Is It the Pressure Tank or the Pump? How to Tell

Both cause pressure problems, but the fixes and costs are very different.

  • Well pump repair & replacement
  • New wells, irrigation wells & water treatment
  • Free, no-obligation quotes

Symptoms that point to the pressure tank

  • Pump clicks on and off every few seconds while water runs (short-cycling)
  • Pressure surges and drops in the shower
  • Water comes out of the air valve on top of the tank
  • The tank sounds or feels full of water all the way to the top

Symptoms that point to the pump

  • No water at all, with the breaker and switch working
  • Pump runs constantly but pressure won't build
  • Sputtering, air, or sand in the water
  • Steadily weakening pressure over months

Why the tank matters so much

A waterlogged tank forces the pump to start and stop constantly, which overheats the motor and can wear it out years early. Replacing a failed tank promptly is one of the best ways to protect an expensive pump. See typical prices in our cost guide.

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