How can I tell if my pressure tank is waterlogged?

How can I tell if my pressure tank is waterlogged?

The metal pressure tank in your basement is one of the key components that controls your well pump. The tank works by using air pressure and a pressure switch to control your well pump to tell the pump when to turn on, how long to run, when to turn off, and is directly responsible for how much pressure you have at your faucets and shower heads.

If the diaphragm or bladder which separates the water from the air tears or gets punctured, the water enters and eventually fills the upper air chamber with water. This is a “waterlogged” tank. The pressure inside the tank is no longer regulated, and the switch will turn on and off rapidly.

WARNING: A waterlogged pressure tank will burn out your pump. The issue must be corrected immediately, or it will cost you a significant amount of cash! A pumps warranty will not cover failure if it is related to a waterlogged pressure tank!

Common signs that your pressure tank is waterlogged are:

1. You hear the pressure switch clicking on and off in rapid succession.

The pressure switch tells your pump when to turn on/off by completing an electrical circuit. These contacts know when to open/close by sensing a “cut in” pressure and a “cut off” pressure, which is regulated by the amount of air and water inside the pressure tank. If the diaphragm or bladder which separates the water from the air tears or gets punctured, the tank becomes waterlogged, the pressure inside the tank is no longer regulated, and the switch will turn on and off rapidly. When these contacts open and close, you can hear them clicking. When you hear rapid and repeated clicks, this is a clear indicator that the pressure tank is waterlogged.

2. Your pump is short cycling

The rapid starting and stopping submersible pump (cut-in and cut-out of the pressure switch) is referred to as “Short Cycling.” Short cycling is extremely harmful to the submersible pump motor, the pump will overheat from the constant use, and can burn out. This is not an indication that the pressure switch is defective, but that the tank is waterlogged.

3. The top of your tank feels cold or is wet with condensation

If the top of the tank feels cold, it is an indicator that it is full of water (waterlogged). The top of your tank normally will feel warmer if it has the proper volume of air. You will notice the bottom of the tank is much cooler to the touch due to the cold well water.

A certain amount of moisture condensation on pressure tanks is normal in areas with warm humid weather. With a cold or chilly incoming water supply this condensation is normally only on the bottom section of the tank. If the upper section is wet with condensation, it is a clear indication that the tank is waterlogged.

4. No “Hollow” sound if you knock on the tank

Pressure tanks are typically 70 -75% filled with air, therefore if you knock on the upper section of the tank, it should sound hollow. If you do not hear a hollow sound, it indicates that the tank is waterlogged. If the water inside your pressure tank is no longer being contained by the rubber bladder, your tank will fill with water.

5. The needle on your pressure gauge is jumping around

The pressure gauge is typically installed on the tank tee attached to your pressure tank and it indicates the internal tank pressure. The needle will point somewhere between your cut in (pump start) and cut out (pump stop) pressure. This is most commonly between 30 PSI and 50 PSI or 40 PSI and 60 PSI. Under normal operating conditions the needle will move slowly and smoothly between these pressure switch settings. When a tank becomes waterlogged, you will see this needle flutter around on the gauge.

6. Your water pressure pulsates

Since the water pressure is not being properly regulated, you may notice the water pressure fluctuate when taking a shower. You may feel the water pressure is normal momentarily, then drops off, and comes surging back, this is repeated over and over creating a pulsating effect.