Pressure Tank Problems & Solutions

Your shower loses pressure mid-rinse. The pump clicks on and off constantly. Water spurts and sputters from your faucets. These aren't just annoyances—they're warning signs your pressure tank is failing. For San Diego County homeowners relying on private wells, a malfunctioning pressure tank means more than inconvenience. It stresses your pump, wastes energy, and can lead to complete system failure at the worst possible moment. The good news? Most pressure tank problems have clear symptoms and solutions. Let's diagnose what's happening and get your water system back to reliable operation.

Understanding Your Pressure Tank's Role

Before diagnosing problems, it's essential to understand what your pressure tank does. Many homeowners think the tank stores water for use—that's partially true, but not its primary function.

Your pressure tank serves three critical purposes:

• Maintains system pressure: Keeps water pressure steady throughout your home without running the pump constantly
• Prevents rapid cycling: Stores pressurized water so the pump doesn't turn on/off with every faucet use
• Protects your pump: Reduces wear by minimizing start/stop cycles, which are hardest on pump motors

Modern bladder-style pressure tanks have two chambers separated by a flexible membrane: one side holds pressurized air, the other holds water. As your pump fills the tank, it compresses the air, which then maintains pressure after the pump shuts off. This design is far superior to older captive air tanks but introduces new failure points.

Common Pressure Tank Problems in San Diego Wells

1. Waterlogged Tank (Most Common)

A waterlogged tank occurs when the bladder ruptures or the air charge is lost, allowing water to fill the entire tank instead of just the water chamber. This is by far the most common pressure tank problem we see in San Diego County homes.

Symptoms of a waterlogged tank:

• Pump cycles on and off rapidly (every 15-30 seconds)
• Water pressure fluctuates dramatically
• Tank feels heavy and solid when tapped all the way to the top
• No air comes out when you press the Schrader valve
• Pump runs briefly every time you use water

What causes waterlogging:

• Failed bladder: Age, sediment, or chemicals damage the rubber membrane
• Lost air charge: Slow leaks through valve or tank wall
• Incorrect sizing: Undersized tank experiences excessive pressure cycles
• Hard water damage: San Diego's mineral-heavy water accelerates bladder deterioration

2. Pressure Loss and Low Water Pressure

If your water pressure starts strong but quickly drops, or if you're constantly adjusting faucets to maintain flow, your pressure tank may not be maintaining adequate system pressure.

Symptoms:

• Strong pressure when pump is running, weak when off
• Pressure gauge shows pressure dropping rapidly
• Shower pressure decreases during use
• Multiple fixtures can't run simultaneously

Causes:

• Undersized tank: Doesn't hold enough pressurized water for your usage
• Low air pressure: Needs recharge but bladder is intact
• Pressure switch misadjustment: Set too low for your needs
• Failed check valve: Water flows backward when pump stops

3. Tank Leaking or Sweating

Visible water around your pressure tank signals different problems depending on where it appears.

Location matters:

• Condensation on tank surface: Normal in humid conditions or if tank is in cool location
• Water at pipe connections: Loose fittings or failed thread sealant
• Water from tank bottom: Corrosion hole—tank must be replaced
• Pressure relief valve dripping: Overpressure or failed valve

In San Diego County's drier climate, condensation is less common. If you see moisture, investigate immediately as it usually indicates a leak rather than humidity.

4. Pump Running Constantly

If your pump runs continuously without building pressure, several pressure tank-related issues could be responsible—though this symptom can also indicate pump or well problems.

Tank-related causes:

• Completely waterlogged tank with no air cushion
• Ruptured bladder allowing water to bypass pressure switch
• Failed pressure switch stuck in "on" position
• Tank so undersized pump can't satisfy pressure settings

5. Strange Noises from Tank or Pump

Unusual sounds often indicate pressure tank problems before other symptoms become obvious.

What different noises mean:

• Banging or hammering: Water hammer from rapid pressure changes (waterlogged tank)
• Hissing at Schrader valve: Air leak—may be repairable
• Gurgling in pipes: Air in water lines from failed bladder
• Clicking repeatedly: Pressure switch rapidly cycling due to tank failure

How to Diagnose Your Specific Problem

Accurate diagnosis prevents wasting money on unnecessary repairs. Follow this systematic approach:

Step 1: Check the Basics

1. Note your pressure gauge readings (normal is 30-50 PSI at rest)
2. Listen for how often pump cycles during normal use
3. Observe water pressure consistency at faucets
4. Look for visible leaks or moisture around tank

Step 2: Test Air Pressure

1. Turn off circuit breaker to well pump
2. Open faucets to drain all water from tank
3. Remove cap from Schrader valve (looks like tire valve) on top of tank
4. Use tire pressure gauge to check air pressure
5. Should read 2 PSI below your pump's cut-in pressure (usually 28-38 PSI)

Results interpretation:

• No air or very low: Bladder likely failed—tank needs replacement
• 5-10 PSI low: Add air and monitor—may just need recharge
• Correct pressure but problems persist: Look at other components (switch, check valve)

