amateur_plumber
New Member
So, I have a big (42 gal?) pressure tank that says on its side "factory charged to 30 psi"
It also has a 30/50 sqaure D pressure switch that I think needs changing.
Reason I think it needs changing: when pressure drops to 30, pump kicks on. Pressure gets to around 50 then shoots up to 65 for a few seconds. I get a few drips out of my pressure relief valve (rated for 75) and the pressure backs down to 60 and stays there. In previous posts several of you advised this may well indicate a faulty or corroded pressure switch.
Another piece of data - with the power off I tested the pressure on the tank. Reading: 15 psi. From reading the other posts I believe this should be 28 when using a 30/50.
I'd like more pressure in my house generally - any time I have two things going (sink plus shower for example) the flow backs off to an annoying low level.
My plan of action: (tell me if I'm way off please)
- replace the switch to a 40/60
- pump up the tank to 38 -- even though the "factory" pressure is 30.
Any issues with this strategy? My worry is using a 40 cut-in when the tank is factory set at 30 -- is this bad for the tank?
Another question - since I have a big tank, is a CSV advisable? Right now I don't have one, but would this improve my pressure generally?
I'm going to go downstairs and snap a photo of my setup in case that helps.
Thanks all.
It also has a 30/50 sqaure D pressure switch that I think needs changing.
Reason I think it needs changing: when pressure drops to 30, pump kicks on. Pressure gets to around 50 then shoots up to 65 for a few seconds. I get a few drips out of my pressure relief valve (rated for 75) and the pressure backs down to 60 and stays there. In previous posts several of you advised this may well indicate a faulty or corroded pressure switch.
Another piece of data - with the power off I tested the pressure on the tank. Reading: 15 psi. From reading the other posts I believe this should be 28 when using a 30/50.
I'd like more pressure in my house generally - any time I have two things going (sink plus shower for example) the flow backs off to an annoying low level.
My plan of action: (tell me if I'm way off please)
- replace the switch to a 40/60
- pump up the tank to 38 -- even though the "factory" pressure is 30.
Any issues with this strategy? My worry is using a 40 cut-in when the tank is factory set at 30 -- is this bad for the tank?
Another question - since I have a big tank, is a CSV advisable? Right now I don't have one, but would this improve my pressure generally?
I'm going to go downstairs and snap a photo of my setup in case that helps.
Thanks all.