If you rely on a well for your home’s water supply, your bladder tank plays a crucial role in maintaining water pressure and reducing wear on your well pump. Over time, however, these tanks can develop rust, leaks, or pressure issues, leading to reduced water quality and system efficiency.
Knowing when to replace your bladder tank can save you from costly repairs and ensure a steady, clean water supply. Proper maintenance can also help extend the life of your tank. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of the bladder tank and how to properly maintain it.
How Long Does a Bladder Tank Last?
On average, a quality well bladder tank lasts 5 to 15 years, depending on:
- Tank Quality – Stainless steel and corrosion-resistant models last longer.
- Water Quality – Hard water, sediment, and high iron levels can cause premature rusting.
- Maintenance Routine – Regular inspections and pressure checks help extend lifespan.
- Pump Cycling – Frequent cycling due to a failing bladder can wear down the tank faster.
If your tank is over 10 years old, it’s time to inspect it for rust, air leaks, or pressure inconsistencies to determine if replacement is needed. Lake Norman Plumber on Call provides pump and well and whole home plumbing inspections.
Signs Your Bladder Tank Needs Replacement
There are some easy ways to determine if your bladder tank needs replacement. Here are some of the key signs that your tank needs to be replaced on your pump and well system.
- Rusty or Discolored Water – A clear sign that the tank’s internal lining is corroding.
- Fluctuating Water Pressure – If you experience sudden drops or surges in pressure, the bladder may be failing.
- Frequent Pump Cycling – A bladder tank should regulate water pressure efficiently. If your well pump is turning on and off more than usual, the tank may not be holding pressure properly.
- Waterlogged Tank – If water fills the tank beyond its normal level, the bladder could be ruptured, causing the system to work harder.
Finding any of these signs in your pump and well system could be coming from your tank. If you aren’t familiar with these systems. you should call a professional plumber certified in well repairs.
How to Extend the Life of Your Bladder Tank
While no tank lasts forever, regular maintenance can prevent premature failure and costly repairs. Whether you do it yourself or have a professional do it, taking these steps can help extend the life of your bladder tank.
- Check Tank Pressure Regularly – The air pressure should match the well pump’s cut-in pressure minus 2 PSI.
- Drain and Flush the Tank Annually – This helps remove sediment buildup that can cause rusting.
- Use a Sediment Filter – Keeping debris out of your system protects the tank and pump from clogging.
- Inspect for Leaks and Rust – Small leaks or surface rust can quickly worsen if left unchecked.
Inspecting your system is the most important part of extending the life of your entire system. Maintenance on these requires specialized tools, so it may be more cost-effective to call a plumber near you to handle the maintenance for you.
Why Upgrade to a Modern Bladder Tank?
Upgrading to a more modern bladder tank brings a lot of benefits. Newer models of tanks have better anti-corrosive linings and provide a lot of value for water well users. Here are some of the reasons to upgrade:
- Corrosion-Resistant Materials – Many newer tanks are lined with epoxy coatings or made from stainless steel to prevent rust.
- More Efficient Design – Improved diaphragm technology reduces wear and tear on your well pump.
- Better Water Quality – Eliminates the risk of rusty water contaminating your home’s supply.
Replacing a failing bladder tank not only protects your well pump and water system but also ensures clean, reliable water for your household.
Need a Bladder Tank Replacement?
If you’re experiencing pressure issues, rusty water, or pump cycling problems, it might be time to replace your well-bladder tank. Contact a professional well-service technician to inspect your system and recommend the best replacement option.
For homeowners and business owners in the Mooresville NC, Statesville, Iredell County, and surrounding Lake Norman areas give us a call at (704) 657-7711. Lake Norman Plumber on Call is a licensed and insured plumber certified in pump and well repairs that provides 24-hour service.
💧 Ensure a steady and safe water supply—schedule your well service today! 💧
