catchment pressure tank problem

[terracore]

I solved the problem!

Part of my issue is that whoever installed the pressure tank did so with the make/model/manufacturer label nearly against the wall so I couldn't look up the info. I was able to get the info by squeezing my phone in and taking video. Fortunately the seismic strap was just above the model number so I was able to do some research.

The problem wasn't the switch settings, the air pressure was too low. After pumping in the required amount of air I tinkered with the switch settings (probably undoing the changes I made earlier) and now all is well. It must have been low when I bought the house because now the water runs a long time without the pump kicking on.

[Peter Epperson]

Your pressure tank isn't too small. I have a 2 gallon size and those are what I always recommend to my water tank customers. The main purpose of the pressure tank is to prevent the pump from cycling (hammering) too frequently when the toilet is almost full or you are running water at a trickle. I see no purpose for a larger tank. It's just more expensive to replace when it breaks and it will break. The small ones break too but they are only $50 or $60 at Ace. I've never heard a compelling reason for a large pressure tank. I know that the pump will come on more frequently but I don't see that as a problem.

[terracore]

A larger tank is nice when you have house guests sleeping next to the pump or when the power is out and you have to start the generator every time the pressure tank is drained.

[leilanidude]

The more often the pump comes on, the higher the electric bill!