Over 43 million people in the United States get their water from a water well. Making sure your well and its parts are in working order is a part of home maintenance for those on well water. So, how do you know if your well water pressure tank needs replacing?

Read on for five signs that you may need to replace your water pressure tank.

What Is a Water Pressure Tank?

A water pressure tank pressurizes the water collected from the well. Without a pressure tank, water would trickle slowly or not flow to your home. The tank lets water flow to your home with enough pressure for daily use.

How Does a Pressure Tank Work?

The pressure tank contains a bladder or diaphragm that divides the two chambers of the tank. One has compressed air, and the other has water from the well. As the water gets used, the pressure in the tank drops, and a pump re-pressurizes the tank.

Do You Need Home Maintenance for Your Pressure Tank?

According to the National Ground Water Association, wells should be checked annually for mechanical problems. If you see any of these water problems in your home, it’s time to check your water pressure tank:

1. Fluctuating Pressure Gauge

A pressure gauge is on top of the tank or the pump. When the pump is running, the needles on the gauge should rise at a steady rate. If something is wrong, the needle will move back and forth while the pump runs.

When the pump is off the needle may fall fast or remain stationary. It can show that the bladder has ruptured in the tank.

2. Low Water pressure

If the water pressure in your home is low or gone, you should check your circuit breaker first. It could be a sign that the well-water pump has tripped the circuit. If nothing else seems to be wrong, check the pressure tank itself.

See if the pressure tank is waterlogged by tapping on it. The tank should sound hollow at the top where the air should be. If it sounds hollow your pressure switch or pump may be the problem.

3. Waterlogged Tank

The tank should always keep the pressurized air separate from the water. When the tank gets waterlogged, it means the air and water are no longer separate, and the whole tank is full of water. The diaphragm or bladder has ruptured.

To see if the tank has become waterlogged, you can remove the air inlet valve cap on top of the tank. Use a finger to get air from the tank by pressing the piston in the valve. If water comes out, the pressure tank is waterlogged and needs replacing.

4. Unusual Noises

You may hear clicking noises coming from the pressure switch on your tank. It can show that the bladder has ruptured. If the switch is on the inside of the tank, the clicking will sound like it is coming from there.

5. Increase in Electricity Bill

You may start to notice that your electricity bill is higher than usual. It means that the tank is working harder than it should provide your home with water. If the tank is waterlogged, you will see a large spike in your electric bill.

Look Out for Water Issues in Your Home

Checking for water problems is a large part of home maintenance. Your water pressure tank is no exception, as it provides water for daily use in your home. If you think your pressure tank needs replacing do not wait to fix it.

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