A failing pressure tank is one of the most commonly misdiagnosed well problems — homeowners assume it's the pump when the tank is actually the issue. The two work together: the pump moves water, and the pressure tank stores it under pressure so your pump isn't switching on and off every time you turn on a faucet.
Signs Your Pressure Tank Is Waterlogged or Failing
Watch for these: your pump cycles on and off rapidly even during light use (short-cycling), water pressure surges and drops instead of staying steady, you hear banging or hammering in the pipes, or the tank feels heavy and full of water when you tap it (a healthy tank should sound mostly hollow above the water line). Any of these usually points to a lost air charge or a ruptured internal bladder.
Why Short-Cycling Is a Bigger Deal Than It Sounds
When a pressure tank loses its air cushion, the pump has to kick on far more often than it's designed to — sometimes every few seconds under load. That rapid cycling is hard on the pump motor and can shorten its lifespan significantly. A tank problem left unaddressed doesn't stay a tank problem; it becomes a pump problem too.
Repair or Replace? We Check Before We Decide
Sometimes a tank just needs its air charge restored — a quick, low-cost fix. Other times, a ruptured bladder or corroded tank means replacement is the only real option. We check the tank's condition and air pressure before recommending either one, the same diagnosis-first approach we use on every job. See our pressure tank installation and repair pages for what each typically involves.
If you're also noticing a drop in water pressure or your pump running longer than usual, it's worth having your well pump checked at the same time — tank and pump issues often show up together.
Serving Denton, Wise, and Surrounding Counties
We install, repair, and service pressure tanks for well owners across Justin, Argyle, Ponder, Krum, and the rest of Denton County, plus our full North Texas service area. Parts for standard tank sizes are stocked on the truck for same-day repairs where possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my pressure tank is bad vs. my pump?
Rapid short-cycling and a tank that sounds full of water when tapped both point to the tank. A pump problem is more likely to show up as weak flow, unusual motor noise, or the pump running continuously without building pressure. We test both to confirm.
How long do pressure tanks typically last?
With proper maintenance, most pressure tanks last 10-15 years, though a lost air charge can sometimes be corrected without full replacement.
Can a bad pressure tank damage my well pump?
Yes — constant short-cycling caused by a failing tank puts extra wear on the pump motor and can shorten its lifespan.
Is recharging a pressure tank something I can do myself?
It requires draining the tank and using the correct equipment to restore the proper air charge — most homeowners are better off having it checked and serviced professionally to avoid over- or under-charging it.
What size pressure tank do I need?
Tank size depends on your household's water usage and your pump's flow rate. We size it based on your actual system, not a generic recommendation.
Pipes banging or pressure all over the place? Let's find out why. Request your free estimate → or call 817-374-2548.