So I just bought a place and will move within about two weeks. The well report said the tank was leaking and about to let go. I'm thinking I will need to take care of this quickly. I see even Lowe's has pressure tanks so I was wondering if this is something I can do easily, just unscrew pipes and bolt on? Or is this maybe slightly dangerous or could I possibly easily do something that will
blow my pump up or something? If it matters, the current tank has an 86 gallon capacity and the pump is 3/4 HP. Is this a multi-thousand dollar job if I just have the local well-drilling people do it? Lastly, I have Googled to heck and back and have not found a helpful site to gauge the difficulty of the job or step-by-step directions for the newbie. Anybody know of a link? Thank you.
sean
It is a relatively simple job, but you have to set the pressure in the tank within 2 pounds below cut-in pressure.
Take a picture of your system and I/we can line out the best way to go about you replacing the tank.
Hi notdeadman,
-and welcome to DIY Forums,
your tank replacement is easy for any technically competent DIYer. If you've changed a faucet or the plugs in your car, you can do a tank.
First, buying- get a tank as similar in size as you can. Get a tanktee, teflon tape, blue pipe compound, a gauge,a pressure switch and a 1/4 x4 galv or copper nipple for it to mount on.
When you're ready you will need a pipe wrench about 14-18, a 9/16 wrench, 1/4 nut driver (or socket), propane torch.
When you're ready post back and I'll walk you through it step by step.
I replace most tanks within 2 hrs unless major changes are in order.
Do it Right - Do it once.
Thanks, guys. The thing should close this week or next and then I'll get more info on it. I was wrong about the 86 gallon capacity. It is 120 gallons. Report says:
Has old split type well. Seal doesn't look like it's very stable. Old tank. Recommended repairs: New pressure tank. Well vent, well seal 6 X 1 1/4. Check val at well head--pressure switch. Franklin pump Tel Cor (?) new box with pump saver pressure gauge. Best to go with new tank tank TEC Pkg.
Hi notdeadman,
-You should try and ask some advice of the person who wrote that report. In part of it he's apparently recommending a pumptec, which is a device which protects the pump in event of water dropping to intake level. If he has valid concerns about that, then you should also consider methods of reducing the draw on the well. This may mean using devices like 'Dole' valves so that the well is not pulled down too fast. This is not a huge change, but the Pumptec and dole valve could add 3-400 to your bill.
Do it Right - Do it once.
The most I was able to get out of them was a fax of the repair estimate. It included a tank, a Franklin pump tec, a tank tee pkg. The well tested at only
1.2 gpm, if that matters. So is there some danger if the level of the water in the pressure tank gets super low? Is this dole valve easily installed? Another thing is that the current tank is 120 gallons and the estimate said it would be replaced with an 80 gallon one. I'm having a fairly difficult time locating any pressure tank retailers online so I may end up at the local Lowe's. I'm hoping the different sized tank will only mean that I have a little more pipe changing to do? Are the plastic pipes okay to use these days? I've done some priming/gluing of pipes when I worked (a long, long time ago) for an ultraviolet water purification manufacturer so I'm more comfortable with those than copper pipes. Is copper or brass THE way to go for all of this stuff? (I do remember my dad cutting, bending and soldering copper pipes thirty years ago, but they were little pipes.)
At this point, I do hope to attempt this project.
Thanks again.
Hi notdeadman
- the well testing at only 1.2 is a problem. This is why they're suggesting the Pumptec. It's to cut the pump if water drops as far as the inlet. A pumptec is also easy to fit if you've ever done any electrical work, replaced outlets etc.
A dole valve can be installed anywhere on the line between pump and tank, and it's easy to fit. It's essentially a restrictor that cuts a pipe's flow rate to allow the well more recovery time. The smaller tank is for same reason, they don't want your pump running on for a long while filling a large tank.
Your real problem is the low recovery rate , you're going to have to be quite conservative with water use.
Re. piping, almost all well guys use PEX and there's dozens of good brass fittings available for that. Rent the crimpers for a day or two to do it.
Do it Right - Do it once.
Tags: replacing, water, pressure, tank, fairly, simple, dole valve, pressure tank, Right once, copper pipes
