Water is something that many of us take for granted. When you turn on the faucet water comes out each and every time. When you turn on the kitchen sink or the shower and the water trickles out with low pressure, right away you can assume that there is a problem. If you have city water, the problem is usually with the utility company, but if you have well water, chances are the problem may be with your system. There are a few things that may make a well water system have low water pressure in the home, but the most common cause of this dilemma is a malfunctioning pressure tank.
There are generally two different types of Pressure Tanks that are used in the home. The first type tank is a traditional tank. It holds the water in the tank at a predetermined level. There is air space at the top of the tank that causes constant pressure to build up allowing the water to flow into the home properly. The second and newer type of pressure tank has an air bladder in the tank. This bladder is normally made of rubber and holds a predetermined amount of air. When water goes into the tank, the rubber bladder forcefully pushes the water out of the tank and into the home at the appropriate and necessary pressure.
Unfortunately, if Pressure Tanks malfunction, they usually can’t be repaired. They need to be replaced. If this is the case, it’s best to have a skilled plumber or water service technician install the new pressure tank, as it’s important to have the pressure tank and pump poundage sequenced together properly for the ultimate performance of your system.
There isn’t much maintenance to do on a pressure tank, but it is recommended to regularly check the pressure on the top of the tank (where the gauge is located) to make certain that it is being maintained. This can easily be done with a simple tire air gauge. As long as the pressure on the tank is appropriate, you can be assured the tank is working properly and your house water pressure should be fine.
