How Does a Water Pressure Tank Work?

Households and property owners who rely on well water should know the ins and outs of water pressure tanks. These units take a huge weight off of the well pump’s workload, and you might not know how valuable a water pressure tank is until it stops working. In this article brought to you by Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Tampa, we will review the water pressure tank, how it works, and signs of trouble. If you need a plumber to inspect your water pressure tank, then feel free to call Mr. Rooter Plumbing any time. We are happy to schedule an appointment or arrange an emergency plumbing repair service today.

What Is a Water Pressure Tank?

The goal of a water pressure tank is to assist the well pump. Without a water pressure tank, the well pump would have to turn on and off constantly, putting great stress on the well pump and significantly reducing its life expectancy and efficiency. So, how does the water pressure tank help the well pump?

The well pump delivers water to the water pressure tank where the water is stored in a constant state of pressure. When you call for water by turning on your home’s faucets or appliances, the water leaves the water pressure tank toward your household plumbing. As the water level in the pressure tank drops, so does the pressure level. Once the pressure level reaches a pre-set threshold, the well pump activates and refills the water pressure tank to a sufficient level. In short, the well pump and water pressure tank are partners in delivering water from the well to your building’s plumbing system.

The well pump and water pressure tank work well together, but their reliance on one another means that if there is a problem with one, then there will likely be an issue with the other. Both the pump and the pressure tank need to work efficiently for the partnership to succeed.

Common Pressure Tank Issues

The water pressure tank can deliver around 10 years of service before it needs to be replaced, but accidental damage and neglect can cut this life expectancy short. It is up to you to be mindful and catch issues before those issues spiral into big problems. Here are common signs that you need to investigate your pressure tank:

• No Water: If water is not reaching your faucets, then your tank might be empty due to a failing well pump, stuck check valve, or tank leak.
• Uneven Pressure: If water pressure is irregular, then the pressure gauge may be faulty. If you have a pump that’s audible, you should be able to listen to the pressure. If it is jumpy, then call a qualified plumber in Brandon, FL.
• Waterlogged Tank: The water pressure tank should have a clear separation of water and pressurized air. A broken diaphragm or bladder can cause the air to dissolve in the water though. Give the pressure tank a test by removing the air inlet valve cap and pushing the piston. Normally, air should rush out. If water comes out instead, then call a plumber to investigate.

Need Help? Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing

Is your water pressure tank and well pump not working as planned? Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Tampa to have a plumber come by and take a look. Our dedicated plumbers are experienced, trained, and thoroughly equipped to get the job done right the first time around.