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Problems With Water Storage Tanks

When you turn on a water faucet in your home, the water flows to the interior from a well system. That system often contains some form of storage tank, which holds the water and uses air pressure to move it through your home's piping. As with any mechanical design or assembly, a storage tank can be susceptible to breakdown or repair issues.

  1. Identification

    • You may encounter various terms, such as water storage tank, well tank or pressure tank. These terms generally refer to the same thing. Although each requires a pressure pump somewhere in the system, the pump is not always in the tank itself. Because the pump is important for water delivery, it can be the source of most problems affecting the tank.

    Bladder Models

    • In bladder models, the tank's bladder compartment holds the water and isolates it from the air charge reserved at the top of the tank. One issue related to this type of tank is a failure of the bladder component itself. More commonly though are problems with pump control or with leaks that occur in the piping. Either of these latter issues will cause the bladder to operate incorrectly because of inadequate pressure to force the water into the residential piping. Perhaps the simplest fix is when the bladder itself fails. It might be the easiest part to replace.

    Bladderless Steel Types

    • Unlike the bladder model, steel water tanks do not structurally separate the water from the air in the tank. Because of this, these tanks are more susceptible to drops in the internal air pressure. There are a number of diagnostic or repair approaches you can take. First, check the air volume or pressure controls for proper operation. You can also try draining or emptying the tank to restore the air pressure. Finally, find the inlet or "Schrader" valve located on the tank. This should allow you to pump new air into the tank.

    Cost Considerations

    • Not having running water in your home can prove very inconvenient. If a repairperson comes, first get a price quote as to needed parts and labor costs. If you need to replace your storage tank, it may cost at least $600 dollars or so. However, this can increase if you need a replacement pump as well, leading to charges around $2,000. According to the experts at Investopedia, a competent plumber or mechanic should be able to evaluate a tank system with electrical tools and observation. Don't fall victim to an exorbitant diagnostic bill claiming labor that is far more extensive.

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