Setting up a well

[NathanY]

Can anyone tell me the proper way to set up the tank that is sitting over the well? How much air do you put in it? Do you fill it with water then put the air in it? I'm lost.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Setting up a well

Air before water in your tank. Can't tell you how much. (at one time I had two but can't remember)A plumbing outfit that sells pumps etc. will fix you up. Good luck.

 

[vipzach]

Re: Setting up a well

I don't know how much air either, but I was at Lowes the other day looking at stuff for the one I am getting ready to setup, and there was quite a bit of info there. May be worth a shot! Good luck!!!!

 

[tomatolord]

Re: Setting up a well

There are instructions that come with the tank - I put mine in myself as well <br /><br />However they are supposed to have LESS air then the setting then what your well kicks on at, my well kicks on at 20lbs and off at 40ish.<br /><br />So mine needs to have only 20lbs of air in it, MOST well switches are 20-40.<br /><br />Also put in the biggest tank you can afford it will save the life of the pump.<br /><br />Tomatolord

 

[PAkev]

Re: Setting up a well

Stick with the least amount of air to activate your pressure switch. When the tanks go bad, it is usually the bladder that seperates the air and water. More air on the bladder will cause it to fatigue sooner. <br /><br />Also, you may have to add a little air after a month or two of use as the bladder stretches and increases the air volume required in the tank.<br /><br />Also, Im not sure how far you are pumping but if the tank is outside or in a basement, you may want to consider putting a check valve in line before your main water supply.

 

[Booner]

Re: Setting up a well

Nate your pressure tank is outside over the well?<br />Mine is in the basement. The tank should be set at 1 to 2 PSI below the start up PSI (when the pump kiks on) the pressure tank keeps consistant pressure in the lines. <br /><br />quote by tomatolord<br />__________________________________________________<br />Also put in the biggest tank you can afford it will save the life of the pump.<br />__________________________________________________<br />Somewhat agree. <br />I think its beater to put in an over sized pump. Oversized pump will not work as hard as a smaller one. Also get a good quality pump one that is made with metal fins for the impeller. Some brands use plastic and can come apart if you have a lot of sand in the well. Place a piece of ladies stocking hose over the intake of the pump to filter out sand and other materials. You will want to shock the well after you have done work on it. To shock the well you simply dump bleach into the well turn on all you faucets in the house. When you smell the bleach coming out of the faucet turn them all off. Let set for an hour then turn on all faucets to run the rest of the bleach out of the lines. This will kill all the bacteria.