Why Does My New Pressure Tank Feel Empty?

Why Does My New Pressure Tank Feel Empty?

A new pressure tank is an essential part of any plumbing system. They store water and ensure the pressure doesn’t drop off because of leaks or use. 

Your pressure tank feels empty because of low air pressure. Usually, your tank needs to have a pressure level of at least 40-60 PSI, considering the tank’s specification. When the pressure is low, this could be a sign of an air leak or a loss of water pressure.

Yet, you can set the pressure using a tire gauge, air compressor, or manual air pump. The only way to help find an air leak is by using this method. Here is how you do it:

• Clean the gauge and air intake system.
• Use a hose to fill the gauge with air.
• Set it at the desired pressure and top up the tank with water when needed.

You can also use an air pump system to ensure the engine is off when you start it up. Now, put your finger on the top of the gauge and start it up slowly.

If the tank holds the gauge pressure, you have an air leak somewhere.

Once you find the leak, try to fix it ASAP. An air leak significantly threatens your water supply because it lowers the pressure inside your system.

Ensure everything is tight and secure before putting your tanks back in place.

So, if you have problems with low water pressure in your home, try using a pressure gauge or an air pump system to see if there’s any air leak in your water lines.

This will help you determine and solve the problem faster, saving you time and money.

Should A Well-Pressure Tank Be Full of Water?

Yes! Your well pressure tank should boast at least 3/4 full of water to create optimal pressure at the wellhead.

If the tank is below this mark, the pump will not be able to generate optimum pressure for your well pump to function efficiently.

A full-pressure tank will also help improve water flow and temperature, making your home more comfortable.

To avoid having to wait for the tank to fill up, here are a few suggestions:

• Keep the pump’s intake free of debris and other obstructions, including leaves and sticks, which can block the water flow into the pump.

• Contact your local utility company to schedule a maintenance check-up on your system.

• Install a pressure gauge on your well pressure tank to ensure the tank is always filled with water.

• Check the amount of water in the tank every time you turn on your well pump to prevent an empty pressure tank.

• Check your wellhead pressure tank regularly and do not allow it to stay empty of water. This can damage the pump, as well as your water supply.

• Add a few gallons to the tank if you have low pressure or no water flow when running your pump.

What Are the Signs of a Failing Pressure Tank?

Sign	Cause
Noisy Operation	-Seal failure. -Air release. -Internal noise during operation. -Pressure tank shaking.
Pressure Loss	-Thermal expansion  Inkjet nozzle failure. -Pressure Loss from piping.
Leakage At the Seal	-Leaking seals/gaskets -Leaking tank -Pressure loss from piping. -Sealed leaks at the tank end -Tank cracking -Paperclips, bolts, and nuts found in the ink supply line.
Corrosion	-Internal corrosion -External corrosion -Internal piping corrosion.
Bladder Or Diaphragm Failure	-Visible bladder/diaphragm rips -Bladder/diaphragm rupture.
Inaccurate Pressure Gauge	-Pressure gauge sensor failure -Pressure gauge float failure.
Failing Filters	-Moving filter/filterer -Visible or unknown filter/filterer failures -Unidentified or unidentified filter removal (e.g., for cleaning).

How Much Water Should Be in The Pressure Tank?

Pressure Tank	Amount of water
Diaphragm Tank	7 gallons
Bladder Tank	85 gallons
Hydropneumatic Tank	2000 gallons
Expansion Tank	50 gallons
Well, Pressure Tank	30 gallons
Compression Tank	25 gallons
Reverse Osmosis Pressure Tank	4.0 gallons
Waterlogged Pressure Tank	16 gallons
Pressure Vessel Tank	44 gallons
Air Over Water Tank	5-10 gallons

How Do You Repressurize a Well-Pressure Tank?

1. Locate the pressure switch, which you will find near the pressure tank or on the well pump.

2. Turn the pressure switch to the OFF position.

3. Locate the control valve, which should be on the tank’s outlet pipe, and you will find it near the wellhead connecting pipe.

4. Turn the control valve to the OPEN position, which will allow air into the tank while at the same time not allowing water to flow into it.

This process will take only a few seconds as pressure builds in the tank again. The pressure gauge will read “0” after a few minutes or less to indicate that it is fully charged again.

5. Once the tank pressure gauge indicates it is charged, close the control valve and switch back to the ON position to start the pump and rewash the water.

6. Turn the control valve to the CLOSE position, which will close the valve and prevent air from escaping.

Due to this design of pressure tanks, water can only escape from the tank via the pump outlet and back into the well if the valve is open.

However, air can escape via the pressure switch/control valve and back into the well. The pressure switch/control valve must be set to open at the desired tank pressure to fill the tank.

Why Is My Pressure Tank Not Building Pressure?

1. Failing Well Pump

One major reason your pressure tank is not building pressure is that the well pump has failed, or there may be a leak in the piping.

This is common with pressure tanks, as they are fragile and require regular maintenance. If your pressure tank is not building enough pressure, you should check the motor to ensure it is working properly.

2. Broken Pipe

A broken pipe can lead to the well pump not being able to develop any pressure or too much air in the system.

