Quck answer
A waterlogged well water pressure tank can cause low water pressure in your home. To fix this issue, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the power to the well pump.
2. Drain all the water from the tank by opening the drain valve.
3. Check the air pressure in the tank using a tire pressure gauge. It should be 2 psi below the pressure switch’s cut-in pressure.
4. If the air pressure is low, use an air compressor to add air to the tank until it reaches the desired pressure.
5. Close the drain valve and turn on the power to the well pump.
6. Monitor the tank to ensure it maintains the correct air pressure.
Regular maintenance and monitoring of the tank will help prevent waterlogging in the future.
In order to function properly, your well water pressure tank needs to have air space. Some tanks achieve this by using an air bladder or diaphragm, while others rely on the natural air cushion formed by the lighter air on top of the water in the tank.
If the air in the tank dissipates and the tank becomes filled with water, it will stop working. This issue can sometimes be fixed, but in other cases, the entire water pressure tank will need to be replaced.
Indications of a Waterlogged Tank
A waterlogged tank is hard to miss, and there are several symptoms that you may notice if you have this problem. One sign is the constant ticking sound of your water pump turning on and off repeatedly, which is known as short cycling. You may also observe pulsating water flow from your tap or showerhead instead of a continuous flow.
If you notice these issues, examine your well water pressure tank and tap on it. It will sound hollow in areas where there is no water. If the entire tank does not sound hollow, it is likely filled with water. You can also open a tap and observe the pressure gauge. The pressure gauge should smoothly fluctuate between 60 and 40 psi as you open and close taps. If the gauge fluctuates erratically, it is time to service your tank.
How to Repair a Bladder Tank
While there are exceptions, most well water pressure tanks with bladders and diaphragms cannot be repaired and must be replaced. Some tanks have accessible parts that can be changed, but most do not. However, attempting to repair the tank is still worth a try, especially if the bladder is stuck in an unusual position rather than being damaged or failing.
- Turn off the electricity to your well pump to avoid it turning on while you work.
- If applicable, bypass your water filtration system. Draining the tank can cause sludge to come up, which may clog your filter system.
- Open the drain on the pressure tank and completely drain the water.
- Use a tire gauge to check the pressure valve on top of the tank. Now that the tank is empty, the reading should be around 28 or 30 psi. If it is not, release air from the valve or add air with an air compressor until the desired pressure is reached.
- Turn your well pump back on and run water through your system until it runs clear. Once it does, you can turn your filtration system back on.
- If you are still experiencing problems, replace the well pressure tank.
How to Repair an Air Over Water Tank
When it comes to repairing an air over water tank, you may have better success. These tanks do not have any moving parts, so there is less chance of something breaking. Since the air and water in these tanks are not separated, the air sometimes dissolves into the water. Adding more air is often enough to get the tank functioning again.
- Switch off the electricity supply to your well pump and bypass any water filtration equipment you may have.
- Open a faucet and allow it to run until the pressure drops to zero and the water stops flowing.
- Keep the tap open and introduce air into the water pressure tank. Continue adding air until the pressure in the tank is as close to completely empty as possible.
- Turn off the main plumbing valve and then continue adding air to the tank. Cease when the air pressure in the tank reaches approximately 25 psi.
- Restore the electricity supply to your well pump and turn the main plumbing valve back on.
- Run water through the tap until it runs clear. Switch the water filters back on.
- If you are still experiencing difficulties, purchase and install a replacement well water pressure tank.
