Have a 20/gal bladder tank, had to replace the back flow valve, because the foot valve or a leak from the pump to the tank. Now the pressure and the pump cycles on more than usual, even with no water used. No leak anywhere.
Could tank be water lodged, pressure switch restricted, it is set at 35/55. Would the tank need drained and recharged, if so what is the recharge pressure to the bladder?
It will kick off at 55, then imeately back to about 42, then gradual drop. Will not hold at 50-55. Still no signs of a leak, this happens if I cut off the valve to supply the house.
Have a clue? Thanks geneo69

The bladder needs to be 2 lbs less then what the kick in pressure is or 2 lbs less then the kick off pressure is. If not the well pump will quick cycle. Pressure the water lines and check pressure on bladder to see if its 53 lbs .To check a flooded tank tap tank from the bottom to the top. About half way up it should sound hollow if not it's a flooded tank or air bladder is bad.


This should help you adjust and check the balances required for proper adjustments
Water tank air bladder pressure settings: How to Set or Adjust the Air Pressure in Bladder Type Water Storage & Pressure Tanks

Gene, do this. Run water until the pump cuts on, then cut off all water to the house. The pump will pump up to 55 and cut off. It should hold that pressure. If it drops, then your problem is with the foot valve or check valve.

If it holds, then you might have a ruptured bladder (in the pressure tank, not in you!). Drain the tank by opening a low faucet with the power to the pump cut off. Once pressure drops to zero, add air to the tank at the top until you get to 33#, which is two pounds under your cut in pressure. Turn the power back on, and you should be ready to go. If the bladder is ruptured, the problem will return in several weeks.

I failed to mention: to check for a ruptured bladder, before you do all of the above, depress the air valve at the top of the tank for two or three seconds. If water comes out, then your tank bladder is "tanked". Only long term solution is replacement. However, doing what I describe in the second paragraph will get you by for a couple of months or so.

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Originally Posted by 21boat

The bladder needs to be 2 lbs less then what the kick in pressure is or 2 lbs less then the kick off pressure is. If not the well pump will quick cycle. Pressure the water lines and check pressure on bladder to see if its 53 lbs .To check a flooded tank tap tank from the bottom to the top. About half way up it should sound hollow if not its a flooded tank or air bladder is bad.


This should help you adjust and check the balances required for proper adjustments
Water tank air bladder pressure settings: How to Set or Adjust the Air Pressure in Bladder Type Water Storage & Pressure Tanks

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:):(:cool:will check it out, thanks for the info. Will try and let you know the results. Thanks again.