Do these things wear out? Have 42 lbs of pressure on it. We do have some sand that is pumped up but have a sediment filter that catches that. Have cleaned that more often this winter than others about every two weeks. But water pressure is low. Running two major things a one time the water pressure is low. Do I need a well guy to look at it?
Might have a crack in the bladder or the pipe might be frozen.
There is probably a sticker on the tank by the people that installed. I’d call them and explain the situation.
If your pump is kicking on and off every 5-10 seconds when the water is running, the air bladder in your tank is likely ruptured. It should only kick on once about every minute and run for 30 seconds or so when the water is running.
Low pressure could be caused because your pump can’t keep up with the flow or your pressure switch is shot. It’s fairly simple stuff if you’re willing to learn but it can be a bigger headache than it’s worth if you don’t. Probably worth calling someone.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over all these years…… I call the guy. Be it the plumber, electrician or any other specialist. I can’t do their work any cheaper when you factor in the liquor required.
I had to replace my tank a month ago. Pump was kicking on and off all the time while running water. The guy that put mine in doubled the size of the one that was in there.
Yes well tanks wear out. Question might be do you need a well guy or plumber to check why you dont have pressure. Might be a good idea to have the well guys out to make sure that is working properly first. Then if a plumber is still needed can check the plumbing in the home.
Im guessing you might not of checked the well tank pressure properly. Did you turn off the well and take the pressure off the system before checking the well tank?
I had to replace my tank a month ago. Pump was kicking on and off all the time while running water. The guy that put mine in doubled the size of the one that was in there.
Why did they double the size? I get people asking for this all the time and its typically not needed. If adding irrigation or maybe a truck wash it might be needed.
Why did they double the size? I get people asking for this all the time
When done based on average water consumption and pump size, it helps in regulating the cycling of the pump. Often. “Cheap” systems are put in solely to be cost effective. Result is the pump “short cycles”. Quick bursts of on/off, on off… pumps last much longer if they run for a longer period of time. The constant on/off burns them up
Yep. Seems like most people ask for larger tanks thinking they are going to get more water or better pressure.
Replace mine a few years back. Fairly easy task. And yes-I doubled the size too. Improved pressure and less wear on pump as it runs for a longer period of time less frequently.
Yep. Seems like most people ask for larger tanks thinking they are going to get more water or better pressure.
I agree. Pressure is all on the plumbers’ planning when sizing supply pipes. Even then plumbers can not always create miracles
Don’t forget if you put in bigger pipes you’ll get more pressure too 
It’s probably your pressure switch. They are easy to replace yourself.
It should go without saying, but make sure to kill the power before working on it.
Also, the switches come in a couple different pressure ranges.
Check the waterline that runs into your pressure switch, it may be partially plugged with sentiment.
Do you have an in house water filter?
Do these things wear out? Have 42 lbs of pressure on it. We do have some sand that is pumped up but have a sediment filter that catches that. Have cleaned that more often this winter than others about every two weeks. But water pressure is low. Running two major things a one time the water pressure is low. Do I need a well guy to look at it?
When you say that you “clean” the filter, are you just flushing it out? Try removing the filter cartridge briefly to see if that solves your pressure issue. It could be that the filter needs a more thorough cleaning or replacement.
Check the waterline that runs into your pressure switch, it may be partially plugged with sentiment.
Yes have a filter and take it apart to clean. Pressure does get a little better but just doesn’t seem to work the way it should.
have you checked the pressure in the tank ? You need to use a tire gauge and check the pressure on the tank , there is a valve to do this just the same as on your car tires . The pressure in the tank when the pump is off and empty or no water discharging should be the same as the kick in pressure on your pressure switch, about 30psi. If a tire gauge shows no pressure you tank is shot, if it shows low pressure use an air pump to boost it up to equal the pressure switch kick in pressure .The pressure switch is usual labeled showing settings , you want to match the low number
have you checked the pressure in the tank ? You need to use a tire gauge and check the pressure on the tank , there is a valve to do this just the same as on your car tires . The pressure in the tank when the pump is off and empty or no water discharging should be the same as the kick in pressure on your pressure switch, about 30psi. If a tire gauge shows no pressure you tank is shot, if it shows low pressure use an air pump to boost it up to equal the pressure switch kick in pressure .The pressure switch is usual labeled showing settings , you want to match the low number
2 psi below pump on is the proper precharge pressure.
GENTLY push on the tank as if you were trying to tip it over if it feel like it is full of water your tank is shot.
There are a number of things that can cause low pressure, for trouble shooting, in no particular order.
-is pressure tank full of water and pump short cycling – ruptured bladder, this will cause fluctuating pressure.
-check whole house filter cartridge, replace cartridge if needed.
-do you have a water softener? place softener in by-pass to see if pressure increases.
-check faucet aerators
-well pump weak(test by running ohm test on start and run, pump windings)
-well pick-up screen plugged-pull pump to clean
Check for Sentiment… I have a bad feeling about this one….
Yes have a filter and take it apart to clean. Pressure does get a little better but just doesn’t seem to work the way it should.
It could also be that sediment has accumulated in your supply pipe after the filter. If you have a sediment filter similar to ours, I always flush the system after every filter cleaning (even the quick filter flush non-tear down cleaning because it seems like that sends a lot of particles into the system.)
Does your pressure tank have a spigot/clean out on it BEFORE the filter? If so, see what the pressure is like from that. If that seems good, that probably points to a clogged supply pipe.
Like others have said, probably best to call a plumber and they can refer you to a well guy if needed. Good luck.
I had a bad check valve in well , had a bad pressure tank , a bad pressure switch fun fun fun !!!
If your pump is kicking on and off every 5-10 seconds when the water is running, the air bladder in your tank is likely ruptured. It should only kick on once about every minute and run for 30 seconds or so when the water is running.
Low pressure could be caused because your pump can’t keep up with the flow or your pressure switch is shot. It’s fairly simple stuff if you’re willing to learn but it can be a bigger headache than it’s worth if you don’t. Probably worth calling someone.
2/3 isn’t bad. 
Nobody needs an air bladder in the pressure tank. I remember seeing plenty without. They would lose the pressure charge after a while and you would have to turn the well off, open faucets and use a compressor to blow out the water and recharge the tank
You are exactly right. Tanks used to never have bladders in them.
My first customer this morning had a tank that needs air. Thanks to the internet he is getting a new well tank. Why add air when you can have the plumber put in a new tank with new air in it.
You are exactly right. Tanks used to never have bladders in them.
My first customer this morning had a tank that needs air. Thanks to the internet he is getting a new well tank. Why add air when you can have the plumber put in a new tank with new air in it.
Always sell the customer what he WANTS not what he NEEDS. He can only blame himself if his money is wasted. 
And I get to buy a few more crankbaits.
Nobody needs an air bladder in the pressure tank. I remember seeing plenty without. They would lose the pressure charge after a while and you would have to turn the well off, open faucets and use a compressor to blow out the water and recharge the tank
So you’re suggesting that someone with a full pressure well system use an air over water tank?
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
