Well Pressure Tank Servicing & Replacement
Precision bladder tank testing, pre-charge calibration, and heavy-duty captive-air tank installations to prevent pump motor burnout.
Common Signs & Symptoms of Failure
- ⚠ Pump clicks ON and OFF every few seconds while running water (rapid cycling)
- ⚠ Water pressure surges violently between high and low pressure
- ⚠ Water spurts out of the air Schrader valve at the top of the tank
- ⚠ Pressure tank feels heavy and cold all the way to the top rim (waterlogged)
- ⚠ Exterior tank shell is rusted or leaking at the brass tee base
Technical Execution & Equipment Standards
- ✓ Air pre-charge pressure calibrated to exactly 2 PSI below cut-in pressure
- ✓ Heavy-gauge steel outer shells with composite virgin polypropylene inner liners
- ✓ Seamless butyl diaphragms engineered for long life in hot Texas climate
- ✓ Solid lead-free brass tank cross tees with stainless pressure relief valves
- ✓ Tank drawdown capacity matched precisely to pump motor run-time requirements
Equipment Specifications: Installs premium Amtrol Well-X-Trol and Flexcon Industries captive air tanks ranging from 20 to 119 gallons, fitted with heavy lead-free cast brass manifold tees.
Our Step-by-Step Field Process
1. Pressure Chamber Diagnostic
We drain the tank completely to measure baseline air pre-charge through the top Schrader valve using a calibrated digital pressure gauge. We inspect for ruptured internal diaphragms by checking for water expulsion.
2. System Sizing & Drawdown Audit
We verify that the tank's usable drawdown capacity provides at least 1 to 2 minutes of continuous pump motor runtime, as mandated by motor manufacturers to dissipate electrical starting heat.
3. Installation of Heavy-Duty Captive Air Tank
We install premium commercial tanks featuring thick butyl diaphragms and virgin polypropylene liners. We plumb solid brass cross tees equipped with 1/4" pressure switch ports, 3/4" drain faucets, and 75 PSI relief valves.
4. Precise Air Pressure Calibration
We set the air pre-charge to exactly 2 PSI below your pressure switch cut-in setting (e.g., 28 PSI for a 30/50 switch, or 38 PSI for a 40/60 switch) to ensure smooth drawdown without pressure surges.
Edwards Aquifer & West Texas Geology
High summer ambient temperatures in Del Rio pump houses (frequently exceeding 115°F) cause rapid air pressure degradation. We install heavy-duty pressure tanks with sealed air chambers and thermal relief valves to safeguard ranch equipment.
Preventative Maintenance Tip for Landowners
Check the air pre-charge in your pressure tank at least once a year when the system is drained. If the air pressure has dropped, recharge it with a compressor to prevent motor short-cycling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is rapid cycling dangerous for my well pump?
Submersible pump motors draw up to 5 times their running wattage every time they start. Rapid cycling overheats the motor windings, burns out the start capacitor, and can destroy a $3,000 pump in a matter of weeks.
How do I know if my pressure tank is waterlogged?
Tap on the tank from bottom to top. It should sound solid at the bottom (where water sits) and hollow at the top (where the air cushion is). If it sounds dense and heavy all the way to the top, or if water sprays from the air valve, the diaphragm has ruptured.