FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

pressure tank bad???

Stray | Posted in General Discussion on May 24, 2002 11:25am

OK,a plumber I’m not. I have a 4 unit house on a well. Recently I’ve gotten calls from a couple of the tenants that the water pressure is droped off badly.

The pump kicks on at about 50psi, and pumps up to about 85psi before it turns off. This is how it’s run for years. Trouble is even when it’s at 85psi the pressure drops very quickley till the shower is just kind of trickling out.

My first thought is that the bladder in my pressure tank mightbe shot. Does this sound right?

The tank is a modern, fiberglass bladder type. Somebody advised me that I might be able to adjust the bladder pressure by adding air. It seems like this might be more of a bladder failure than a question of fine tuning.

Am I on the right track? should I just go out and buy a new tank and throw it in?

Thanks.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. User avater
    BossHog | May 25, 2002 12:53am | #1

    My understanding of pressure tanks on wells is that there should be as much pressure in the tank as the low side of the pressure cut off. (Or 50 PSI in your case. I think you check the pressure when there's no pressure in the water lines ??? (Not certain about that one)

    Does the pump cycle often? Like every few seconds when someone is using water? That would probably be a waterlogged tank. If the pressure bleeds off when there's no one using water, you've got a bad foot valve or a serious leak.

  2. RBpel | May 25, 2002 03:07am | #2

    Stray, I'm not a plumber either but Boss is correct if what I had been told is right. I was told to shut off the pump, close the valve between the pressure tank and the rest of the system, and depressurize/drain the tank. Then, when everything has settled down, use a standard tire pressure gauge on the schrader valve and check the pressure in the tank. It should be right at (or a pound or 2 higher than (from what I was told)) the cut-in pressure for the pump. You can use a small compressor to adjust the pressure if needed.

    My symptoms at the time were: Rapid decrease in pressure as seen on the gauge (somewhat noticable at the shower) and the pump would kick in/out quickly and often.

    After correcting the air pressure, the pressure drops much slower and more steadily and the pump kicks in/out 1/10th as much.

    Does your shower head pressure drop in tandem with the gauge?

    Is the gauge good? Put a new one on while it's drained.

    Maybe someone with more experience will chime in...I'm curious if what I was told was right.

    Ron

    1. junkhound | May 25, 2002 04:36am | #3

      Even though I have a bladder tank, I still add air regualrly (once a year), they all seem to have some slight leak. I have an old compressor gotten at a garage sale for $5 that I leave in the pump house for just such use.

       Also, most pressure switch contacts are only cheap junk and last 10 or so years at most before they are slagged and arc damaged, so contact can be intermittent and it takes more pressure to close again - the low water pressure signature. If it is the problem, add a motor contactor to the setup  when you replace the pressure switch- pressure switch controls the much better contact quality motor contactor, will last for decades that way

      Edited 5/24/2002 9:37:57 PM ET by JUNKHOUND

      Edited 5/24/2002 9:38:55 PM ET by JUNKHOUND

  3. dmac15075 | May 25, 2002 05:19am | #4

    I'm not positive about this, but I think you need to set the air pressure in the tank 2-3psi BELOW the cut in pressure on your switch. If you the switch kicks in at 50psi and you have the air pressure at 53psi it will never get down to the low pressure level and start the pump.

    I've had the same problems, usually it's just the pressure, but I did have a bad tank at my last house.

    1. Stray | May 25, 2002 05:48am | #5

      Thanks for the ideas everyone.  I think I'll valve it off and check the pressure in the tank first thing in the morning.

      I don't seem to have a short cycling problem.  The interval between water being used/drained down and the pump kicking on seems like it's normal interval (several minutes of steady flow usually).

      The pressure gauge seems good, since it readily measures 50psi when pump kicks on and 85psi when pump kicks off.  I'm failing to comprehend why there would be pressure on the gauge, but not much flow coming out the shower heads.

      I don't have a compressor, am I a damn fool to think I can add suficient pressure with a bicycle pump; or should I break down and buy one (Maybe could rent it I guess).

