Moving an expansion tank question

[superjet96]

I have a need to move two expansion tanks which I can do but don't know if there are any guidelines for doing it as I have never had one before.

It is a well system and there are two wells, an old and a new. The old well provides water for the outside spigots.

I need to move them about 20 feet from where they are. The new pipe routing will go up about 4 feet from where it comes into the house (it now goes straight down now), along a joist in the ceiling about 20 feet then back down about 5 feet and into the expansion tank.

I am guessing this is not an issue but not sure if there would be an issue with the pump and pressure? Right now the water pressure is really good throughout the house. It is only a small change but I am clueless.

Part 2: the old well is just a pipe from the old well into the expansion tank and it terminates there. It doesn't go back outside so I am guessing it isn't doing anything and the pump is pushing straight to the outside spigots. Is this tank needed any longer or is it just using the regulator for the pump?

Thanks.

 

[JoeThePlumber]

Moving your tank 20 or more feet is not an issue, you'll have to move wiring for pump switch too, im sure you knew that. The tank connected to the old well should remain because the pressure switch would have your pump turning on and off really fast without it. Basically, when the pressure drops low enough the pump switch transfers power to the pump making it pump water. Then, the bladder inside the expansion tank is pushed back by the pump pressure, storing water so the pump runs less often. without the tank, your risking damage to your well pump. The expansion tank air pressure should be 2 lbs less than the turn on pressure of the pump switch. For example if the switch is a 30-50 switch, tank pressure should be 28 lbs. This pressure should only be checked with the tank empty of water and zero lbs in the system. The location of the pump tank does not matter as long as its part of the water system and tells the pump to turn on/off. hope this helps.

 

[Valveman]

I agree with Joe. As long as you keep the pressure switches close to their respective pressure tank, you can move them where you want.

Water goes back outside in the same pipe in came in from when using the outside faucets. So don't add any check valves to the piping.

 

[superjet96]

Thanks guys, well stated and this is exactly what I am looking for. I was thinking on the old well since it terminates at the tank I could possibly not use the tank to save space but just the switch and gauge but sounds like it is a really bad idea. That is why it wasn't removed in the first place.
I guess I have a nice weekend project for myself now.