Well pump pressure tank bad?

[Bob Roberts]

I have a deep well pump that is short cycling every few seconds. The top third of the tank sounds hollow when tapped. The schrader valve is so corroded that is doesn't work, so I can't test the pressure. I am assuming the tank bladder is bad, but wondered if there are any other tests, I can perform before replacing?

 

[Reach4]

I presume the short cycling stops when you don't use water.

Check access to the place where the new tank will sit. If the tank is indoors, it need to go thru doorways. Check the space to see if it would fit a bigger tank.

Any more than that will just confirm that you need a new tank, and I think we already know that. But here is confirmation: Turn off the pump. Drain the water from the drain valve. At that point the tank should be empty of water. Determine somhow if the tank is heavy with trapped water, or if it is lighter like a new tank.

If you are really stubborn, or want to check out every angle, replace the valve core. It is normally the same as is used on tires.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Valveman]

If the Schrader on the bladder tank is bad, then the tank is bad. You cannot add another Schrader anywhere else that would put air in the correct chamber. A bad tank bladder is just a sign your pump is cycling on and off too much, which will also destroy the pump and other things in the system besides just the tank bladder.

 

[Taylorjm]

Like reach4 said, replace the tank. If you can fit a bigger one, then do that.

 

[Valveman]

A larger pressure tank will only slow down the cycling somewhat, it will not solve the cycling problem like a Cycle Stop Valve does.

 

[JohnCT]

I have a deep well pump that is short cycling every few seconds. The top third of the tank sounds hollow when tapped. The schrader valve is so corroded that is doesn't work, so I can't test the pressure. I am assuming the tank bladder is bad, but wondered if there are any other tests, I can perform before replacing?

The advice you've gotten is correct - change the tank. Short cycling will kill that pump sooner than later.

If your water is also corrosive, get a new manifold, pressure switch, gauge, and standoff.

John

 

[Valveman]

The advice you've gotten is correct - change the tank. Short cycling will kill that pump sooner than later.

If your water is also corrosive, get a new manifold, pressure switch, gauge, and standoff.

John

With a bad tank, short cycling will certainly take out the pump. But so called "regular cycling" even when the tank was good is what caused the tank bladder to fail in the first place. 30 years ago I would have suggested as large a tank or tanks as you could fit in the room. But now I know even that many tanks won't stop the cycling and make things work as well and last as long as when using a Cycle Stop Valve instead of a big tank.