A waterlogged pressure tank is one of the most common — and most preventable — causes of premature well pump failure across Pasco & Hillsborough Counties. When a tank loses its air charge, the pump has to cycle on and off far more frequently than it's designed for, which wears out the motor years before it should fail.
Signs Your Pressure Tank Needs Service
A pump that short-cycles (turns on and off every few seconds rather than running a full cycle), noticeably fluctuating water pressure at the faucet, a tank that feels waterlogged (heavy, with a sloshing sound) when tapped, or visible rust or moisture around the tank's base are all signs it's time for testing.
Testing, Recharge, or Replacement
Most pressure tank issues fall into one of three categories. A tank that's simply lost its air charge can often be recharged rather than replaced — a much less expensive fix. A tank with a failed internal bladder or a cracked shell needs full replacement. And a tank that was undersized for the property to begin with will keep causing short-cycling problems regardless of how many times it's recharged, even if nothing is technically broken — in that case, upsizing is the actual fix.
Sizing Matters More Than Most Homeowners Realize
Pressure tank size depends on household water usage, well pump capacity, and how many fixtures run simultaneously. Most homes across Pasco & Hillsborough Counties use a tank between 20 and 80 gallons, but an undersized tank is a frequent, overlooked cause of a pump that seems to fail "for no reason" — it isn't the pump at all, it's the tank forcing it to work harder than it should.
What It Costs
Pressure tank recharge typically runs $75–$150. Full replacement runs $300–$900 depending on tank size and bladder type. We diagnose which situation you're in before quoting either option.