Waterlogged Pressure Tank Replacement — Owings, MD
An Owings homeowner noticed their pump running every time a faucet was opened. We found a waterlogged pressure tank with a failed bladder — the pump was short-cycling hundreds of times per day. A same-day tank replacement restored normal operation.
The Problem
A homeowner in Owings called reporting that their well pump was running every single time a faucet was opened, even briefly. Water pressure was inconsistent — strong at first, then dropping off. The electric bill had increased noticeably over the past year. The pump was also making a clicking sound from the pressure switch area every few seconds.
Our Diagnosis
We inspected the pressure tank and found it was completely waterlogged — the internal bladder had failed and the tank was full of water with no air charge. Without the air cushion, the pressure tank provides no storage capacity, so the pump must start every time any water is drawn. The pump was short-cycling hundreds of times per day — far beyond what any pump motor is designed to handle. The pump itself was still in good condition, but continued short-cycling would have destroyed it within months.
The Repair Process
- 1Confirmed waterlogged tank by checking air valve — water came out instead of air
- 2Measured pump cycle rate — pump was starting every 8–12 seconds with any water draw
- 3Shut down the system and drained the pressure tank
- 4Removed the failed 20-gallon pressure tank
- 5Installed a properly sized 44-gallon Amtrol WellMate pressure tank
- 6Set pre-charge pressure to 38 PSI (2 PSI below cut-in pressure of 40 PSI)
- 7Inspected pressure switch, pump wiring, and control box — all in good condition
- 8Verified pump cycle time — pump now runs 2–3 minutes per cycle
The Outcome
The pump now runs in long, efficient cycles. Consistent pressure throughout the home. The homeowner reported immediate reduction in pump noise and a lower electric bill the following month. The pump, which was in good condition, was saved from premature failure by catching the waterlogged tank before it caused motor damage.
Key Takeaway
A waterlogged pressure tank is one of the most common — and most damaging — well system problems. It's inexpensive to fix early, but if ignored, it will destroy the pump motor. Annual well system inspections catch this before it becomes a $1,500 pump replacement.
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