Well Pressure Tank Keeps Losing Air – Bladder Failure and Solutions

If you're constantly adding air to your pressure tank or your pump cycles rapidly, you're likely dealing with a failing bladder. Modern well pressure tanks use an internal rubber bladder to separate air from water – when this bladder fails, the tank loses its ability to maintain pressure properly.

Understanding how pressure tanks work and recognizing bladder failure helps you decide whether to repair or replace your tank.

How Pressure Tanks Work

A bladder-type pressure tank contains a rubber bladder that holds water, surrounded by pressurized air in the tank shell:

• Air is precharged to a specific pressure (typically 2 PSI below pump cut-in)
• As the pump fills the bladder with water, the air compresses
• When you use water, compressed air pushes water out of the bladder
• The pump only runs when pressure drops to the cut-in setting

This design allows the tank to deliver water between pump cycles without the air mixing with water (which would cause the air to dissolve).

Why Tanks Lose Air

Bladder Failure

The rubber bladder deteriorates over time due to:

• Age: Rubber naturally degrades over 5-15 years
• Water quality: Chlorine, high sediment, or aggressive water accelerates degradation
• Overinflation: Too much air pressure stresses the bladder
• Running dry: Pump running with insufficient water damages bladder
• Freezing: Frozen water can tear the bladder

Once the bladder has a hole or tear, water enters the air chamber and absorbs the air. This is called "waterlogging."

Schrader Valve Leak

The air charge valve (like a tire valve) can leak:

• Core failure from age or corrosion
• Debris preventing proper seal
• Damage from improper air filling

Unlike bladder failure, valve leaks can often be repaired by replacing the valve core.

Tank Shell Corrosion

In rare cases, the tank shell develops leaks:

• Usually at welds or seams
• From external corrosion in humid environments
• Internal corrosion from aggressive water

Signs of a Failed Bladder

Rapid Pump Cycling (Short Cycling)

The most obvious symptom – the pump turns on and off frequently, sometimes every few seconds when water is running. This happens because:

• No air cushion means pressure drops immediately when water is used
• Pump kicks on, runs briefly, then shuts off
• Cycle repeats constantly

Fluctuating Pressure

Water pressure surges and drops noticeably during use, matching the pump's rapid cycling.

Tank Feels Full When Empty

If you drain the system and the tank still feels heavy or water comes out the air valve, water has filled the air chamber.

Water from Air Valve

Pressing the air valve core releases water instead of air – definitive proof of bladder failure.

Testing Your Pressure Tank

1. Turn off the pump at the breaker
2. Open a faucet to drain pressure from the system
3. Check the air valve with a tire pressure gauge
   • Air reading = bladder may be OK
   • Water sprays out = bladder failed
   • No pressure = air leaked out
4. If air reading, compare to proper precharge (should be 2 PSI below cut-in pressure)

Solutions

Replace the Valve Core

If the bladder is intact but air leaks from the valve:

1. Depressurize the tank completely
2. Remove old valve core with removal tool
3. Install new valve core
4. Recharge with air to proper pressure

Valve cores are inexpensive and available at hardware stores.

Recharge the Tank

If the bladder is intact but air has leaked:

1. Turn off pump power
2. Drain all water from tank (open faucet until pressure is zero)
3. Check and recharge air to 2 PSI below cut-in pressure
4. Restore power and test

If tank holds air, monitor for future leaks. If it loses air again quickly, the bladder or valve is failing.

Replace the Tank

When the bladder has failed, replacement is the only option. Bladder-type tanks cannot be repaired – the bladder is permanently sealed inside:

• Choose a tank sized appropriately for your system
• Larger tanks reduce pump cycling and extend pump life
• Quality tanks have longer warranties and better bladders

Extending Tank Life

• Maintain proper precharge: Check annually and adjust as needed
• Install sediment filtration: Sediment abrades bladders
• Protect from freezing: Insulate or heat pump houses
• Size appropriately: Undersized tanks cycle more, stressing bladders

When to Call a Professional

Contact a well specialist when:

• You need help diagnosing tank problems
• Tank replacement is needed
• You want to upgrade to a larger tank
• Short cycling has been occurring for a while (pump may need inspection)
• You're unsure about proper precharge pressure

We install Well-X-Trol (Amtrol) and Flexcon pressure tanks — industry-leading bladder tanks that outlast standard diaphragm models. Proper sizing with a quality tank can double your pump's lifespan.

Frequently Asked Questions