Pressure tank over pressure

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Banjo Bud

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My dads water was surging. Checked the gage next to the tank. With a faucet open, the pump was cycling from 30 to 50 in less than a second. Then it’d drop to 30 in 5 seconds and go to 50 in a second again. I drained the system and checked the tank pressure. Should have been 28. (I set it to 28 a year ago). It was 48. hmmmm. I let air out to 28 again. No water came out of the valve. Everything is running fine now. So what would cause the tank to get that much pressure in it? I’m really thinking a broken bladder but not sure, so I’m asking you experts. Thanks.
 

LLigetfa

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It was 48. hmmmm. I let air out to 28 again. No water came out of the valve.
If the valve is on the side or top of the tank, no water would come out unless all of the air was gone so that is a dubious test. Water can leak through a bad bladder and displace some of the air causing a rise in pressure. The leak can be one-way, letting the water in but not back out.
 

Banjo Bud

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Thanks. I’d really like to redo it all with a CSV system, which is what I have. However, my dad is 90 and probably moving on shortly. So I think the easiest and cheapest is to just replace the tank.
 

Bannerman

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So I think the easiest and cheapest is to just replace the tank.
Not necessarily. Large pressure tanks are expensive, heavy and occupy a considerable amount of space.

Compare the cost and value for a Cycle Stop Valve PK1A Pside-Kick kit vs only a large pressure tank.

The Pside-Kick kit includes a CSV, 4.4 gallon pressure tank, pressure switch, pressure relief valve, pressure gauge, wall mount bracket, and various SS plumbing fittings needed for a DIY installation.

A 4.4 gallon tank (= ~1.1 gallon drawdown) is typically all that is needed for a single family residence application while utilizing a CSV.

Additional benefits for a CSV include constant pressure to fixtures once the pump becomes activated, and no pump cycling for the entire time at least 1 GPM is being utilized. With cycling not occuring, there will be less wear on the pump, pressure tank, check valve, pressure switch and other components, thereby extending their lifespan compared to when cycling is repeatedly occuring while using a large pressure tank but no CSV.

CSV PK1A kit
 
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Banjo Bud

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Thanks Bannerman. I actually know all that because I have the PK1A system at my house. Love it. The differences at my dads house is 1. Room is not an issue at all. 2. The house will most likely be sold within a few years. 3. It will be a very easy job because I’ll just mimic everything that’s there now.
And I can buy the same tank and tank tee kit for about $300. The PK1A is $500.
 

Banjo Bud

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One of the bathroom faucets is spitting air along with water. Mostly water but spitting some air. And it’s only the one faucet. Is this a symptom of a bladder with a hole in it? Incidentally, it’s been about 3-4 days since I reduced the precharge to 28. It is now at 30. So my plan is to keep an eye on it and if it goes up too much, drain the system and reduce it back to 28 again. Just trying to buy some time.
 
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