Replacing pneumatic tank with bladder tank

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Valveman

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Sorry long time since Ive responded, tackling the tank today, does this trick only work if I have a CSV? Thanks!

No that trick is to tell you if you have a brass or rubber bleeder. But if it is rubber and pops out, you will have to pull the pump and plug it. Bleeders only see high pressure, and even a rubber bleeder will work without a CSV. But the CSV makes more pressure on the bleeder so it must be a brass bleeder or just plugged.
 

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No that trick is to tell you if you have a brass or rubber bleeder. But if it is rubber and pops out, you will have to pull the pump and plug it. Bleeders only see high pressure, and even a rubber bleeder will work without a CSV. But the CSV makes more pressure on the bleeder so it must be a brass bleeder or just plugged.
So all installed. Water runs strong for a bit and then slowly loses pressure, would that indicate that I have to pull the pump?
Thanks so much.
 

Reach4

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So all installed. Water runs strong for a bit and then slowly loses pressure, would that indicate that I have to pull the pump?
Thanks so much.
Try to be more descriptive about "strong" in GPM and/or PSI, "bit" in seconds, "slowly" in seconds, and how low is "loses" in PSI?
 

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Try to be more descriptive about "strong" in GPM and/or PSI, "bit" in seconds, "slowly" in seconds, and how low is "loses" in PSI?
The pressure continually drops to a trickle over about ten minutes of run time, then is fully recharged after the tap is off for five minutes.
 

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The pressure continually drops to a trickle over about ten minutes of run time, then is fully recharged after the tap is off for five minutes.
So weak pump, or hole in downpipe? I think either could cause this.

I think you are going to want to get a well pump specialist out to get this fixed. This is the kind of thing that it is worthwhile borrowing money for, unlike most other things that people borrow money for.
 

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Just wanted to know if not removing the bleeder valve down the well might cause this?
It seem possible if the bleeder had failed. But that would mean you would have maybe 5+ gpm of water squirting out the drop pipe, and I would think you would have seen or heard that when you lifted the well cap. So the idea is that the pump is pumping X gpm, and the failed bleeder is spraying out X-1 gpm.

What are the amps? What is the horsepower? You may have already said or said you did not know. I did not go back and re-read.

Another thing that you would like done when switching to a diaphragm tank is getting rid of the check valve up top, and removing or capping the snifter Shrader valve with an air-tight cap.

Even so, this would probably be time to call in a pro. Its your water for the house. If you are going to try to handle this DYI, you would need to be working out your procedure and tools. If you mess up, like dropping the pump down the hole, that would be bad. There are probably opportunities for serious injury too.
 
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Valveman

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Look down the well when this happens. If water is still at 15' or so, the pump is probably the problem. If the water level drops when the pump is running, the well could be producing less water than before.
 

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It seem possible if the bleeder had failed. But that would mean you would have maybe 5+ gpm of water squirting out the drop pipe, and I would think you would have seen or heard that when you lifted the well cap. So the idea is that the pump is pumping X gpm, and the failed bleeder is spraying out X-1 gpm.

Another thing that you would like done when switching to a diaphragm tank is getting rid of the check valve up top, and removing or capping the snifter Shrader valve with an air-tight cap.

Even so, this would probably be time to call in a pro. Its your water for the house. If you are going to try to handle this DYI, you would need to be working out your procedure and tools. If you mess up, like dropping the pump down the hole, that would be bad. There are probably opportunities for serious injury too.[/QUOT
Look down the well when this happens. If water is still at 15' or so, the pump is probably the problem. If the water level drops when the pump is running, the well could be producing less water than before.
The issue happens whether the pump is running or not. Does the bleeder only open when the pump is running or when there is water being pulled from the tank to the open facet?
 

Valveman

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The issue happens whether the pump is running or not. Does the bleeder only open when the pump is running or when there is water being pulled from the tank to the open facet?

If the pressure is dropping even when the pump is off, you are just seeing the pressure drop as the tank empties. Even with the pump running you could be seeing lower pressure after the tank has drained. This would just mean your pump is not producing as much as it should.

Measure with a bucket how much water you get out of the tank before the pump starts. Then close the faucet and time how long it takes to fill the tank back up until the pump shuts off. If you get 10 gallons out of the tank before the pump comes on, and it take 2 minutes to refill the tank after the pump is started, then your pump is only making 5 GPM.
 

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If the pressure is dropping even when the pump is off, you are just seeing the pressure drop as the tank empties. Even with the pump running you could be seeing lower pressure after the tank has drained. This would just mean your pump is not producing as much as it should.

Measure with a bucket how much water you get out of the tank before the pump starts. Then close the faucet and time how long it takes to fill the tank back up until the pump shuts off. If you get 10 gallons out of the tank before the pump comes on, and it take 2 minutes to refill the tank after the pump is started, then your pump is only making 5 GPM.
Thanks I will try that tomorrow. Whats a good rate? Just finished looking down the well while running the water to see if any water was coming out of a bleeder valve, watched for ten minutes and nothing. Though the pressure does seem better. Maybe air in the lines or the pump is starting to go. I do appreciate all your help!
 
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