If you have well water, you know you have a concern when your water pressure begins to decrease. The problem may lie with your pressure tank. There are several different issues that your pressure tank may have, and it is important that you can recognize these issues so you know how to react. Here are some things you should know about water pressure tanks.
How Does the Pressure Tank and Well Pump Work Together?
One way to think about your well pump and your water pressure tank is that they work like a generator and a battery. A pressure tank stores the pressure, similar to a battery storing power. The well pump creates the water pressure, or the output of a generator.
These two components work together to create the water pressure you need for your home. If the pressure tank does not work, the well pump will switch on. This will cause the well pump to cycle on and off too frequently and result in damage to the pressure tank. The damage can be extremely expensive and difficult to repair.
How
Long Can a Pressure Tank Last?
This
time often depends on how long the bladder pressure tank will last,
and several factors play into this. First, you need to consider the
actual quality of the pressure tank you install.
A
cheaper pressure tank won’t last as long as a more expensive,
quality tank. Cheaper tanks may last about five
years
,
while quality tanks can last over 25 years. If have the correct size
tank for your home, your pressure tank can last even longer.
Additionally,
the water quality has a lot to do with the longevity of your pressure
tank. When water contains a lot of rocks or sand, the sediment will
rub on the tank and could cause a hole to form.
The
frequency of cycling also has an impact on the life of a pressure
tank. A pressure tank is meant to keep the amount of pump cycling to
a minimum thanks to the layer of air in the tank above the water. If
someone in your home turns on a faucet, the air in the pressure tank
will expand. This reduces the air pressure.
Once
the pressure increases, the well pump will turn on to refill the
water tank and restore the pressure. When the cycling happens too
often, the bladder in the pressure tank can become compromised.
What
Are the Signs of Pressure Tank Problems?
There
are several warning signs you should keep a look out for. If your
water pressure seems to change frequently, you may have an issue with
your pressure tank. When you turn on the faucet and the water
pressure goes up and down as the water flows, this indicates a
frequent change in pressure and needs attention.
If
the top of your pressure tank feels full and cold, this could be a
sign of a problem. You can remove the top of the pressure tank and
gently tap the top. If it sounds hollow, there is no issue. However,
if it seems full, you likely have a water pressure issue. Try to
avoid moving the tank around to determine how full it is, as you can
damage pipes in the area.
Few
things are more frustrating for a homeowner than issues with your
well water system. This is a complex system, so you should learn how
it works to prepare for any possible problems. If you have questions
or problems with your well, please give us a call at Action
Well and Pump
.
We’ll help you diagnose and fix any issues you have with your well.
