Any Plumbers or Well Technicians on board?

[mdisher]

So we have a well... About 7 years ago we converted an above ground (in a pit) jet pump to a submersible. We moved the pressure tank in the house with the pressure switch.

Tonight I replaced said switch, and gauge. The thing has been short cycling a lot and was pretty burnt up.

I went to check the air pressure in the tank and low and behold, water came out of the air valve. I don't recall this being the case in the past. In fact said water ruined my favorite electronic pressure gauge.

Since I'm getting water out of the air valve I assume my tank and/or the bladder is toast. Would that be a fair assumption?

-MD

 

[TheAxeman]

Yes your assumption is correct. The bladder is shot.

 

[mdisher]

Thanks Axe... Now do I screw around trying to find parts for the tank I have if it's serviceable or just buy a new one? Seems what I have is about $200 from Tractor Supply.

 

[Capt. Bob]

I'd replace the tank.

If I remember correctly, replacing the bladder wasn't the end of the world but it wasn't that easy either.

Besides new tanks and bladder give the water that "new tank" taste we all crave.

Good luck.

 

[Zorlac]

If you feel like getting some more use out of it, if it's not leaking water, you can drain the tank, close the outlet, pump it up to ~12psi with an air pump and then run the well pump as usual.

Check on it every once in a while as the air mixes with the water and is used up.

You could do this indefinitely if you like, the bladder is just there to keep the air pocket from mixing with the water.

 

[FJJ'sR]

We're on a well also. I'd say your tank bladder has let go. I'd just replace the whole pressure tank. Cycling the pump on and off is going to burn out the pump. The pressure tank is really to keep the pump from having to start and stop every time you use water. It's a pump saver as well as a pressure regulator.

FWIW

FJJ'sR

 

[Geezer]

So, did your tank freeze or something? I would expect one to last more than 7 years.

 

[08FJR4ME]

I would replace the tank and probably look at getting a bigger one. This would help the pump from cycling so much. Good Luck.

 

[mdisher]

So, did your tank freeze or something? I would expect one to last more than 7 years.

I think they reused the same tank when the brought it in the house. It's definitely older than 7 years. Or water is also very, very hard so that might have something to do with it.

My plan is to replace it in the coming weeks and I'm looking at alternatives. Looks like the tank will run me $200 ish for the same size. Plus what ever tools I need (new pipe wrenches, etc).

-MD

 

[dcarver]

I've replaced one bladder and after having all my neighbors laugh at the monkey (me) phooking the football (the bladder) I'll NEVER do that job again. Nasty, slimy, smelly crap all over the bladder, which has to be removed (easy) from a small hole and then the new one installed via the small hole (difficult).

You're on the right tracks - either remove the bladder and simply use air to blanket the water or buy a new tank. FWIW, I used straight air over water for years and years, no problem.

 

[mattster31]

So, did your tank freeze or something? I would expect one to last more than 7 years.

I think they reused the same tank when the brought it in the house. It's definitely older than 7 years. Or water is also very, very hard so that might have something to do with it.

My plan is to replace it in the coming weeks and I'm looking at alternatives. Looks like the tank will run me $200 ish for the same size. Plus what ever tools I need (new pipe wrenches, etc).

-MD

I would by a new tank, if it were me. I trust you have a softener in your system, and if so, is there salt in it? Hard water deposits play havoc with bladders, pressure switches, valves, etc.........good luck.

 

[radman]

 

[mdisher]

So, did your tank freeze or something? I would expect one to last more than 7 years.

I think they reused the same tank when the brought it in the house. It's definitely older than 7 years. Or water is also very, very hard so that might have something to do with it.

My plan is to replace it in the coming weeks and I'm looking at alternatives. Looks like the tank will run me $200 ish for the same size. Plus what ever tools I need (new pipe wrenches, etc).

-MD

I would by a new tank, if it were me. I trust you have a softener in your system, and if so, is there salt in it? Hard water deposits play havoc with bladders, pressure switches, valves, etc.........good luck.

Yes we do, but it's definitely installed 'after' the tank and pressure switch and that aint likely to change.

:/

YouTube Video of this in action please...

 

[radman]

YouTube Video of this in action please...

Close enough.

"OK HON-START YOUR SHOWER!!!!!!!"

 

[YooperDick]

Get a new tank or have a plumber install it for you. Never try to solve the leaking pen problem with a rubber glove. Do it right and sleep tight.

 

[TheAxeman]

Thanks Axe... Now do I screw around trying to find parts for the tank I have if it's serviceable or just buy a new one? Seems what I have is about $200 from Tractor Supply.

Sorry, a little slow on the response but it sounds as if everyone else has you covered. You wouldn't put retreads on your scooter so don't even think about just replacing the bladder. Make sure you use brass, plastic, or copper fittings on the tank tee. Do not mix galvanized fittings or pipe with brass or copper unless you want to be redoing it again a couple of years down the road. Good luck with it.

 

[mattster31]

Do not mix galvanized fittings or pipe with brass or copper

and............hard water loves galvanized!! I have removed galvanized piping from a few older homes, and it's amazing how much smaller the inside dia. is.

 

[HotRodZilla]

My dad has a well with a pressure tank and has had the same tank for about 38 years now. Their water is good, but really hard. It was destroying water heaters about every 3 years with the mineral build-up. He does the air in the tank thing with a compressor about every 3 months and has very little problems. He also just got his hands on some kind of commercial filter that he spliced in line before the tank. It is supposed to greatly reduce the minerals in his water, and stop the water heater issues he has been having.

All that being said, I would just replace the tank too. I would also try to add a filter between the pump and the tank, while I had everything apart.