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Posted by taz060171 on November 8th, 2007 09:56 AM
In reply to flush supply lines by pcullinan on November 7th, 2007 03:35 PM [Go to top of thread]

Ok as far as locating the supply line, you can disconnect the line on the input side of the pressure tank and do the flushing there. As far as a pressure test there are a couple of ways to do this. The first is you will need to cap off the line before the pressure tank and turn on the pump. Let the pump build pressure. Once the pump reaches the set pressure it will turn off by itself. if the pump doesn't come back on for a while then you have no leaks. If it comes on after a while then I would not be too concerned because the leak is small. If it continually pumps and doesn’t shut off you have a major leak and will have to either find the leak or simply replace the supply line.

The second way is more complicated and should be done by a professional. But here it is. Cap off the line before the pressure tank or at the cistern on this cap it will need a pressure gauge. Then you will need an air compressor. You will then need to make an adaptor to attach the compressor to the line. When you pump the air in do not allow it go above 80-90 psi. Make sure that the cap and connector are air tight. if they are not it will throw off the test. Once you pump air into the line. Watch the gauge for it to build up to 60-70 psi. Once it does, disconnect the compressor and watch the pressure gauge. If it drops in pressure then you likely have a leak somewhere. If it drops very slowly I would not be too concerned because the leak is small. But if it drops rapidly then you probably have a major leak. Before you get mad or upset about any leaks, check to see that both ends are not the culprit, to do this just pour some soapy water on them. If there are any bubbles then the seal is not good.

Now for the pressure tank. There is not anything dangerous about them as long as there are no visible cracks or other defects. If this tank is newer it WILL have a safety feature on it that will prevent the tank from exploding called a pressure relief valve. If you see no visible damage to the tank you should not have any worries. Once you flush the supply lime and do the pressure test, re-connect the supply line to the tank. There should be a pressure gauge on the tank somewhere. Watch this gauge! There should be a green area on it. This is where the pressure should be. If you see it climbing above this area then turn the pump off and call in a professional because the pressure control switch will either need to be adjusted or replaced. If the pressure stays in the green then you are good to go. Turn on the sink or whatever is the furthest from the tank and let it run for a few minuets until you see that the water is running clear. Repeat this for all water fixtures in the house. If there is not a pressure gauge on the tank I would call in a plumber to do this.

Hope this helps you.

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