      Funny thing: tenants don't like to pay rent when their showers don't work.  Got to get this thing licked soon.  Keep the ideas coming.

      1. junkhound | May 25, 2002 06:27am | #6

        By all means buy at least a small compressor, you will wonder what you ever did without one.  Of course, that means you'll need to buy:  3 or 4 different air impact wrenches, a few nailers of various sizes, impact chisels, random orbit sanders, air driven vacuum, car hoist,  inflation tools, lots of hose, filters, then a bigger compressor, then another,  etc, etc.  <G> 

        PS: I think I've only got 8 compressors (counting the ones mounted on my trucks), but am looking for a deal on another.  

        PPS: about the gauge. You may have a gauge like I once had, after a few years it NEVER dropped below 20 even disconnected ( I run 20 to 30 psi with 1-1/2 pipe to the house and all 3/4 distribution 'cause I'm cheap).  Took it apart once and the little arc brass gear was all corroded up or caked with calcium or something to where it would normally go below 20 psi, so it stuck there, your pressure may be going well below what the gauge says if it has a similar problem.  

        Edited 5/24/2002 11:37:21 PM ET by JUNKHOUND

        1. toast953 | May 25, 2002 08:40am | #7

          Stray, Once upon a time..... same problem, exact same symptons, cause ????  well I'll tell ya, the pump man , he say's " Let's just take a look at this pressure pump" He takes off the Volute ( possible misspell), it's the cone shaped thing on one end of the pump, and by golly by gosh, out falls a little flat, finger nail sized rock. When that piece of debri would get turned sideways, well, not much water would come out, even though the pressure gauge showed proper. I carried that piece of rock around in my pocket for two or three months as a reminder of Life . Best of Luck Jim Jensen

          1. Stray | May 26, 2002 05:25am | #8

            Well...  I think I figured it out  (maybe)

            I did go ahead and replaced the gauge.  Turns out it was reading like 25psi higher than actual.  New gauge showed that pump wasn't coming on until it got down to 18psi.

            Pressure tank bladder seems OK, but was only at 18psi.  I rented an air tank , filled it up at a gas station, and pressureized the bladder to 36psi.  I then set the pump to cut on at 38 psi and off at 58psi.  Re. the debate above, the pressure tank should be pressurized 2psi lower than the cut-in level of the pump (per the "Well-Mate" tank instruction booklet).

            Pressure improved some, but not enought to have been the cause of the problem.  I then bypassed a carbon filter tank I have on the system.  WHAM...system pressure went right up.  I think the carbon tank is clogged solid (I have lots of clay sediment in my aquafer).  It's supposed to backflush every night to wash itself out, but I suspect that's not really happening.  I manually backflushed it a couple times today and hope that that'll be the end of it (will have to get the timer part fixed of course).

            Junkhound:  I almost walked out of the store with a compressor today (Dewalt, but it had the Emglo name of the tank too) $357.  In the end it only cost me $0.75 to rent the air tank for 5hrs.  Some day soon though....

            Thanks all.

          2. pm22 | May 26, 2002 05:30am | #9

            44 may be one to something. If you have a filter somewhere in your system, it may be clogged. The problem with the trickling shower may be volume - not pressure.

            We had a problem like that. Upstairs the shower would go dead when somebody washed dishes [not often] downstairs. Called a plumber in and he found a filter thing in the basement. Removed the element and no more problems.

            Maybe this may help.

            -Peter

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Two Ways to Test Windows

New devices showcased at the Builders' Show make it easy to measure glass performance, u-factor, SHGC, window thickness, and more.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Related Stories

  • Midcentury Home for a Modern Family
  • The New Old Colonial
  • Modern and Minimal in the Woods
  • Bryce Hollingsworth, Dry-Stone Waller

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 333 - August/September 2025
    • A Practical Perfect Wall
    • Landscape Lighting Essentials
    • Repairing a Modern Window Sash
  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data