The well pressure tank is an important component of water well system. It controls the well pump and maintains the water pressure allowing smooth water influx into the house everywhere you need it. But it can also malfunction. A common problem among pressure tanks is waterlogging so you should know what is it and what are the signs to look out for to consult a well pump service on time. Let’s begin!
What Is A Waterlogged Pressure Tank?
If you have a private well, you will also have a medium or large metal tank in your basement, shed, or yard. This component works with the pressure switch to control the well pump and the water pressure in your house. Both of these functions are interconnected and they are performed with the help of the air pressure built inside the pressure tank apart from the pressure switch.
A well pressure tank has air and water inside it, separated by a rubber bladder. When the water is used up inside the house, the water level lowers in the pressure tank and air pressure increases till the set pressure. At that moment, the well pump is kicked on and water is filled up until it reaches a certain pressure and the well pump is signaled to turn off. This cycle repeats depending on water usage.
The water-air ratio is usually 30-70 or 40-60 in a pressure tank. This means, at any point, there is actually more air in a pressure tank than water and it must stay that way for the pressure tank to work smoothly.
However, with age, wear and tear, or ignoring maintenance, the bladder may leak or rupture. When this happens, the air and water mix up and the pressure created by the air is lost. This is called a waterlogged pressure tank.
Due of this problem, the water pressure in your house will fluctuate and the well pump will be repeatedly kicked on and off which is a huge problem as it can damage the pump. Commonly, the best solution for a waterlogged pressure tank is a tank replacement.
Signs Of A Waterlogged Well Pressure Tank
Repeated Clicking Sounds
A clear sign of a waterlogged pressure tank is the repeated clicking sound coming the pressure switch, which is close to the pressure tank, when you open any tap in the house.
Why does this happen? In any condition, the air in the pressure tank allows the pressure switch to work correctly. However, when the pressure tank doesn’t have the right air pressure (because of waterlogging), the pressure switch will keep switching between the two states: one that signals the well pump to turn on and the other that signals the pump to turn off. This switching causes the clicking sound. Moreover, if you have a jet pump, you will see it turn on and off too if you’re near it.
So, if you suspect that your pressure tank is waterlogged, open a tap and go near the pressure tank and keep your ears peeled for repeated clicking sounds.
Short Cycling Well Pump
Well pumps aren’t necessarily on every single time. As mentioned above, a well pump turns on for a bit and when the set pressure value is achieved, then the pump automatically turns off. This is indicated by a working well pressure tank and pressure switch. But when the tank is waterlogged, the water well pump Berkeley County gets repeated signals to turn on and off. So, it keeps turning on and off and it can lead to the well pump burning out.
Water Is Murky
When the well pressure tank is waterlogged, it can cause the water in your faucets to flow slowly. Now, most water wells need a water filtration system. These systems depend on a certain water pressure to do their job. But when the pressure tank is waterlogged and the air pressure is nowhere, the water filtration system may not work as effectively, leaving the water murky and unsafe to drink.
Therefore, if your well water is suddenly murky, the pressure tank may be waterlogged. However, other things can also cause it such as water well and well pump problems, so an inspection is required.
The Tank Is Full
This is one of the major signs that your pressure tank is waterlogged. The tank contains an air bladder or diaphragm that controls the water-to-air ratio, which is about 30 to 70. When you knock on the upper part of the tank, you’ll hear a hollow sound. Also, you will hear a thud sound when you will knock on the lower part.
However, in a waterlogged pressure tank, this bladder is torn so the entire tank is filled with water. If you knock on any part of the tank, you will hear the thud sound. This clearly means that the air that was supposed to be in the upper part of the tank is gone due to a ruptured bladder.
The Topmost Part Of The Tank Is Wet
As mentioned earlier, a normal pressure tank has about 70% air starting from the top. So, the top part of the tank usually is not wet and there is no condensation there. However, if there is condensation on it and the tank is not under an open sky, then the tank is probably waterlogged.
Fluctuating Pressure Gauge Reading
The pressure gauge, which is right by your well pressure tank can also tell you about the tank and whether it is getting waterlogged or not. Usually, the pressure gauge needle travels between the cut-off and cut-in value and is stable or moves steadily. But when the tank is waterlogged, there can come a time when the needle moves very fast and jumps from cut-off to cut-in value.
This is not normal and there is something seriously wrong with the well pressure tank. Luckily, the gauge will give it away and you will be able to get to the bottom of the problem.
Water Pressure Is Not Consistent
This is a sign that you can experience when you’re using water in any part of the house, especially in the bathroom.
When you turn on the shower or faucet, the pressure will be intense, even more than your regular water pressure, but after a few seconds, it can decrease dramatically. It can even decrease to a point when only trickles of water fall. This can be due to a waterlogged pressure tank.
However, remember that a fluctuating water pressure can be due other issues as well like clogged pipes, leaks, well pump issues, pressure switch problems, low well water level, and others. So, combine this sign with other signs mentioned in this guide to be sure that the pressure tank is waterlogged.
Air Spitting From Faucets
Even though a waterlogged pressure tank doesn’t have much air to begin with, whatever there is, it will escape through the faucets with water. This will cause the water to spit out of the faucet when you turn it on.
There will be gurgling noises and the water will come out in spurts, which is not only alarming but can startle you as well. With air, the water will also come out more murky, and suspended sediments can also be visible, so that is not ideal at all.
Conclusion
A waterlogged pressure tank can easy to detect if you look for the above-mentioned signs. However, the issue itself huge because if the tank is waterlogged, you will need to have the pressure tank replaced. Moreover, you need to do it quickly, because if delayed, it can destroy the well pump and then you will be needing well pump replacement Washington County as well.
