How the Tank Works, in Plain English
Inside most modern well tanks is a bladder or diaphragm with a cushion of air above it. When water is pumped in, the air compresses. When you open a faucet, that air pushes water out, so the pump doesn't have to start every time someone washes their hands. The pressure switch turns the pump on at a low setting (often 30 or 40 psi) and off at a high one (often 50 or 60 psi).
Signs of a Tank or Switch Problem
- The pump clicks on and off every few seconds while water runs (short-cycling)
- Water pressure pulses up and down in the shower
- The gauge drops quickly as soon as a tap opens
- Water sprays out of the tank's air valve when the stem is pressed, which means the bladder has failed
- Rust or sweating on an older steel tank, or a leak at the base
- The switch chatters, buzzes, or sticks on
Repair, Recharge or Replace
Sometimes the fix is simple: setting the right air pre-charge with the system drained, clearing a clogged switch tube, or replacing a worn switch or gauge. A tank with a ruptured bladder, or an old tank that's waterlogged, gets replaced. Sizing matters. A tank that's too small for the pump's flow makes the pump cycle more, and a larger drawdown tank can help the pump last longer.
While the Tank Is Being Replaced
Ask the pro to look at the tank tee, the pressure relief valve, the check valve and any sediment filter. Old ball valves and corroded fittings near the tank are cheaper to replace when the system is already drained.
Questions
How long does a well pressure tank last?
It varies a lot with water quality, tank sizing and how often the pump cycles. Many last a decade or longer, and some fail much sooner. A tank test tells you more than its age does.
Can I just add air to my tank?
You can check pre-charge with the pump off and the tank drained, using a tire gauge on the air valve. If water comes out of the valve, the bladder is broken and the tank needs replacing.
Can a bad tank damage the pump?
Yes. Short-cycling makes the motor start far more often than it's designed to, which wears it out faster.
Related Services
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Lab testing for bacteria, iron, hardness, sulfur odor and more, then treatment sized to your actual results.
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New drilled wells for new homes, replacement wells, and wells that no longer keep up, plus pump and tank setup.
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Flow and pressure testing, an equipment check, and lab water testing for buyers, sellers and lenders.
Learn more →Get Your Tank Checked
Call or send the form with your town and what's happening.
- Tell us your town and whether you have any water at all
- Mention what you've noticed: clicking, sputtering, cloudy or smelly water
- A local well pro calls back and confirms availability and a typical price range
Request Well Service
Where This Service Is Available
Monroe, NY 10950, Chester, Warwick, Goshen, Harriman & Central Valley, Woodbury & Highland Mills, Washingtonville & Blooming Grove, Middletown, Newburgh, Florida, Pine Bush & Montgomery, plus Sugar Loaf, Greenwood Lake, Pine Island, Arden, Tuxedo, South Blooming Grove, Salisbury Mills, Cornwall and nearby communities. All service areas.