Expert: speedball1 - 8/8/2005

Question
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Followup To
Question -I'm thinking about taking on the bladder tank job myself. The tank is a "Champion  Precharged Water System Tank" Model-CM8003/Serial #950213 with a max working pressure of 100 psig. Are there any "Special" concerns that I should be aware of if I decide to do this job myself? I do not have the tank yet. I'm thinking about looking on line to see if I might be able to fine the tank or a suitable replacement.
Thanks so much for your assistance.
 



I have well water and every time I turn on the water inside of the house I get water hammer outside in my garage next to the bladder tank unit. The pipe leading from the bladder tank unit with the pressure switch/gauge knocks. The reading on the pressure gauge JUMPS up to around 60 psi and then back down to 30 psi every time the pressure switch contacts kicks-in. I checked the pressure on the bladder tank and it seems to remain on the same psi even without pressure on the system. Could the tank be bad?(Its about 10 years old).I changed the pressure switch but had no effect.
Answer -
Hi Tracy,
Sounds like the membrane in the tank may have ruptured.
Let me explain the function of a bladder tank.  Pressure and bladder tanks provide a air cushion that produces water pressure in your system so your pump doesn't kick on every time you draw a glass of water.  a bladder tank has  a neoprene membrane in the center.  As the pump puts water into the bottom half of the bladder tank the membrane  compresses the air in the top half.   When the pressure reaches the cut off point in the control box the pump shuts down.  However you still have between 40 to 50 pounds of pressure pushing the water out to your system. As the pressure drops in the tank when you make a draw the pump kicks on and everything starts over again.
To check, take something metal and start rapping at the bottom of the tank and work upwards.  You will hear a "clunk" in the bottom half full of water.   On the upper half you should hear a "clink" because the upper half should have nothing but air in it.  IF the sound doesn't change or changes close to to tank top then the bladder tank must be replaced. Another way would be to open up the "snifter valve " on top of the tank, if water comes out then the tank is bad.   Your air setting on the tank should be 2 pounds UNDER the cut in point in the pressure control box. If your pressure control has a 20 PSI cut in and 40 PSI cut out the tank pressure should read 18 PSI. This should be done with the pump off and no pressure in the system.  Hope this helps and thank you for rating my reply.  Tom

Answer
Good morning Tracy,
"I'm thinking about looking on line to see if I might be able to fine the tank or a suitable replacement."

Let me help you out.  Click on; http://www.amtrol.com/champion.htm
to get to Champions home page.  There you will find installation instructions and even tips on increasing your house pressure if you wish.  more questions?  I'm as close as a click.  Good luck and thank you for rating my reply.  Tom