How often should I check my pressure tank?

Check air pressure at least annually, ideally twice per year. Also check whenever you notice changes in pump cycling or water pressure. Most well service companies include tank inspection as part of annual well checkups. Between formal inspections, simply listen for pump cycling frequency—if it's running more often than you remember, investigate the tank.

What size pressure tank do I need?

Tank size should provide enough drawdown (usable water between pump cycles) to prevent rapid cycling. General guideline: tank drawdown gallons should equal pump GPM x 1 minute minimum run time. A 10 GPM pump needs roughly 10 gallons of drawdown, which typically means a 30-50 gallon tank. Bigger is generally better—larger tanks mean less pump cycling and longer pump life. Have a professional size your tank based on your specific pump and usage patterns.

Pressure Tank Maintenance: Complete Guide to Well System Care

Q: How do I check the air pressure in my well pressure tank?

Turn off power to the pump and drain the tank by opening a faucet until water stops flowing. Using a tire pressure gauge, check the air valve at the top of the tank (looks like a tire valve). The pressure should be 2 psi below your pressure switch's cut-in pressure—for a 30/50 system, tank should be at 28 psi; for a 40/60 system, it should be at 38 psi. Add air with a bicycle pump or compressor if needed. Never check or add air with the tank full of water.

Q: What are signs of a failing pressure tank?

Key signs include: pump cycling on/off rapidly (every few seconds to a minute), water pressure fluctuating significantly during use, tank feels heavy/waterlogged when tapped near the bottom, air charge won't hold (needs frequent recharging), visible rust, corrosion, or water at the air valve, or tank is more than 10-15 years old with performance issues. Rapid cycling is the most common symptom—it means the tank has lost its air cushion.

Q: How long do pressure tanks last?

Quality bladder-type pressure tanks typically last 10-15 years. Some premium tanks can last 15-20+ years with proper maintenance. Steel tanks without bladders last longer structurally but can develop air/water mixing issues. Factors affecting lifespan include water quality (corrosive or sediment-heavy water shortens life), cycling frequency, and whether air charge is maintained properly.

Your pressure tank is the unsung hero of your well system—and neglecting it is the #1 cause of premature pump failure. When your tank can't hold air pressure, your pump cycles constantly, burning out years ahead of schedule.

The good news: pressure tank maintenance is simple, takes minutes, and can save you thousands in pump replacement costs. Here's everything you need to know.

How Pressure Tanks Work

Understanding tank function helps you recognize problems:

Bladder/Diaphragm Tanks (Most Common)

Two chambers: Air on top, water on bottom, separated by a rubber bladder
Pre-charged: Factory-set air pressure; maintained by you
How it works: As pump fills tank, air compresses; when you open a tap, compressed air pushes water out without pump running
Benefit: Pump doesn't run for every glass of water—only when tank pressure drops to cut-in setting

Pressure Settings

Most residential systems use either 30/50 or 40/60 pressure settings:

30/50: Pump turns on at 30 psi, off at 50 psi
40/60: Pump turns on at 40 psi, off at 60 psi
Tank air charge: Should be 2 psi below cut-in (28 psi for 30/50, 38 psi for 40/60)

Checking Air Pressure (DIY)

Step-by-Step: Check Tank Air Pressure

1. Turn off pump power at the breaker
2. Open a faucet to drain tank until water stops flowing
3. Locate air valve on top of tank (looks like a tire valve)
4. Check pressure with a tire pressure gauge
5. Compare to target (2 psi below cut-in pressure)
6. Add air if needed using bicycle pump or air compressor
7. Close faucet and restore power

⚠️ Important Warnings

Never check air pressure with tank full: You'll get a false reading
Never over-pressurize: Too much air can damage the bladder
Water at air valve: If water comes out when checking, the bladder has failed—tank needs replacement

Signs Your Tank Is Failing

Symptom	Likely Cause	Solution
Pump cycles rapidly	Waterlogged tank (lost air charge)	Check/add air; if bladder failed, replace tank
Air won't hold	Bladder ruptured or valve leaking	Replace tank
Water at air valve	Bladder failure	Replace tank
Pressure fluctuates wildly	Incorrect air charge or failing tank	Check settings; may need replacement
Rust or corrosion	Tank aging	Plan for replacement

Why Tank Maintenance Matters

When your pressure tank fails to hold air (becomes "waterlogged"), the pump must run for almost every drop of water used. This rapid cycling:

Burns out pump motors: Motors aren't designed for constant starting/stopping
Wears pressure switches: Contacts burn out from excessive cycling
Increases electricity costs: Startup requires more power than running
Shortens pump life dramatically: 5-7 years instead of 15-20

The Math: A $300-800 pressure tank protects a $1,500-4,000 pump. If a failed tank causes your pump to last 5 years instead of 15, you're losing $1,500-3,000+ to save the cost of tank maintenance or replacement. Not a good trade.

Maintenance Schedule

Every 6-12 months: Check air pressure; add air if needed
Annually: Include tank inspection in professional well checkup
When you notice changes: Check immediately if pump cycling changes
After power outages: Air charge can drop; verify pressure

When to Replace

Bladder has failed (water at air valve)
Tank can't hold air charge
Significant rust or corrosion
Tank is 15+ years old with performance issues
Current tank is undersized for pump

Replacement cost: $300-800 for tank, plus $100-300 labor. A worthwhile investment in pump protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the air pressure in my well pressure tank?

Turn off pump power and drain the tank by opening a faucet. Check the air valve with a tire pressure gauge. For a 30/50 system, tank should be at 28 psi; for a 40/60 system, 38 psi. Add air with a bicycle pump if needed. Never check with tank full of water.

What are signs of a failing pressure tank?

Rapid pump cycling (every few seconds), fluctuating water pressure, tank feeling waterlogged, air charge that won't hold, visible rust or corrosion, or water coming from the air valve (indicates bladder failure).

How long do pressure tanks last?

Quality bladder tanks last 10-15 years typically, with some premium tanks reaching 15-20+ years with proper maintenance. Water quality and maintenance affect lifespan significantly.

Need Pressure Tank Service?

We inspect, repair, and replace pressure tanks throughout San Diego and Riverside Counties.

Call (760) 463-0493

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Diagnose sounds from your well system.

Pressure Tank Maintenance