Well Tanks 101: What Is a Well Tank & How Does a Well Pressure Tank Work?

If you rely on well water for your home, understanding the role of a well tank is crucial for maintaining a steady and efficient water supply. Your pump tank, or well tank, is typically the blue steel tank in your home. It is generally in your basement or a utility closet and has the well pipe from your well pump connected on one side and the cold water central to your house attached on the other. 

Well pressure tanks are vital in regulating water pressure and ensuring consistent water flow throughout your plumbing system. As experienced plumbers in Westminster, MD, since 1994, we believe homeowners must learn what a well tank is, how it works, and its essential role in residential water systems. Use this guide to learn more.

What is a Well Tank? 

A well tank is a type of storage tank used in well water systems to maintain consistent water pressure and reduce the workload on the well pump. It is a buffer between the pump and your home’s plumbing fixtures, ensuring water is delivered at a steady pressure whenever a tap is opened. 

Inside that well pressure tank are two bladders that sit on top of each other. The top bladder is completely sealed and filled with air. The air pressure in the well water pressure tank varies for each house, but the standard is that when the tank has no water in it, we pre-charge the air pressure to 38psi. The bottom bladder is a water reservoir connected to the plumbing system. 

Well tanks play a crucial role in ensuring consistent water pressure, reducing pump cycling, and extending the lifespan of well pumps while enhancing the overall efficiency of the water system. There are two primary types of well tanks: bladder tanks and diaphragm tanks. 

Bladder Tanks

The pressure tank for a well tank features a flexible rubber bladder or balloon inside that separates the water from the air. As water is pumped into the tank, it compresses the air in the bladder, creating pressure. This stored pressure is released when a faucet is turned on, providing a steady flow of water until the pressure drops below a certain point, triggering the pump to turn on again. 

Diaphragm Tanks

Like bladder tanks, diaphragm well pressure tanks use a flexible membrane (diaphragm) to separate water and air. The diaphragm expands and contracts as water enters and leaves the tank, maintaining pressure levels. Diaphragm tanks are known for their durability and ability to prevent waterlogging, a common issue in bladder tanks where water can absorb into the bladder over time, reducing efficiency.

How Does a Well Pressure Tank Work?

This is how your pump tank works:

When we first turn on the well pump, it fills the bottom bladder of the well tank with water. As the tank fills up, the top bladder filled with air is contracted, and as a result, the air pressure builds. On the outside of a tank, there is a pressure switch that measures the amount of pressure in the well tank. 

When the well pump fills the tank to the point where the top bladder contracts to 60 pounds of pressure, the pressure switch cuts off electricity to the pump, and water stops flowing.

Let’s now say someone in the home goes to take a shower. When we turn on the water to the house, the pump doesn’t immediately turn on; instead, the pump tank delivers the first wave of water (pun intended!). When we open the shower faucet, we are literally relieving the pressure from the well tank, and the air in the top of the well water tank pushes the water in the bottom bladder (and the plumbing pipes) out through the shower faucet. 

As this happens, the tank’s pressure decreases. When the pressure reaches 40psi, the pressure switch sends electricity down the pump, which turns on and continues pumping water into the plumbing system. 

How Much Pressure Should Be in a Well Pressure Tank?

When you finish your shower and shut off the water, the pump keeps pumping water into the pump tank until it reaches 60psi, and then it shuts off. The next time you turn on water, the process repeats itself, and we call that the pump cycle.

Maintaining the correct pressure ensures that your well pump operates efficiently, prolonging its lifespan and reducing energy consumption. If you’re unsure about the optimal pressure settings for your well pressure tank, it’s advisable to consult with professionals specializing in plumbing in the area. We offer plumbing and HVAC services in Westminster to ensure you receive help when needed. You can reach out to our dedicated team to schedule an appointment.

How Long Do Well Pressure Tanks Last?

Well pressure tanks typically last 10 to 15 years, depending on water quality, usage patterns, and maintenance. Over time, the tank’s interior bladder (in bladder tanks) or diaphragm can wear out or develop leaks, leading to a loss of pressure and efficiency in the water system. 

What Happens When a Well Pressure Tank Goes Bad?

When a well pressure tank goes bad, it can cause frequent pump cycling, reduced water pressure, and, in severe cases, waterlogged tanks that may need replacement. The good news is that regular inspection and maintenance by professionals specializing in plumbing services in Westminster can help extend the lifespan of your well pressure tank.

Apple Plumbing, Heating & Air offers specialized services to improve both your well pressure tank and HVAC system lifespans and save you maintenance costs in the long run.

The Role of a Well Tank in a Home 

A well pressure tank plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency and reliability of well water systems. Here’s an in-depth look at how they contribute to the functionality of residential water supply.

Consistent Water Pressure

Consistent water pressure is essential for everyday tasks such as showering, washing dishes, and laundry. Well tanks help maintain steady pressure throughout your home by storing pressurized water for use whenever a faucet is opened. 

This stored pressure eliminates fluctuations that can occur when the well pump cycles on and off rapidly in response to varying water demands. Without a well tank, you might experience inconsistent water flow and pressure drops, especially during peak usage times in your household. 

When considering HVAC installation services, integrating a well tank into your system ensures that your home’s water supply remains stable and reliable. HVAC professionals can advise on the optimal placement and maintenance of well tanks to enhance your overall water pressure management system.

Pump Protection

One of the primary functions of a well pressure tank is to protect the well pump from frequent cycling. Pump cycling refers to the pump turning on and off rapidly in response to small changes in water demand. This rapid cycling can increase wear and tear on the pump, shortening its lifespan and potentially requiring costly repairs or replacements. 

By absorbing the variations in water demand, well water pressure tanks reduce the frequency of pump cycles. This can extend the longevity of the heat pumps and improve energy efficiency, as the pump operates more efficiently when running continuously for more extended periods rather than starting and stopping frequently. 

Water Conservation

A common question in many households is: what does a pressure tank do? Well water tanks contribute to water conservation by minimizing water waste during short cycling of the pump. 

Short cycling happens when the sump pump starts and stops quickly, pumping water into the system that is not necessarily used before the pump shuts off again. This inefficient use of water wastes resources and can strain the well pump and associated components. 

Enhanced System Performance

A well pressure tank promotes a more stable and dependable water supply by smoothing out pressure fluctuations and reducing the strain on the pump. This reliability is particularly beneficial for homes that rely on well water, where water pressure or supply fluctuations can disrupt daily activities and chores. 

In case of issues, well pressure tank troubleshooting can quickly identify and resolve any problems, ensuring continuous optimal water system performance. With a well-designed and adequately installed well tank, homeowners can enjoy peace of mind knowing that their water system is equipped to handle varying demands effectively and efficiently. 

When upgrading to a new HVAC system, incorporating a well pressure tank complements the benefits of enhanced energy efficiency and improved indoor air quality. A new HVAC system benefits include better temperature control, reduced energy consumption, and quieter operation. Professional HVAC installation services from Apple Plumbing, Heating & Air can seamlessly integrate these components, optimizing heating and cooling efficiency and stable water pressure management.

Conclusion

Well pressure tanks are essential components of well water systems. They provide reliable water pressure and reduce pump wear. Understanding their function and ensuring proper maintenance can significantly extend their lifespan and enhance system efficiency.