Pressure Tanks & Filters
A pressure tank keeps water pressure at a constant level within the home. As water is pumped from the well into the pressure tank, the air in the tank is compressed until it reaches a preset level, generally 40 to 60 pounds per square inch (psi). When a faucet is turned on, air pressure in the tank pushes water through the plumbing until the pressure drops to a preset trigger pressure, usually 20 to 40 psi. This signals the water pump to turn on, and water is then drawn into the house and tank. When the faucet is turned off, pressure builds until it is restored to its default shut-off level. The amount of water produced by the pressure tank between the tank’s shutdown and restarting is called the drawdown.
Pressure tank size and drawdown depends on the amount of water the pump can pull into the home in a minute or two. The standard home pressure tank holds around 44 gallons, with a drawdown of about 16 gallons. If your household uses more than the average amount of water or has a well that does not yield a great quantity of water, a larger pressure tank might be needed.
Filters & Filtration Systems
A water filtration system is an important part of any home well system. The most obvious sign that you need a water filter system (or filtration system maintenance) is that your water may have a color and you may even notice sediment collecting in the bottom of your drinking glass. Sediment can be unhealthy to consume and it can also affect your water-using appliances, creating buildup. A sediment filter can safely remove these particles, leaving behind clean drinking water. Some filtration systems include two sediment filters: one to collect larger particles and the other to catch the finer sediment. If you have older pipes that may experience rusting, your water will need to be filtered for lead. It is odorless and colorless, and only a water test can determine if your water contains lead. Another more obvious need for filtration is sediment, which is most often sand, grit, or iron. Bacterial contamination can also be an issue with home well systems, from well contamination or osmosis. However, filtration systems can effectively kill bacteria and parasites, making your water safe for the whole family. Our team can help you determine the best filtration system for your home’s needs as well as providing you with all the tools to keep your system running smoothly.