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Our Product Experts field a lot of calls from customers who experience a loss in water pressure and wonder if their water booster system has gone kaput.

If this is a question in your mind, the first thing to do is to check your booster system pressure tank.

The pressure tank usually sits adjacent to the booster pump. Tap on the tank. If you hear a hollow sound, it means there is air inside and it is functioning properly.

If you knock on the tank and it sounds full, it may be waterlogged and require replacement.

If you cannot determine the state of the tank using this method, you can do so by checking the air valve.

The air-fill valve is usually located on top of the tank.  It resembles a tire air valve and functions in a similar way.

First, be sure to cut the power switch to the booster system to avoid electrocution, then remove the valve cap.

Inside the valve you will find a stem or “Schrader valve” which is used as a bleeding and test port.

Push down on this valve.

If water comes out it means the tank is waterlogged and may need to be replaced.

If air is released, the tank may need a boost in air pressure.

You can check the air pressure in the tank by placing a tire pressure gauge on the valve.

The water pressure reading for a typical home generally falls in a range of between 40 pounds per square inch (psi) on the low end — or “cut in” — and  60 pounds per square inch (psi) on the high end — or “cut out.”

If the gauge reading is below 40 psi, there is probably too little pressure in the tank and you will need to add air to the system.

Using a bicycle pump, or portable air pressure pump, add air to the pressure tank via the air-fill valve. Periodically check the pressure as you fill the tank until the gauge reading is 2 to 4 psi below the cut-in setting.  If your system’s cut-in setting is 40, release some air until the pressure hits 38 or 36 psi. This will promote optimal system functioning.

Replace the pressure switch cover and turn the power to back on. Your water pressure should be restored. If it continues to lag, have a professional assess the system.

If your system has to be replaced Pump Products stocks a wide range of booster pumps and pressure tanks by Berkeley,  Sta-Rite and other leading manufacturers, to suit your needs.

For more information on our water pressure boosting equipment, visit us at  www.pumpproducts.com or call 1-800-429-0800