Well Pressure Tank and Switch Repair in Sebastian

The pressure tank holds water under pressure so the pump doesn't start every time someone opens a tap. The pressure switch tells the pump when to start and stop. When the tank loses its air charge or the switch fails, the pump starts far more often than it should. That's how a small tank problem becomes a new pump.

Tank trouble

• The pump starts and stops every few seconds.
• Pressure rises and falls while water runs.
• Taps spit air.
• The tank is rusted, leaking or sounds full when you tap the top.
• Water comes out of the air valve on top, which means the bladder has burst.

Switch trouble

• Power is on but the pump won't start.
• The pump won't shut off.
• Buzzing, or scorch marks at the switch.
• Pressure lower than it used to be.

In Florida, ants nesting in switch housings and lightning surges are two of the usual culprits. A switch is one of the cheapest well repairs there is.

What gets done

• Check and reset the tank's air charge.
• Replace a waterlogged or leaking tank, sized so the pump runs longer and less often.
• Fit a new switch and gauge, set to the right cut-in and cut-out pressure.
• Check whether the pump took damage from short cycling.

If the tank and switch are fine and pressure is still low, the next suspects are a clogged filter, a leak or the pump itself.