Step 3: Physical Tank Inspection

• Tap test: Knuckle-tap from bottom to top—should sound hollow at top when drained
• Visual inspection: Check for rust, corrosion, dents, or bulging
• Connection check: Look at all pipe connections for leaks
• Age assessment: Tanks over 10 years old are prime candidates for failure

Step 4: Cycle Count Test

1. Turn on a faucet at moderate flow
2. Count how many times pump cycles on/off in 1 minute
3. Normal: Pump runs 30-60 seconds, stays off several minutes between cycles
4. Problem: Pump cycles more than once per minute with continuous flow

Solutions: Repair vs. Replace

When You Can Repair

Some pressure tank issues are fixable without replacement:

Repairable problems:

• Low air pressure (intact bladder): Add air to correct PSI and monitor
• Leaking Schrader valve: Replace valve core ($5 part)
• Loose pipe connections: Tighten or re-seal with thread compound
• Pressure switch adjustment: Recalibrate cut-in/cut-out settings

DIY air recharge procedure:

1. Shut off pump power at breaker
2. Open faucets to completely drain tank
3. Check current air pressure at Schrader valve
4. Add air with bicycle pump or compressor to correct PSI
5. Close faucets and restore pump power
6. Observe pump operation for 24 hours
7. If problem returns quickly, bladder has failed

When You Must Replace

These situations require tank replacement—repairs won't solve the problem:

• Failed bladder: No air holds after recharge attempt
• Rust or corrosion holes: Tank structural integrity compromised
• Age over 15 years: Even if working, failure is imminent
• Severely undersized: Causing pump damage from rapid cycling
• Repeated failures: Third time tank has lost air means bladder degradation

Choosing the Right Replacement Tank

Selecting proper tank size and quality prevents future problems and extends pump life. For San Diego County wells, consider these factors:

Tank sizing guidelines:

• 5-7 GPM pump: 20-30 gallon tank minimum
• 10-12 GPM pump: 40-60 gallon tank (most common residential)
• 15+ GPM pump: 80-120 gallon tank
• Large household or irrigation: Consider dual tank setup

Quality considerations:

• Butyl bladder: Superior to cheaper rubber for San Diego water chemistry
• Stainless steel connections: Resist corrosion in hard water
• Warranty length: Look for 5-7 year warranties on quality tanks
• Brand reputation: Amtrol Well-X-Trol, Flexcon, or similar professional-grade

Our team at SCWS has installed thousands of pressure tanks throughout San Diego County. We know which brands hold up best in our specific water conditions and climate. Learn more about our pressure tank replacement services.

Preventing Future Pressure Tank Problems

Proper maintenance extends tank life and prevents unexpected failures. These simple practices make a significant difference:

Regular Maintenance Schedule

• Quarterly: Check air pressure and adjust if needed
• Semi-annually: Inspect tank and connections for leaks or corrosion
• Annually: Professional inspection with complete well system service
• After any well work: Verify tank operation after pump service or repairs

Protect Your Investment

• Water quality: Consider sediment filtration to protect bladder from abrasive particles
• Proper sizing: Never undersized tank to save money—costs more in pump replacement
• Pressure regulation: Keep settings within manufacturer recommendations
• Environmental protection: Shelter tank from freezing and direct sun exposure

Warning Signs to Watch

Catch problems early by monitoring these indicators:

• Pump cycling frequency changes
• Pressure fluctuations during normal use
• Any new sounds from tank or pump area
• Water pressure drops over time
• Moisture or rust on tank exterior

Special Considerations for San Diego County Wells

Our region's unique geology and water chemistry create specific pressure tank challenges that homeowners should understand.

Hard Water Impact

San Diego County's hard water issues accelerate pressure tank bladder deterioration. The high mineral content (particularly calcium and magnesium) deposits on bladder surfaces and creates abrasive conditions. Tanks here often fail 2-3 years earlier than in soft water regions.

Iron and Sediment

Many San Diego County wells, especially in East County areas like Ramona, Alpine, and Valley Center, have elevated iron levels. Iron bacteria and sediment accumulate on bladders, causing premature failure. Pre-filtration significantly extends tank life.

Variable Well Depth

San Diego County has extreme variation in well depths—from 100 feet in some coastal areas to 600+ feet inland. Deeper wells require larger tanks because the pump works harder. Standard sizing recommendations may not apply to your specific situation.

Climate Factors

Our low humidity means condensation isn't typically an issue, but temperature extremes in inland valleys (Ramona, Alpine, Valley Center) cause expansion/contraction stress. Tanks in uninsulated pump houses or exposed locations age faster.

Why Professional Service Matters

While some pressure tank maintenance is DIY-friendly, professional service provides advantages that save money long-term:

• Accurate diagnosis: Distinguish between tank problems and pump, switch, or piping issues
• Proper sizing: Calculate exact tank requirements for your specific system
• Quality installation: Correct orientation, secure mounting, proper connections
• System optimization: Set pressures for efficient operation and maximum life
• Warranty protection: Professional installation often required for warranty coverage

At Southern California Well Service, we've diagnosed and resolved thousands of pressure tank problems throughout San Diego County. We stock quality replacement tanks and can typically complete installation same-day for emergency situations.

Frequently Asked Questions