There are a few key components in your water well system, and the pressure tank is one of them. This part holds your home’s water supply until it is needed so that you have access to water for bathing, cooking, and drinking. Below is a brief introduction to pressure tanks and how they impact your home. 

What Do Pressure Tanks Do?

In general, water well systems usually do not have positive pressure, meaning equipment is necessary to pull water out. The anatomy of your system is a pump that draws the water that is then sent to the pressure tank for storage, and a pressure switch that controls the pump’s activation.

The tank itself may contain an air-filled bladder, a wafer between the water and the air inside, or a design that utilizes neither of those. Once water is sent to the tank, compressed air presses down on the water. When someone turns on a faucet, the pressure is what sends the water out of the tank and into your pipes so it can flow into your fixtures. When more water is needed in the tank, the pump turns on to refill it.

What Are Possible Issues?

Because the pump and the tank work closely together, the tank’s pressure gauge helps control how often the pump turns on and off. Without the tank’s regulating water pressure, the pump would cycle, which then burns out the motor much more quickly. If there is an issue with the switch or the electrical system controlling the pump, the communication between the pump and the tank will be affected. You may then notice your supply is low since the tank isn’t filling.

If your tank contains a bladder, this area can sometimes get waterlogged, meaning it has too much water to function correctly. Excess water can also cause pump cycling or corrosion inside the tank. Sometimes there is stagnant water sitting in the tank when this happens, which can taste and smell foul if it makes its way into your plumbing. Waterlogged bladders are usually a result of sediment buildup or an excess of minerals that causes damage.

For help with the components of your water well system, turn to Kuser Well Drilling. Located in Roaring Branch, PA, the company has offered well repair and installation to homes in the area since 1968. Their water well services also include well inspections, drilling, submersible pumps, and sump pumps, and their technicians ensure your property has what it needs for quality water supply. For an estimate, call (570) 673-8189. Visit their website to learn about the comprehensive drilling services.