Recalibrating the Dial Gauge on Tensiometers

Q ~ I have a model 2725ARL60 with a 1 foot extension. In a saturated soil the gauge reads less than zero. Is this normal?

The condition you describe is common for tensiometers with long bodies; the longer the tensiometer body, the more apparent the off set. Water in the length of the body causes a small pressure head that must be offset by the vacuum caused by soil matrix potential. Also, the affect of decreasing pressure with altitude also causes our factory settings at sea level to read less negative at high altitude.

To recalibrate the dial gauge, service the tensiometer as normal, then place the tip totally submerged in a shallow pail of water. The vacuum dial gauge on models 2710 and 2725 Tensiometers can be recalibrated by removing the screw on the face-plate of the dial gauge and using a small screw driver to readjust the needle to read zero in a 2 inch depth of water.