The Well Pressure Tank: The Unsung Hero of Your Water System

Your well pressure tank is a vital component of your water system. It works silently behind the scenes, ensuring that you have a steady flow of water whenever you need it. But what exactly is a well pressure tank, and how does it work?

What is a Well Pressure Tank?

A well pressure tank is a storage tank that holds water and is used to maintain water pressure in your plumbing system. It is typically made of steel or plastic and is located in your basement, crawlspace, or garage.

How Does a Well Pressure Tank Work?

The well pressure tank is connected to your well pump. When the pump turns on, it fills the tank with water. The water in the tank is then pressurized by the pump. When you open a faucet, the pressure in the tank pushes the water out into your plumbing system.

The Importance of Well Pressure Tanks

Well pressure tanks are essential for a number of reasons. They:

• Maintain water pressure: The pressure in your plumbing system is what allows water to flow from your faucets, showers, and toilets. Without a well pressure tank, the water pressure would fluctuate every time the pump turned on and off, which would make it difficult to use your water fixtures.
• Reduce water hammer: Water hammer is a banging noise that can occur when a faucet is turned off suddenly. It is caused by the sudden stop of water flow, which creates a pressure wave that travels through the pipes. Well pressure tanks help to reduce water hammer by absorbing the pressure wave.
• Provide a reserve of water: In the event of a power outage, the water in the well pressure tank will provide you with a reserve of water for drinking, cooking, and bathing.

Tips for Choosing a Well Pressure Tank

When choosing a well pressure tank, there are a few things you need to consider:

• Size: The size of the tank will determine how much water it can store. The size of the tank you need will depend on the size of your home and the number of people who live there.
• Material: Well pressure tanks are typically made of steel or plastic. Steel tanks are more durable than plastic tanks, but they are also more expensive.
• Pressure: The pressure of the tank will determine how much water pressure you have in your plumbing system. The pressure of the tank should be set to the same pressure as your well pump.

Installing a Well Pressure Tank

Installing a well pressure tank is a job that is best left to a professional. However, there are a few things you can do to help make the process go smoothly:

• Choose a location: The tank should be located in a cool, dry place that is protected from freezing.
• Prepare the site: The site should be level and have a solid foundation.
• Connect the tank: The tank should be connected to the well pump and the plumbing system according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Maintaining a Well Pressure Tank

Well pressure tanks require very little maintenance. However, there are a few things you can do to keep your tank in good working order:

• Check the pressure: The pressure in the tank should be checked regularly. The pressure should be set to the same pressure as your well pump.
• Drain the tank: The tank should be drained periodically to remove sediment and debris.
• Inspect the tank: The tank should be inspected annually for cracks or leaks.

Troubleshooting Well Pressure Tank Problems

If you are having problems with your well pressure tank, there are a few things you can check:

• Is the tank full of water? If the tank is not full of water, the pump will not be able to build up pressure.
• Is the pressure switch set correctly? The pressure switch is responsible for turning the pump on and off. If the pressure switch is not set correctly, the pump may not turn on or off at the correct time.
• Is there a leak in the tank? If there is a leak in the tank, water will leak out and the pressure in the tank will drop.

Conclusion

Well pressure tanks are an important part of your water system. They maintain water pressure, reduce water hammer, and provide a reserve of water. By choosing the right tank and maintaining it properly, you can ensure that your well pressure tank will provide you with years of trouble-free service.

Well Pressure Tank FAQs

1. What is the average lifespan of a well pressure tank?

The average lifespan of a well pressure tank is 10-15 years. However, the lifespan of a tank can be shortened by a number of factors, such as:

• Improper installation
• Lack of maintenance
• Extreme temperatures
• Water quality

2. How often should I check the pressure in my well pressure tank?

The pressure in your well pressure tank should be checked monthly. If the pressure is too low, the pump will not be able to build up enough pressure to supply water to your home. If the pressure is too high, it can damage the tank and other components of your water system.

3. How often should I drain my well pressure tank?

The tank should be drained periodically to remove sediment and debris. The frequency with which you need to drain the tank will depend on the quality of your water and the amount of sediment that accumulates in the tank.

Troubleshooting Tips for Well Pressure Tank Problems

If you are having problems with your well pressure tank, there are a few things you can check:

• Is the tank full of water? If the tank is not full of water, the pump will not be able to build up pressure.
• Is the pressure switch set correctly? The pressure switch is responsible for turning the pump on and off. If the pressure switch is not set correctly, the pump may not turn on or off at the correct time.
• Is there a leak in the tank? If there is a leak in the tank, water will leak out and the pressure in the tank will drop.

If you have checked all of these things and you are still having problems with your well pressure tank, you should contact a qualified plumber for assistance.

Pros and Cons of Well Pressure Tanks

Pros:

• Maintain water pressure: Well pressure tanks help to maintain water pressure in your plumbing system, which ensures that water will flow from your faucets, showers, and toilets even when the pump is not running.
• Reduce water hammer: Water hammer is a banging noise that can occur when a faucet is turned off suddenly. Well pressure tanks help to reduce water hammer by absorbing the pressure wave that is created when the water flow stops.
• Provide a reserve of water: In the event of a power outage, the water in the well pressure tank will provide you with a reserve of water for drinking, cooking, and bathing.

Cons:

• Cost: Well pressure tanks can be expensive to purchase and install.
• Maintenance: Well pressure tanks require some maintenance, such as checking the pressure and draining the tank periodically.
• Size: Well pressure tanks can be large and bulky, which can make them difficult to store in a small space.

Call to Action

If you are having problems with your well pressure tank, or if you are looking to install a new tank, I encourage you to contact a qualified plumber for assistance. A plumber can help you choose the right tank for your needs and ensure that it is installed properly.