Plumbers Pressure Tank Problems

[BFD]

I tried to install a second pressure tank to increase storage. Once installed my pressure switch kept tripping. Anytime the water comes on the switch kicks off and on in short bursts. I adjusted the cutoff pressures so I do not think that is the issue. The tanks will begin to fill and the switch will continue to kick off and on in short bursts. This has led to blowing the breaker on the well. Any ideas would be appreciated.

[AlpiNord]

Is the tank pressure 2 lbs less than switch kick on setting?

Does your well pump have the capacity to fill both of the tanks?

[BFD]

Thank you for the suggestions. Pretty sure there is plenty of water in the well. We probably got two inches of rain today.
Will check the pressures of the tanks. Did not have a gauge so did not do that.

[Snow Dog]

I was going to say that you have air in the line to the pressure switch. One tank or two shouldn't make any difference. Instead I found this article on short cycling well pumps which has all sorts of causes.

[BFD]

wow that is allot of possibilities. I am hoping it is not the check valve. I replaced it last year during the winter and really do not want to do it again. The check valve was working fine before I decided to add the other tank. part of the project was also installing a filter. i already pulled that as it seemed to add to the problem. that is why I left it out of the diagram. Thank you for the link.

[flyman683]

On all my commercial stuff I've always seen the switch on the other side of the tanks from the well... Theoretically, it shouldn't matter but pressure never equalizes immediately - I can't figure out why it would matter but maybe it does?

What kind of pressure are we talking and where do your line sizes change?

[Snow Dog]

Well this is great -- I haven't thought about my pressure tank for 24 years and I'm supposed to check it every other month. Ignorance is bliss.

[AlpiNord]

Our pressure switch is after the pressure tank also and has been fine for eons.

BFD, did you install a valve with the new tank? If not, installing one would give you the ability to reduce at least one variable to see what happens when you close the valve versus being open.

[BFD]

Thank's for the help. It got down to pulling the pump. The connection of the back flow valve to the plastic pipe line to the house appeared to be loose. Replaced the pump and motor while I was there. Seemed like the pump was also not spinning freely. Weird that it happened same time I added the pressure tank. Anyway everything seems to be working now. rained hard all week so was never without water.