valves, pressure-relief valves, and discharge t-valves. This will help you determine if you can use some of your old connectors or if you need to purchase new ones that integrate into the old system based on the new appliance specifications.
If your current pump and tank setup has worked well for your needs given the output of your well, then purchasing a similar setup is a good option. However, if you’re not satisfied with its performance, show your pressure settings and pictures to a Vancouver plumber. They can provide advice on different tank and pump combinations that work with low-flow or high-pressure wells.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your new pump and pressure tank are suitable and reliable for your well water system. If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to consult with a Vancouver plumber for guidance.