Well question

[speedbump]

It's rare that any bladder tank will last 15 years. Ten is a stretch. You asked if the bladder could have gone bad. So I'll assume that's what you have. I can tell you that cycling a pump like that is the worst thing for your pump motor. Doesn't matter is it's a sub or a jet. If you want to read more about Bladder tanks than you ever wanted to know, click here!

 

[Chooglin]

Doesn't matter is it's a sub or a jet.

And where exactly did I mention that it matters ?

The reason for asking if it is sub or jet is ,if it is sub, he can eliminate the foot valve as the problem !

 

[the old grind]

Bladder ... will lose air over time .... should be serviced every few years. Like said above press the schrader and if water comes out it is shot. Pressure on an EMPTY tank should be 2 to 3 psi below cut in for pressure switch. For the most part the "tap test" is not a very good indicator especially if you do not know what to listen for. I have had more than one sound nice and hollow, but still be bad.

If a pump kicks on/off like an RV system or electric pressure washer whenever a faucet is turned it's too late to save the bladder.

An annual ritual for me is to drain the tank and check the pressure over the bladder as Clint S specifies, kinda like changing batts in smoke/CO alarms on a schedule. I do mine on July 4th weekend and never saw a bladder that could hold up to pump pressure if the air charge leaks out or too low. The ~2psi diff is too allow the pump an extra sec to get going without an abrupt pressure drop as the tank empties completely.

It's easy to think that plastic containers are as air-tight and water-tight as they appear, but anyone who has left a 2-liter of soda pop under the cupboard for a year or two has probably seen the reality over time. btw: check those souvenir Sturgis or Harley beer cans on the display shelf as a further example. Mine (from '80s) are all half empty and still don't leak ... As Grandpa said, "Nothing lasts forever, including balloons and a good time."

 

[troutsqueezer]

It's rare that any bladder tank will last 15 years. Ten is a stretch. You asked if the bladder could have gone bad. So I'll assume that's what you have. I can tell you that cycling a pump like that is the worst thing for your pump motor. Doesn't matter is it's a sub or a jet. If you want to read more about Bladder tanks than you ever wanted to know, click here!

Because of the importance a water tank is to the well-being of the household, this is why I wouldn't hesitate to replace the whole thing. It's at the end of its (reliable) life span and a new tank + switch will buy you peace of mind.

 

[Vern]

Not sure what kind of pump it is. I will check the tank when I get home today, the schader valve is not on top of the tanl, it is in the inlet side of the supply line. Ido remember them having to change the tank because we were getting a sulfur smell so the contract changed the tank to the one that is there.

 

[Egon]

Have you checked all the sensing lines for crud and corrosion?

 

[turnkey4099]

Not sure what kind of pump it is. I will check the tank when I get home today, the schader valve is not on top of the tanl, it is in the inlet side of the supply line. Ido remember them having to change the tank because we were getting a sulfur smell so the contract changed the tank to the one that is there.

That doesn't make sense...at least not for a a bladder tank, the air has to wind up outside the bladder.

I could work for a non-bladder tank but is still a very odd place for it.

Harry K

 

[s219]

Not sure what kind of pump it is. I will check the tank when I get home today, the schader valve is not on top of the tanl, it is in the inlet side of the supply line. Ido remember them having to change the tank because we were getting a sulfur smell so the contract changed the tank to the one that is there.

That schrader may not be for pressurizing the tank. There is an type of aerator system for people with hydrogen sulfide problems, and it requires a shot of air to kick start the aerator (or whenever you may lose power for a while). We went with a bleach injector instead, but remember about that other type of system. I thought they were completely separate from the pressure tank.

 

[Chooglin]

At this point , I think the op should post some pics so we know what type of setup he has.
I am also a bit confused about his setup !!!

 

[Vern]

Got home late today and they are call for sleet and rain tomorrow but will get a picture ASAP. Thanks for all the help>