When your water pressure suddenly drops or your faucets start “spitting,” you need to know: Is it the well pump or the pressure tank?
At National Water Service, we respond to dozens of “no water” calls every week. Whether we are dealing with home warranty clients or long-time customers, our goal is the same: restore your water fast. Before you pull the pump, follow this guide to identify the most common bad pressure tank symptoms and learn how to check your system.
Common Indicators: Is it the Tank or the Pump?
Signs of a Bad Pressure Tank
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Fluctuating Water Pressure: Watch your pressure gauge—if the needle bounces rapidly while water is running, the tank is struggling.
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Water-Logged Pressure Tank: This occurs when the air bladder fails, and the tank fills completely with water.
Signs of a Bad Well Pump
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Low Water Pressure: A general decrease in flow throughout the home.
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Tripping Breaker: If your pump keeps “blowing the fuse,” the motor is likely seizing.
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No Running Water: The most common sign of a complete pump failure.
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Spitting Faucets: Air in the lines often points to a hole in the drop pipe.
How to Check if Your Pressure Tank is Waterlogged
A waterlogged well tank is a mechanical emergency that can burn out your pump motor. You can check this yourself using the “Knock Test.”
The Knock Test:
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Knock on the pressure tank roughly 4″ from the top and 8″ from the bottom.
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Healthy Tank: The top should sound hollow (filled with air), and the bottom should sound dull (filled with water).
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Waterlogged Tank: If the knock sounds the same (dull and full) at both the top and bottom, the tank is waterlogged.
The 4 Common Replacement Situations
1. The Waterlogged Pressure Tank
If the “Knock Test” fails, the internal bladder is ruptured. We replace failed units with professional-grade, heavy-duty tanks that feature a thicker diaphragm to handle the pressure.
2. The Failed Well Pump
If the pump motor won’t engage or is drawing too many amps, we pull the old pump to inspect the “drop pipe” and wiring. We replace failed pumps with high-efficiency motors designed for the long-term groundwater conditions of Maryland and Virginia.
3. The “Root Cause” (Acidic Water)
In our region, the most common reason for premature equipment failure is acidic water. Corrosive, low-pH water eats away at the metal tank walls and well pumps. To prevent your new equipment from failing again, we recommend installing an acid neutralizer to balance your pH.
4. Post-Repair Filtration
A new pump installation can stir up legacy sediment in your well. Many homeowners opt for a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system at the kitchen tap to ensure their drinking water remains 99% pure even if the well infrastructure is aging.
Real-World Results: Our Recent Service Calls
Bad Pressure Tank Replacement Process
Every week we replace broken, old, or corroded well pumps and waterlogged tanks that have been destroyed by local water conditions.
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Bad Pressure Tank -
Acidic Water Eating away at a customers pressure tank -
Corroded Pressure Tank and Tank Tee -
Corroded Pressure Tank and Tank Tee -
Pressure Tank Replacement
Well Pump Pinhole Leaks
In this case, our technicians found a pinhole leak in the pump itself. We replaced the bad pump and immediately restored full pressure to the home.
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After pulling the pump our technicians found a pinhole leak in our customers well pump causing it to go bad. We replaced the bad pump and restored water pressure in the customers home. -
After pulling the pump our technicians found a pinhole leak in our customers well pump causing it to go bad. We replaced the bad pump and restored water pressure in the customers home. -
After pulling the pump our technicians found a pinhole leak in our customers well pump causing it to go bad. We replaced the bad pump and restored water pressure in the customers home. -
After pulling the pump our technicians found a pinhole leak in our customers well pump causing it to go bad. We replaced the bad pump and restored water pressure in the customers home.
DIY Fixes vs. Professional Engineering
While a DIY “Knock Test” is a great first step, fixing these systems requires specialized tools.
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The DIY Risk: Recharging air or swapping a pressure switch might get the water back on for a day, but it often masks a failing bladder. This forces your pump to work under extreme stress, turning a $700 tank repair into a $3,000 pump replacement.
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The National Water Service Solution: We don’t just “swap parts.” We provide full system diagnostics, install heavy-duty, professional-grade tanks, and offer water quality solutions to stop the corrosion that caused the failure in the first place.
FAQ
Can I fix a waterlogged well tank?
If the internal bladder is ruptured, the tank must be replaced. If it has simply lost its air charge, it can sometimes be recharged, but this is usually a sign that a failure is coming soon.
How long should a well pressure tank last?
Typically 10–15 years. However, in areas with high acidity, they can fail in as little as 3–5 years without an acid neutralizer.
Why is lead more common in older homes?
Prior to 1986, lead-based solder was the industry standard for joining copper pipes. Additionally, many older fixtures and “gooseneck” service lines were made primarily of lead. In 2014, laws were updated to require “lead-free” fixtures, but legacy plumbing remains a risk.
Is city water safer than well water when it comes to lead?
Both have risks. City water is treated, but it can pick up lead from aging municipal service lines on the way to your house. Well water is often acidic, which causes the water to leach lead out of your home’s own brass faucets and soldered joints.
Will a standard pitcher filter remove lead?
Most basic pitcher filters are designed for taste and odor (chlorine) and are not rated to remove heavy metals like lead. For reliable protection, you need a system specifically certified for lead reduction, such as a Reverse Osmosis system.
Emergency Response: 7 Days a Week, 365 Days a Year
One of our most important jobs is emergency response. If you have no water or low pressure, we are here to help every single day of the year.
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Call Us: 301-854-1333
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View our Pressure Tank Page
