How Do I Know If My Pressure Tank Is Bad?
Water pressure tanks are used in buildings and houses that have their own supplies of water, like a well. For many houses that are hooked up to a municipal source of water, water pressure is provided from the source and there is no need for a pump. Houses that have off-grid supplies will need a water pressure tank to maintain a similar level of pressure so that water will be expelled with force from faucets, showerheads, dishwashers and other devices.
Pressure Tank Types
The most common type of air pressure system used in household water systems are known as bladder pressure tanks. In these systems, water and air do not mix. Instead, they are separated by a thin yet tough membrane. On each side of the membrane are pressurized sections of air and water. As more of your water is pumped into the system, the air is forced into a small space, increasing its pressure and causing the membrane to push down on the water, also increasing its pressure. This pressurized water is forced back into the system whenever it is needed. For some systems, the bladder pump is only one component in a greater pump mechanism that provides water pressure, but it is usually still the only pressure tank used in the household.
Other pumps include centrifugal pumps and positive displacement pumps. These pumps are more often used for smaller, more specific applications, and have a more complex system of moving parts that make them less popular for household uses.
Pressure Tank Problems
The first sign that there may be a problem with your pressure tank is a gradual decrease in pressure, or a change in pump cycles. One of the primary jobs of the pressure pump is to take some of the workload off of the pump. If the pressure tank is failing, your pump will need to cycle on and off more times to force water through. You can try flushing the toilet and seeing how many cycles it takes to refill, or simply listening to the pump while its working (if you know what your pump sounded like when it was healthy).
Before immediately assuming a pressure tank problem, be sure to examine your pump and your piping for any leaks, since leaks are a more likely cause of pressure problems. Time is also an important factor. Many pressure tank systems, especially bladder-based systems, run low on air at intervals, and need fresh injections of air to keep working properly. Bladder tanks can also wear out after several years and will need to be replaced, so it may be time to switch out your old tank for a new one.
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