Had some kids let the air out of the captive air tank on the sprinkler pump system. Was wondering the correct way to recharge the air. Do I need to turn off the pump and depressurise the system or just charge it as it sits ?? Seems I remember the air charge was about 40psi, does that sound about right for a sprinkler system with a 20 / 40 psi switch ?
Can't find anything in the instructions.
Thanks
COMMUNITY FORUM
You don't have to shut the system down, but don't overfill it. Make sure you use a pressure gauge or you will burst the diaphram inside the tank.
Good Luck
Raymond VinZant Plumbing Prof.
Good Luck
Raymond VinZant Plumbing Prof.
Yes you shut off the pump, drain the tank of water, check the captive air pressure to be 1-2 psi less than the cut-in (turn the pump on) pressure switch setting. I.E. 40/60 gets 39-38 psi with no water in the tank.
If you check the air pressure without draining the tank, you are actually measuring water pressure, not air pressure. If you add air when there is water in the tank, you don't get the correct volume of air in the tank, only the psi the smaller volume is under. That leads to tank bladder failure.
Gary
Quality Water Associates
If you check the air pressure without draining the tank, you are actually measuring water pressure, not air pressure. If you add air when there is water in the tank, you don't get the correct volume of air in the tank, only the psi the smaller volume is under. That leads to tank bladder failure.
Gary
Quality Water Associates