This often occurs when a plumbing valve is either partially closed or completely blocked. When using this, water can push through the seal from the outside and make its way into your house.

3. A Stuck Check Valve

A check valve is designed to prevent water from flowing backward when the pressure inside the system increases and the pump runs.

If there is a problem with this valve, water can go back into your well pump and boilers, causing their motors to overheat and burn out.

4. Air in The Tank

New tank valves are activated by air pressure that builds up in the tank and passes through them when the system reaches an idle level or your tanks fail to start due to low pressure.

5. A Water Pressure Tank Leak

If your pressure tank is not building enough pressure, there could be a leak or crack. Check your water pressure tank for any obvious signs of leakage, such as a wet area around it or water seeping out of the vents.

6. A Clogged Air Vent

If the air vents on your water pressure tank are clogged, it will not be able to build up enough pressure in the system to function the well pump properly.

You can unclog them by using a fine wire brush on them. 

Well Pressure Tank Problems and How to Fix Them

Problem	Cause	How to Fix
Air Pressure Loss	-Leak in the system -Failure of a diaphragm – Hydraulic lift failure -Copper tubing	-Replace the failed components – Replace the failed tubing.
Waterlogged Tank	-Weak well -Failed open vent	-Re-excavate the well -Repair the open vent
Inadequate Well Pump	– Poor circulation -Insufficient pumping capacity	-Re-excavate the well -Increase the pumping capacity of the pump.
Rust And Corrosion	-Water-containing contaminants -Low water level	– Treat the water – Re-excavate the well
Water Treatment (Chlorine, Water Softening)	-Improper distribution -Cleaning process	-Check the chlorine and water softening system -See the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Coil Freezing	-Low water level -System shut off when coil froze	-Open the valve on top of the well tank during freeze conditions to prevent freezing of the coil in the tank and its associated pipe work. -Decrease well yield to prevent freezing. -This helps lower the cold-water level in the well pipework inside your home, thus reducing the chances of frozen pipes.

How to Do Pressure Tank Bladder Replacement?

1. Turn off the well pump power and release pressure from the system by opening a faucet or valve.
2. Cut off power to the pressure tank and open the relief valve on the relief pipe.
3. Disconnect the supply line from the tank and stand clear of the cylinder while using a back-pressure hose to drain water from the reservoir or pit.
4. Remove the valve cover, disconnect wires, and fasten the new bladder with the gasket in place in the valve body housing (Note: make sure all parts are connected).
5. Replace wires, close the valve cover, turn the power source to the pressure tank back on, open the supply line, and check for leaks.
6. Once you locate all leaks, repair and pipes are filled with water, turn on faucets or valves and allow the system to fill with water.
7. After a few days, the pressure in the tank will equalize with the pressure in the well, and you can adjust your water pressure at individual faucets or valves again.
8. When ready to shut off power to the system, turn off the well pump.
9. Once the system is empty of water and has stopped pumping, close the drain valve and disconnect the supply line from the tank.
10. Remove the cylinder from the supply pipe, replace the cylinder in the tank using a new gasket and reinstall the original valve cover.
11. Turn on the power source to the pressure tank, open the relief valve and check for leaks after several days.
12. When ready to install a new pipe, install a relief valve on the relief pipe, replace the waste fitting on the tank (make sure all parts are tightened securely), and connect the pipe in place of the old supply line.
13. When piping has been connected to the pressure tank, apply power to the well pump and let it fill with water. After several minutes, the pump should operate again.

How Do You Burp a Water Pressure Tank?

To burp a water pressure tank, you need to release the air trapped inside the tank.

1. Locate the air valve on the top or side of the tank and the air valve to open or close and allow the air to escape.
2. Close the valve. This should result in a loud pop or creak from the tank as air is released from within it, allowing for operation at normal pressure levels again.
3. If you cannot locate the air valve, use your thumb on top of any rivet or seam on its exterior surface where an arrow indicates “inlet” and “outlet.” This will allow air to flow in or out of the tank.
4. When you finish with your work, it is recommended that you put a cap over the air valve to prevent it from leaking air.
5. If you have trouble locating the location of the air valve, try unscrewing any rivets or seams where an arrow is engraved, indicating inlets and outlets, usually located on a seam along its surface.

This will allow you to see if there is a cap or plug over it. You can unscrew it with a screwdriver or pop them off using your fingers.

6. If you are still unable to locate the air valve and don’t have access to a helper, make sure that no water is being supplied from the tank, and then you can bang on the top of it with a rock or stick until air releases from within.
7. Once you release the air, you should be able to hear the water flow into the tank again from your water source.
8. If the plumbing connecting the tank to your home seems to be letting in too much air, you can connect a pipe extension attached to a garden hose to the out of the tank and let it sit for several hours until the air is fully released.
9. If the air valve on top of the tank leaks and offers no relief, you may have a bad water pressure regulator or a hole allowing air to escape. These will require replacement.

Conclusion

New pressure tanks are installed for both aesthetic and performance reasons. For example, homeowners may install a new tank for the added proto-protect system.

However, since water pressure tanks are durable equipment that can last for many years, replacement is only necessary if there is damage to the tank or if you exceed your well’s storage capacity.