What does the air tank do on a water pump?

It’s essential for private well owners to know how their system functions. If something goes wrong, you can use this knowledge to identify the problem and speak to water specialists about it. Better yet, you’ll be able to detect issues before they develop into larger and more expensive complications.

What is a Well Pressure Tank?

A well pressure tank is one of three main components of a well system, the other two being the pressure switch and the pump. This device not only stores water, but also sends it into your home and helps regulate water pressure. The purpose of the pressure tank is to pre4vent the well pump from turning on and off every time you open a faucet.  This boosts the longevity of your system and helps it operate more efficiently.

How Does a Well Pressure Tank Work?

All well pressure tanks are designed to hold water and compressed air. When someone turns on a faucet in your home, the air pressure in the tank causes water to be sent to the faucet until the pressure drops to an appropriate level. This signals the pump to turn on. Then, when the faucet is shut off, the tank refills and pressure increases inside the tank.  Sizing of the tanks varies, and depends on the pump’s ability to produce water.  The should be large enough to store a volume of water equal to the pumps ability to run for 1 minute.  This allows the pump to cool itself with fresh water and prevents the pump from cycling on and off too frequently.  If your pressure switch is cycling more frequently than 1 minute, you may need a larger sized tank.

Types of Well Pressure Tanks

Three main types of well pressure tanks are commonly used for residential wells. These are as follows:

• Diaphragm Tanks. In this type of tank, a vinyl or rubber diaphragm is used to split water from air. When water passes into the tank, the diaphragm extends and compresses the air.
• Air-Over-Water Tanks. With air-over-water tanks, there is no barricade separating water from air. Unfortunately, the air will eventually dissolve into water as a result. Frequent maintenance and increased observation may be necessary with this type of tank.
• Bladder Tanks. In bladder tanks, water is held inside a bladder-like device that grows as water enters the tank. This, in turn, compresses the air.

Pressure Tank Issues that Can Occur

Well pressure tanks maintain water pressure, pressure can be lost when bladder or diaphragms rupture or when air valves leak.   When these failure occurs it  causes short cycling of the well pump which can cause the pump to loose capacity or fail.

While well pressure tanks are designed to be sturdy and long-lasting, complications can arise at any time. Regular preventative maintenance and inspections can help to avoid potential issues. However, pressure tanks can suffer from a number of problems, including the following:

• Leaks due to corrosion inside the tank or your pipes
• Air bladder or Schrader valve (air valve) failure
• Pressure switch failure
• Faulty wiring
• Motor issues
• Short cycling (when your pump turns on and off continuously, which can lead to pump failure)

While these problems aren’t common, they can happen. Therefore, we recommend keeping a close eye on your pressure tank and other well components.

How Hague Quality Water of Maryland Can Help

If you’ve observed any problems with your well water pressure, our experienced specialists can help. Some signs that you may need your pressure tank serviced include:

• A sudden drop in water pressure
• A surge in water pressure
• Water pressure fluctuations
• Repeated clicking sound from pressure switch
• Any leaking near your well pressure tank

Have you noticed any of these problems recently? If so, the experts at Hague Quality Water can assist you. Call us to speak with a representative and we will help you determine if a repair is necessary. We make it our mission to provide first-rate water solutions at a reasonable price. Our experts can visit your home to inspect your water system, perform a water test and identify any problems with your supply. Get in touch with us today to receive more information about testing, treatment solutions and more. We understand how important access to healthy water is for your family; our team would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. For additional assistance regarding well pressure tanks, call Hague Quality Water of Maryland at (410) 204-5247.

The Role of a Pressure Tank In Your Well System

The pressure tank is one of the main components of a well system, along with the pump, pressure switch and the well itself. It stores water from the well and supplies it to your home at an appropriate pressure.

How Does a Pressure Tank Work?
Your pressure tank contains two things: water (at the bottom) and compressed air (at the top). The compressed air exerts pressure on the water when you turn on a faucet, causing it to flow out of the tank and into your home’s plumbing at a uniform rate. This occurs in the following way.

Water from the well enters into the bottom of the tank through the action of the pump. As the water level rises, the air at the top of the tank is increasingly compressed. Once maximum pressure is reached (typically 50 to 60 psi), the pump shuts off. When you turn on the water in your home, the compressed air forces water out of the tank. Once the water level drops to a certain level and the air pressure in the tank hits a pre-set minimum (typically 30 to 40 psi), the pump turns back on and replenishes the tank.

What Are the Benefits?
In addition to regulating water pressure, a pressure tank gives you instant access to well water, without the need to manually turn on the pump. Moreover, it allows you to draw well water without the pump cycling on and off each time. This reduces stress on the pump and prolongs its lifespan.

What Are the Different Types of Pressure Tanks?
There are three types of pressure tanks:

• Air-over-water tanks. In these tanks, there’s no physical barrier between the water and air. The drawback to this type of pressure tank is that over time the air dissolves into the water, so it needs to be monitored and changed regularly.

• Diaphragm tanks. These tanks contain a rubber or vinyl diaphragm separating the water and air. As water enters the tank, the diaphragm stretches upward, compressing the air.

• Bladder tanks. In these tanks, the water is contained within a balloon-like bladder that expands when water is pumped into the tank, compressing the air.

Well Maintenance & Repair in Central Ontario
If you need your well system serviced, count on the team at Plumbing Medic Ltd. We inspect and repair pressure tanks, pumps and the other components of well systems. To have your well system evaluated by an experienced plumber in Orillia or the surrounding area, contact us today to request a quote.