Natural carbonation buildup in pressure tank?

[ZombieBeaver]

It's been about 6 months since I installed a larger amtrol wx-251 running 35/55 psi on my new well and I'm getting a suspicion that my tank volume has become gradually less, which I've noticed just recently.

Our 400' deep flowing artesian well water has a fair bit of finely dissolved gas in it (mostly CO2 I suspect). Is there any chance over 6 months that this gas can build up on the "water" side of the tank bladder thereby reducing the usable water volume?

I am about to check the drawdown and precharge, but until I have those results I'm asking ahead as curiosity.
Thanks

 

[Reach4]

It's been about 6 months since I installed a larger amtrol wx-251 running 35/55 psi on my new well and I'm getting a suspicion that my tank volume has become gradually less, which I've noticed just recently.

That would have bursts of air/gas coming out of faucets. If you do have gas making it to the faucets, maybe consider something like https://terrylove.com/forums/index....system-after-air-injection-iron-filter.74384/
#11 and #18.

What is the symptom that got you wondering about losing drawdown? Do you notice when the pump goes on or off?

I am about to check the drawdown and precharge, but until I have those results I'm asking ahead as curiosity.

Reasonable. I expect you have lost less than 1 psi, but it is good to check.

Also, flushing solids is a good thing to do periodically, and when you check the air precharge is a good time.

Precharged Pressure tank flush:
1. Connect a hose to the sediment drain valve, and run that to where you plan to drain the water. I suggest filtering the output through a cloth if you suspect the sediment may include sand.
2. Turn off the pump.
3. Open the drain valve, and let it drain until the water stops. It would be possibly interesting to watch the first water that comes out.
4. Close the valve, and turn the pump back on, and let pressure build.
5. Repeat steps 2, 3 and 4 a time or two.​

 

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[Valveman]

What makes you think you are getting less draw down from the tank? Is the pump cycling on and off more than usual?

 

[ZombieBeaver]

Thanks both. I was just composing a follow-up to my phone original post when I saw your two posts. I'm not at the point where faucets are blowing any air outside of a tiny spurt when initially opening them.

Since I'm aware of each time the pump runs (since I'm working from home and can hear my loud piston-driven soda ash injection pump each time the well pump runs..) I was getting the sense it was cycling on more often than it should have been with the now larger tank, but it could easily be my imagination. This morning I isolated the tank, fully drained it and checked the pre-charge which was still where I had set it at 32.

I didn't run a drawdown test after purging it (didn't have time this morning) but will do so soon. I should be getting just shy of 18gal out with these 35/55 32psi precharge settings.

Thanks for the couple additional suggestions. I do flush the tank and hot water heater at least yearly, but have not since the new tank went in 6mo ago.

Too bad the water is not so carbonated I can open my own Perrier distribution.. hahaha

 

[Reach4]

I was getting the sense it was cycling on more often than it should have been with the now larger tank, but it could easily be my imagination.

I think your standards changed.