pressure tank question

[kodiak]

My pressure tank sounds empty on top but when i bleed the air a little from the valve it blew water out.My question is could this be condisation or is the tank bad,the tank sounds hollow at the top.My pump has been cycling every miniute the pressure goes up to 50 and bleeds down to like 30 in a min .its a welltrol tank put in 98-99

[Mike Swearingen]

If you have water blowing out of the air valve, the tank bladder is shot and you need to replace the pressure tank.
The tank air pressure (with the water pressure drained completely off) should be two psi below the pump cut-on pressure. It will build up to the cut-off pressure (see your gauge when the pump cuts off). Most come from the factory that way, but double-check the air pressure with a tire gauge. You can bleed it down if necessary, or air it up with a bicycle pump or portable air tank or compressor.
Mike

[kodiak]

Thanks mike thats what i sort of thought that it was shot.Before i replace the tank should i see where the pump kicks on(the pressure gage)and note this and charge my new tank 2 pounds less?

[Mike Swearingen]

Your pump should have a 20 psi difference in the cut-on/cut-off (i.e. 20-40, 30-50 psi). Pressure tanks are pre-charged at the factory and usually don't need to be re-set, but double-check it anyway. A working gauge on it is a good indicator.
Good Luck!
Mike

[speedbump]

If you can tell if there is water in a tank by banging on it, you have better ears than I do.

bob...