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PLUMBING TOPICS
OIL TANKS
SEPTIC SYSTEMS
WATER PRESSURE REPAIR GUIDE & COSTS
WATER PRESSURE LOSS DIAGNOSIS GUIDE
WATER PUMP PRESSURE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT
WATER PUMP PRESSURE CONTROL REPAIR
WATER PUMPS & TANKS & WELLS
WATER PUMP CONTROLS & SWITCHES
PUMP TYPES & LIFE EXPECTANCY
WATER PUMP & TANK SAFETY
WATER SUPPLY & DRAIN PIPING
WATER TANK TYPES: WATER, OIL, EXPANSION, ALL
WATER TANK LIFE EXPECTANCY
WATER TANK REPAIRS
WATER TANK AIR, HOW TO ADD
WATER TANK PRESSURE CALCULATIONS
WATER TANK SIZE & VOLUME
WATER TANKS HOW THEY WORK
WATER TESTING
WELLS CISTERNS & SPRINGS
WELL LIFE EXPECTANCY
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Home Water Tank Safety, Water Tank Relief Valves, Water Tank Electrical Switches

Well pump & water tank diagnosis & repair procedures

This article describes Home Water Tank Safety, Water Tank Relief Valves, Water Tank Electrical Switches, how to use them, adjust them, or where they should be installed. Readers of this document should also see Water pump and pressure tank repair diagnosis & cost an specific case which offers an example of diagnosis of loss of water pressure, loss of water, and analyzes the actual repair cost. The illustration at page top is courtesy of Carson Dunlop, Inc. in Toronto.

© 2008 Daniel Friedman, All Rights Reserved. Information Accuracy & Bias Pledge is at below-left. Use the links at page left to navigate this document or to go to Other Website Topics. Green links at left show where you are in our document & website.

PUMP & TANK SAFETY - Water pump and water pressure tank or water storage tank safety advice

While you're on the topic of water pumps, tanks, and controls, here are some safety tips about water pressure tank relief valves and electrical safety around this equipment.

In this photo, the small brass fitting to the right of the black drain valve is a pressure relief valve needed on any pressurized tank. On your water system these components may be located differently.
Tank rupture hazards: can damage equipment or injure someone nearby. Every tank which is pressurized (such as by water or air) should have a pressure relief valve installed - a safety device required by building codes in many jurisdictions. Most water tanks operate at relatively low pressures, up to perhaps 60 psi. (Higher water pressure in buildings tends to cause leaks at faucets and toilets.) But in the unlikely event that a pump pressure control is damaged and refuses to turn the pump OFF, pressures in the system, particularly if a submersible (in-well) pump is installed, can become high enough to rupture a water tank. This is particularly true if the tank is old, rusted, or otherwise damaged.

If a pressure relief valve is not installed on your water tank ask your plumber to provide one promptly.

Trip hazards wet floors can cause slips and falls - be careful.
Electrical shock hazards: can be fatal. Do not touch electrical controls in a building, such as a pump power electrical switch, if you're standing on a wet floor.
Fatal Electrical Shock Hazard if you remove the cover of the pump pressure control switch (discussed above at ADJUST PUMP PRESSURE CONTROL) you can get access to the two nuts that adjust the operating pressures of the water pump. But watch out! There are also live electrical contacts exposed in this area. If you touch them, especially being near water piping, there is a serious risk of death by electrocution. Watch what you touch, or have a professional plumber or electrician do this job for you.

Water Tank Maintenance & Repair Chapter Index

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