[boleywnic]

I need help to put the pressure back in my pressure tank. We have an artesian well at our home that supplies the pressure tank and then feeds the pipes. After a severe storm this year, we were out of power for 12 days. During that time we used what water we had left in the tank until it ran out. Once the power came back on, the tank filled and life was good. The problem is that there was some muddy crud in the bottom of the tank which flowed into the system when the power was restored. It has clogged one of the faucets almost completely. My plan is to pull the faucet apart and clean it and so I thought that at the same time I would drain the tank and get any remaining sludge out. The tank was never pressurized after the storm and of course we've noticed a lack of pressure since that time. I've looked at the tank which gives very basic instructions "check for correct air charge which is indicated on the side label on the tank" but unfortunately the side label I need is on the tank where it is against the wall so I am unable to see it or it's been removed. It also states "be sure the air precharge in the tank and the cut in setting of the switch are the same". Another label indicates "Pressure Tested 140 X ?4" [possibly 94 or 84]. The tank is a Wellatrol made by Amtrol. It is 31" tall X 15" in diameter. So my question is... what is the proper way to refill and pressurize this tank? Water than pressure or vice versa? What pressure should the tank be set at? What else do I need to know?
Thanks for your time.

[jlisenbe]

Sounds like you have a bladder tank. It should have an air valve at the top.

You will first need to establish at what pressure does the pump cutin. That can be determined by simply turning on a faucet and watching the pressure gauge drop until the pump turns on. Let's say it turns on at 30#, for instance. You will then turn off the system and drain the tank through a low level faucet. Once drained, set the pressure in the tank to 2# below the cut in pressure. In our example, that would be 28#. Turn the system back on and you're ready to enjoy life.

[boleywnic]

Thanks! I'll give it a try.

[speedball1]

Your pressure control box, (see image) has the cut in and cut out points marked on the outside. Follow jlisenbes advice to ncharge the bladder tank.
Don't forget, The pump has to be shut off at the breaker box and the pressure drained down before your can recharge the tank. Good luck, Tom

[Milrick]

I have the same type of tank... Well-A-Trol made by Amtrol... is there routine maintenance that needs to be done to this equipment... change filters? I know very little about these pumps... my pressure is great but we've been in the house for ten years and I've never done anything to the system itself... just curious... Rick

[hkstroud]

No maintenance. No maintenance unless you have filters, which will not be part of the tank. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[speedball1]

Harold's correct! No maintenance for a bladder tank, Let me sow you how they work. Good luck, Tom