Pressure Tank Maintenance Checklist

Monthly Checks (5 Minutes)

• ✅ Listen for pump short cycling — rapid on/off every few seconds signals tank trouble
• ✅ Check for water under or around the pressure tank
• ✅ Note if water pressure feels different than normal
• ✅ Check the pressure gauge reads in the normal range when pump is off

Annual Checks (15 Minutes)

• ✅ Test the Schrader valve — turn pump off, release pressure to zero, press valve. Air = good. Water = replace tank.
• ✅ Check pre-charge pressure — should be 2 PSI below cut-in (28 PSI for 30/50, 38 PSI for 40/60). Add air if low.
• ✅ Inspect tank exterior for rust spots, corrosion, or wet areas
• ✅ Check pressure switch contacts — open cover and look for burnt or pitted contacts
• ✅ Test drawdown time — let pump reach cut-off, open faucet, count seconds until pump restarts. Under 30 seconds = tank issue.
• ✅ Replace sediment filter if installed (every 3–6 months depending on water quality)

Every 5 Years

• ✅ Have the pressure switch inspected — contacts wear over time
• ✅ Consider proactive tank replacement if unit is 10+ years old
• ✅ Have well water tested for bacteria and mineral content

Warning Signs That Need Immediate Attention

• 🔴 Pump short cycling every few seconds
• 🔴 Water from the Schrader valve
• 🔴 No water pressure anywhere in the house
• 🔴 Pump runs continuously without shutting off
• 🔴 Burning smell near pump or pressure switch

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time does pressure tank maintenance actually take?

Very little. A monthly visual check takes under 5 minutes, and the annual air pre-charge check takes about 15 minutes with a tire gauge. The payoff is real — tanks that get this minimal routine attention typically last the full 10-15 year lifespan instead of failing early from an undetected waterlogged condition.

What's the single most important maintenance task?

Checking the air pre-charge annually. Tank bladders lose a small amount of air pressure over time through normal permeation, and an under-charged tank short-cycles the pump constantly — the single biggest driver of premature pump failure. This one check prevents more expensive problems than any other item on the list.

Can I do all of this maintenance myself?

Yes, the monthly and annual checks are designed for homeowners — they just need a tire gauge and a few minutes. The 5-year items, like inspecting tank fittings and checking for corrosion, are still DIY-friendly for most people, though anyone uncomfortable working near the plumbing connections can have a well contractor combine it with another service visit.

What if I skip maintenance for a few years?

Nothing happens immediately, but risk builds quietly. A tank that's been losing pre-charge for years can fail without obvious warning until short-cycling damages the pump or the bladder finally ruptures. Catching up with a full check now — pre-charge, fittings, and signs of wear — is far better late than never.

How do I know if my tank needs attention right away versus at the next scheduled check?

Rapid pump cycling, water hammer, visible water at the air valve, or a wet/sweating tank exterior are all signs that need action now, not at your next monthly or annual check. Routine maintenance catches small drift early; these symptoms mean something has already gone wrong.