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Setting the correct air pressure in any expansion tank is crucial to obtaining the optimum
amount of draw down. To do this you will need an air pressure gauge (such as a tire
gauge). Proceed with the following steps:
a. Shut the well pump off at the circuit breaker.
b. Open a faucet so water begins to flow out of the system.
c. Monitor the pump pressure switch very closely. Determine the pressure at which the
switch closes (they make an audible CLICK). In most cases there is an existing dial-
type pressure gauge on the system you can watch, but if it's missing or stuck you may
need to take a pressure reading from the existing/old tank at that precise moment using
a tire gauge.
d. Let the water continue to flow from the faucet until it stops; at this point the tank (or
tanks, if there are more than one) should be completely empty of water.
e. Adjust the air pressure in the tank or tanks so that as they sit empty the air pressure
inside is 2 psi lower than the cut-in pressure of the switch. For example, if the pump
switch closed at 30 psi, the empty tanks should be set to 28 psi. In most cases this
means letting air bleed out of a new tank, as they usually come pre-charged with more
air than is needed. However, it's possible air may need to be added to an older tank.
This can be done with an air compressor or even a bicycle pump.
f. Turn the well pump circuit breaker back on and close the faucet. The system should
now be optimized for the greatest amount of drawdown.
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