I have a Well Mate Model WM25-WB Pressure tank that has worked flawlessly since new in 1995 and still seems to today. Installer noted 36 PSI on the tank when installed, Pressure Switch is 40-60. It has never been drained down, and wondering if that should be done on occasion. The only problem I am having currently is a small amount of water is collecting at the top of the tank which I keep soaked up with a few towels. The water is not coming out of the valve, but from around where the valve is fitted into the tank. This would seem to me the bladder is leaking water into the air chamber, but how would the water get to the top of the tank?
Water leak at air valve
- Thread starter jhelmick
- Start date
Speedbump
Active Member
That would tell me that the tank is completely full of water and should have been replaced long ago.
bob...
bob...
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Leak at air valve
The way I understand it is the bladder is like a balloon that occupies the lower portion of the tank and the air occupies the upper portion of the tank. On initial pressurization of the tank the bladder is compressed, when water fills the bladder it is working against the air pressure chamber, therefor creating pressure in the bladder to push out the water if you will. What you are saying is both the bladder and the air chamber is filled with water causing my leak....is that correct? Would the system still work ok under those circumstances? Can the bladder be replaced in this brand or is a new pressure tank the fix? Approximate cost of replacement tank, and would you recommend a different brand of tank? I have no problem doing the work; it is fairly straight forward. Thank you
The way I understand it is the bladder is like a balloon that occupies the lower portion of the tank and the air occupies the upper portion of the tank. On initial pressurization of the tank the bladder is compressed, when water fills the bladder it is working against the air pressure chamber, therefor creating pressure in the bladder to push out the water if you will. What you are saying is both the bladder and the air chamber is filled with water causing my leak....is that correct? Would the system still work ok under those circumstances? Can the bladder be replaced in this brand or is a new pressure tank the fix? Approximate cost of replacement tank, and would you recommend a different brand of tank? I have no problem doing the work; it is fairly straight forward. Thank you
Cacher_Chick
Test, Don't Guess!
almost right
The air goes in the bladder. When the bladder leaks it allows water to fill the tank. http://www.wellmate.com/products_ca.htm
Well-Mate is a well-known brand and 10 years seems to be the norm for a bladder tank. You wouldn't be wrong to replace it with the same. Amtrol is another brand to look for.
The air goes in the bladder. When the bladder leaks it allows water to fill the tank. http://www.wellmate.com/products_ca.htm
Well-Mate is a well-known brand and 10 years seems to be the norm for a bladder tank. You wouldn't be wrong to replace it with the same. Amtrol is another brand to look for.
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R
Rancher
Guest
Bladder tanks are made two different ways, the Well Mate tank that jhelmick has works like cacher_chick has said, however most I believe have the water in the bladder, and the air above it in the steel tank, this may be the difference between steel and fiberglass tanks.
Rancher
Rancher
My Well Mate being a fibreglass tank seems to be a well constructed tank and someone told me one time the bladder can be replaced which the steel tanks suck as WellXTrol cannot, I have no idea and dont know if its worth the time to replace a bladder, But if I have water seeping out of around the air valve I better get something done.........thats for sure
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Cacher_Chick
Test, Don't Guess!
Well-Mate does the air in the bladder/water in the tank. Amtrol does not use a bladder at all, it uses a diaphram. I think either of these would be preferred over a brand that has a water-filled bladder.
I have heard of replacement bladders but never have known anyone to install one.
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Speedbump
Active Member
My best advice to you is: Don't.
bob...
bob...
Speedbump
Active Member
Yes, I would replace the entire tank.
bob...
bob...
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Bob, Looks like my Well Mate WM25 is equivalent to a Flexcon PC244 if I am reading right, Is that available from you to 68514? Did I also read somewhere about some type of valve that (maybe) lets you get by with a smaller tank???
Or can I go with a smaller tank maybe, is there a disadvantage? 3 br, 2.5 bath
Thanks
Or can I go with a smaller tank maybe, is there a disadvantage? 3 br, 2.5 bath
Thanks
Speedbump
Active Member
The biggest tank I can ship and keep the freight down is the PC-144. If you have a submersible pump that keeps up well with your water use, a Cycle Stop Valve is the way to go. You can use the PC-66 with the Valve and save a few bucks.
bob...
bob...
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