FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum working pressure of the Flexcon tank?
Models PC44-PC244 and WR45-WR240 have a maximum working pressure of 100 psi.
Models PC266-PC366 and WR260-WR360 have a maximum working pressure of 125 psi.

What is the maximum working temperature of Flexcon tanks?
200° Fahrenheit/93.3° Celsius.

Can I use glycol (anti-freeze) in a Flexcon tank?
We recommend not using over a 50/50 mix. Under no circumstances can the product contain a petroleum base.

Can I use petroleum base products in my Flexcon tanks?
No. The material in our diaphragm will not tolerate petroleum-based products.

Can I install my Flexcon tank on its side?
Side installations are acceptable up to the WR140 and PC144 sizes. The underground tanks manufactured by Flexcon are designed for horizontal installation and are available in three sizes up to WR140BGR. We do not recommend horizontal installations for any tanks larger than WR140 or PC144.

What is the warranty on Flexcon tanks?
All Flexcon tanks carry a 5 year limited warranty from the date of manufacture on the original tank.

Does the warranty cover labor?
No, unfortunately there are number of factors that can contribute to a failed tank and the only factor that Flexcon can insure is the tank.

My tank was just installed and the water has a funny taste – what should I do?
Flush the new tank by allowing water to flow through three or four pump cycles. If the taste continues, you should probably have the source water tested.

Can I use chlorinated water with my Flexcon tank?
Of course. Flexcon tanks are designed in the knowledge that chlorine is often used to periodically treat a well.

What is a cycle?
A cycle refers to the pump run time. A cycle starts when the pump starts and a cycle is completed when the pump stops. Pump starts and stops are determined by the pressure settings of the system. Below, we demonstrate a tank’s drawdown feature that assumes a water system with a 30/50-psi pressure setting. This means that the pump will start (“cut-in”) whenever the pressure inside a tank is reduced to 30 psi and will stop (“cut-out”) when the pressure reaches 50 psi. Common pressure settings are 20/40, 30/50 and 40/60.

How does a pressure switch control the pump and tank?
The pressure switch communicates with the tank and the pump. The pressure switch monitors the pressure inside the tank and activates and de-activates the pump when cut-in and cut-out pressures are reached inside the tank.

What is drawdown?
Drawdown refers to the amount of water that evacuates the tank before the pressure switch will activate the pump. Drawdown is a affected by the pump, the size of the tank and the pressure settings that govern your water system.

What is pre-charge pressure?
Pre-charge pressure refers to the amount of gas (air is used in Flexcon tanks) in psi that is pumped into a tank prior to installation – usually at the factory. Most tanks are provided with a 28-psi pre-charge (38 psi in Flexcon’s two largest sizes). The pre-charge is the “spring” that helps to create water pressure. As the diaphragm fills with water, it compresses the pre-charge. In a 30/50 system, the pump will continue to propel water into the tank until the pressure in the tank reaches 50 psi.

How much pressure (pre-charge) should be in my tank?
Your tanks should be pressurized to 2 psi less than the cut-in pressure setting (for example, if your pressure settings are 30/50, then you cut-in pressure setting is 30 psi and your tank should have a 28 psi pre-charge).

How do I check or change my pre-charge?
You must completely drain the tank to check pre-charge. To do this, shut the power off to the pump and open (turn-on) a faucet in the house. This will drain the tank and not allow it to refill. On the top of the tank you will find an air valve (similar to the air valve on your tires) – use a tire pressure gauge to check the air pressure.