How Pressure Tanks Work

Your pressure tank is a critical part of your well system. It stores pressurized water so your pump doesn't have to run every time you turn on a faucet. Here's the basics:

Bladder/Diaphragm design — Inside the tank, a rubber bladder or diaphragm separates the air charge from the water. The air cushion compresses as water fills the tank, creating pressure.
Pressure switch cycle — Most residential systems use a 30/50 PSI cycle: the pump turns ON at 30 PSI (cut-in) and OFF at 50 PSI (cut-out). Some systems run 40/60 PSI.
Air pre-charge — The tank's air side should be set 2 PSI below the cut-in pressure (typically 28 PSI for a 30/50 system). This is critical for proper operation.

Signs Your Pressure Tank Is Failing

Rapid cycling (short cycling) — The pump kicks on and off every few seconds when water is running. This is the #1 symptom of a waterlogged tank and it destroys pumps fast.
Waterlogged tank — When the bladder ruptures, the tank fills completely with water. You can often tell by tapping the tank — it sounds solid instead of hollow at the top.
Pressure fluctuations — Water pressure swings dramatically between high and low while using fixtures.
Visible corrosion — Rust, bulging, or weeping at seams means the tank is at end of life and should be replaced before it fails catastrophically.
Tank feels heavy — A properly working tank should feel mostly hollow when the system is off. Heavy = waterlogged.
Water spitting from air valve — If water comes out when you check the air charge, the bladder has ruptured.

Our Pressure Tank Services

🔍

Diagnosis & Testing

We check air pre-charge, test the bladder integrity, inspect the pressure switch, and evaluate the tank's overall condition. Takes about 30 minutes.

💨

Air Charge Restoration

If your tank just needs its air pressure restored, it's a quick and affordable fix. We set it to the correct PSI for your system's pressure switch settings.

⚙️

Pressure Switch Adjustment

Sometimes the issue isn't the tank — it's the pressure switch. We can adjust cut-in/cut-out settings or replace faulty switches to restore proper cycling.

🔄

Full Tank Replacement

When the bladder has ruptured or the tank is corroded, replacement is the answer. We stock and install tanks from 20 to 119 gallons to match your household needs.

Tank Sizing Guide

Bigger tanks mean fewer pump cycles and longer pump life. Here's a general guide:

20–32 Gallon

Small Homes

1-2 bathrooms, low water usage. Compact and affordable.

44–52 Gallon

Most Homes

2-3 bathrooms, moderate usage. The most common size we install.

86–119 Gallon

Large Homes

4+ bathrooms, irrigation, or high demand. Maximum pump protection.

Why Rapid Cycling Is Dangerous

A waterlogged pressure tank causes your pump to cycle on and off rapidly — sometimes every few seconds. This is more than annoying; it's destructive:

Burns out pump motors — Pumps are designed for long run cycles, not constant starts and stops
Damages pressure switches — Rapid cycling arcs and pits switch contacts
Increases electrical costs — Startup draws 3-5x more power than running
Stresses plumbing — Pressure surges (water hammer) can damage pipes and fittings

If you notice rapid cycling, call us right away. A a tank replacement now can prevent a far more expensive pump motor replacement later.

Same-Day Pressure Tank Service

Pressure tank problems are urgent — every minute your pump short-cycles is wear and tear that shortens its life. That's why we offer same-day pressure tank service for most calls received before noon. We stock the most common tank sizes (20, 32, 44, and 86 gallon) on our service truck, so in many cases we can diagnose and replace your tank in a single visit.

What to Expect During Service

When we arrive, we'll check the air pre-charge with a tire gauge on the Schrader valve at the top of the tank. If water comes out of the valve, your bladder has ruptured and the tank needs replacement. If the tank holds air but the pressure is wrong, we can often restore it to the correct setting (2 PSI below your cut-in pressure) and get your system cycling normally again.

We also check the pressure switch for pitted contacts, verify cut-in and cut-out pressures, and test the pump's cycling behavior to make sure the new or repaired tank is working in harmony with the rest of your system.

Choosing the Right Tank Size

Bigger is almost always better when it comes to pressure tanks. A larger tank means your pump runs less frequently and for longer cycles, which is exactly how pumps are designed to operate. We'll recommend a size based on your pump's flow rate and your household's peak demand, but as a rule of thumb: if you have the space, go bigger. The cost difference between a 44-gallon and an 86-gallon tank is modest compared to the pump protection the larger tank provides.

Call (509) 214-9355 for Pressure Tank Service

Whether you need a quick air charge adjustment or a full tank replacement, we're here to help. Same-day service available 7 days a week in the greater Spokane area.

Pressure Tank Service & Repair